Politics, Public, International
01 - Administration and Management of Parliament
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
In this course students will learn about the complex systems of administration and management that make parliaments effective institutions, but also effective employers. This course covers the importance of Human Resources as well as ethics and standards within parliament. It also explores the topic of financial management such as parliamentary budgets and financial accountability. By the end of this course students will possess a clear understanding of administrative and financial aspects of working within a parliament.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
02 - The Committee System
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
This course provides an overview of the committee system within a parliamentary context. The course includes information on the various types of committees and their remits, the role of committee Chairs, Members and staff. Broken down into a number of modules and lessons, and including video presentations from leading global experts, the course provides an opportunity to learn about ways in which committees can be most effective. The course features a range of case studies and resources taken from across the Commonwealth, providing a unique breadth of knowledge on the various types of committee and their function in different jurisdictions.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
03 - Parliamentary Procedure, The Basics
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
This can be one of the more intimidating aspects of parliamentary processes. Therefore, having an online course on parliamentary practice, procedure and privileges can be invaluable. This course offers expert advice and guidance from former and current clerks and parliamentary staff, who explore key concepts within parliamentary procedure, including parliamentary privileges, powers, and immunity. Students will also learn about the separation of powers and the role of the Latimer House Principles, which are essential reading for any new parliamentary officer.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
04 - Building Relationships
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
This course covers a crucial aspect of any parliamentary staff members role and that is navigating, managing, and cultivating relationships. Students will learn how to build effective relationships with Members, Presiding Officers as well as Ministers and Government Officials. This course will also provide guidance and tips on working with and engaging young people in the parliamentary process. Upon completing this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders, while also exploring the importance of building relationships with colleagues and other parliamentary staff.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
05 - Strategy, Business Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
This course offers a better understanding of corporate governance through a contemporary lens that gives a detailed explanation and guidance on the role of monitoring and evaluation, creating business plans and the importance of risk management. This course gives clear and accessible definitions for concepts that play a vital role in the everyday workings of a parliament. By the end of this course students will be familiar and comfortable with these topics and possess the knowledge to put forward business plans and monitoring and evaluation strategies.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
102 - Legislative Process
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
This online course looks in detail at the legislative process in a step-by-step way. The course looks at the various stages of a Bill and how to amend and scrutinise legislation. It covers all types of legislation, including Public, Private, Hybrid and even Money Bills. The course also looks at current trends around emergency legislation, and post-legislative scrutiny. Whether you are in parliament or not, it is a valuable resource in gaining an expertise in how to draft, amend or repeal laws.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
103 - Scrutiny, Accountability and Oversight
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
This course covers the many varied ways that scrutiny is conducted within parliaments, committees, and oversight bodies. From Public Accounts Committees to Audit Institutions, this course gives a detailed look at the types of scrutiny and accountability available to parliaments. This course also examines the role of scrutiny and accountability in the chamber by advising how to hold the government accountable during debates. By the end of this course you will have a clear understanding of the benefits and best practices of scrutiny within varied parliamentary and non-parliamentary settings.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
104 - Representation, Advocacy and Education
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
The Representation, Advocacy and Education course covers a range of topics relevant to contemporary parliaments. The course looks at the advocacy role of a parliamentary and how-to best champion constituency interests, from gathering expert advice, to asking questions, and delivering rousing speeches. Furthermore, this course looks closely at community engagement, such as working with higher education institutions and the benefits of public outreach and education. By the end of this course you will have an understanding of various engagement channels and how to best utilise them, as well as techniques for making your voice heard.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
201 - Advanced - Speaker and Presiding Officer Course
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
The primary objective of this course is to provide newly appointed Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments with the knowledge and skillset to perform their functions as leaders within parliamentary institutions. The course is intended for new or experienced Speakers and Presiding Officers. It is also beneficial to Deputy Speakers who wish to gain more understanding in their support role, as well as Private Secretaries and support staff within Speaker offices, external parliamentary professional development specialists or political students. The course will examine the procedural, administrative, ceremonial and outreach roles of Speakers and Presiding Officers from within a Commonwealth context.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
201 - Public Accounts Committee Course
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
A great accompaniment to The Committee System course, this course focuses on the Public Accounts Committee, which is a bastion of most parliaments. The course uses exercises, case studies and a series of snapshots (practice, procedural and research) from across nine of the CPA regions to highlight aspects of history, practice, research and procedure relevant to the work of public accounts committees. The course covers topics including, origin and history of the Public Accounts Committee, role and remit of the Public Accounts Committee and the Auditor-General and Supreme Audit Institution, the work of a Public Accounts Committee, and effective questioning.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
Induction for New Parliamentarians
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
This online course is designed for newly elected or appointed parliamentarians. It is also valuable for candidates running in elections, who are keen to get ahead of the curve should they be elected. It is equally valuable for parliamentarians staff who are new to the parliamentary scene. The course provides a useful overview of the key components of being a parliamentarian. Modules cover topics on legislating, scrutinising and holding the executive to account. There are a range of practical sections covering managing an office, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, constituency engagement, personal safety, ethics, communication and working with external stakeholders.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
Making Parliaments Accessible to Persons with Disabilities
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
This course is designed for elected or appointed parliamentarians and parliamentary staff. Throughout the course you will explore how to make your parliament accessible. It will focus on accessible communication strategies, unmasking misconceptions around disability and the importance of international frameworks. In addition, it will look at Equality and Inclusion Departments as well as the social benefits of increased accessibility. By the end of this Course, you will be able to ensure your Parliament is accessible for persons with disabilities.
Online Course
Politics, Public, International
Parliamentary Action on Climate Change in Small Jurisdictions
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat
This course is designed for elected or appointed parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, with the CPA Small Branches Network in mind. It will explore the basics of climate change and how it impacts small jurisdictions, focusing on the science of climate change, disaster risk management and the importance of international frameworks. It will also look at how to mitigate against and adapt to the effects of climate change as well how to engage with the local community on this topic. This course will equip you with all the necessary tools to enact real change to combat climate change in your jurisdiction.
Online Course
