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Professional Certificate in Parliament and Government

What is it?

This is a professional qualification accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. It ensures that Civil Servants are fully compliant with the requirements of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, which has made it a statutory duty for Civil Servants who brief Ministers to be "aware of the constitutional significance of Parliament and of the conventions governing the relationship between parliament and Her Majesty's Government."

It is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification that gives you highly sought after transferable CATS points, which can be used as credits towards further academic studies to Masters Degree level.

Taken as a set of day-release courses, this qualification is delivered in an extremely flexible manner so that it fits in with busy work schedules, enabling you to progress professionally without impacting on your workplace productivity.

What level is it taught at?

It is taught at CMI Level 6, which for comparison purposes equates to Master's Degree level and above.

Who is it for?

  • Any individual who wishes to develop their knowledge of Parliament and Government
  • Any individual who is seeking training that offers professional accreditation
  • Any individual seeking to improve their skills and confidence
  • Anyone who would like to develop their career and improve their CV with an accredited qualification from the CMI

How will I benefit?

  • Gain a nationally and internationally recognised professional qualification
  • Improve your personal performance and develop your career to suit your career plan and in your own timeframe
  • The qualification will give you transferable CATS points, which means you carry the credit to Universities
  • A year’s complementary membership of the Chartered Management Institute, with all the benefits that this provides for students, such as: access to CMI online management library resources, free legal helpline, attendance at CMI events and conventions

How will my employer benefit?

  • Better value for money - investing in training that comes with professional recognition
  • Return on Investment – demonstrably better quality outcomes through an up-skilled workforce
  • More proficient management and leadership within the organisation, with associated benefits of improved service delivery and greater productivity
  • Improved morale of employees, leading to reduced staff turnover, greater stability, and less need to spend money on externally recruiting new managers and leaders
  • Skills you learn are immediately applicable in the workplace, because of our tailor-made approach
  • Quality assured – through the CMI’s tried and tested best practice management techniques
  • Training is tailored to the requirements of Civil Service managers, rather than generic management theory that is given by many other training providers

When can I start?

You can start the programme at any point during the year, as modules are repeated regularly throughout the year. Most delegates take between 4—8 months to complete the certificate. However, the timescales are entirely at the delegates’ own discretion depending on how much time they have to devote towards the qualification.

What is involved?

Certificate: you will complete 2 units of your choice. Depending on your choice of units, you training will be delivered by means of seminars, or a mixture of seminars and distance learning. You will also need to complete 2 assignments of 2000-3000 words (completed in your own time).

How much does it cost?

Certificate: £1950 & VAT.

Diploma: £3500 & VAT.

This covers all tuition, materials, assessments, and membership of the CMI for the duration of the course.

Unit Options

Unit 6006: Management systems and structures (government) (7 CATS Points)

This unit looks in detail into the work of government in the UK, including the detail of relationships between the main organisations of state and the role and impact of European Union.

The learning outcomes include being able to understand the meaning, nature and design of organisational structure, being able to understand the advantages and disadvantages of centralisation and decentralisation.

Delivery Method - Distance Learning & Seminars:

To access the distance learning materials please click here

Unit 6003: Managing the change process (Parliament) (7 CATS Points)

This unit examines the work and functions of Parliament, including the work of MPs and Ministers, legislation, Parliamentary Questions, and the scrutiny function of Parliament, including current proposals to strengthen accountability of the executive to Parliament.

The learning outcomes include being able to understand the forces for change in an organisation, being able to understand the impact of change process and being able to understand the management of the change process.

Delivery Method - Distance Learning & Seminars:

To access the distance learning materials please click here

Teaching Methods

The seminars are taught by professional expert trainers in a classroom style setting, usually with a cabaret layout to encourage informality and small group working. Teaching methods include power point supported presentations, lectures, facilitated workshops and discussion, Q&A sessions, and presentations by expert guest speakers from Parliament and beyond.

Written Tasks

Each Unit has a written task associated with it, which candidates have to complete successfully to qualify for their Award or Certificate. The written task is based on the content of the seminars or distance learning in the unit. Candidates are required to demonstrate their understanding of, and ability to implement, a series of learning outcomes as specified by the CMI. Detailed information about each task and its learning outcomes is available to delegates who have signed up for the course.

Assessments Methods

The written tasks are internally assessed by our professional assessors. They are then moderated by our internal supervisor to assure consistency of quality and achievement, and these moderated scripts are also verified externally by the CMI. Successful candidates are awarded their appropriate Certificate or Award. Candidates whose work is referred can resubmit their work according to procedures described in detail in the course handbook.

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