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Parliamentary Process

Date: 11th September 2025
Venue: “Virtual” platform delivery

Registration form (Word)

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Government Exchange is excited to present an immersive and hands-on virtual open course workshop on the Parliamentary Process, delivered directly to your computer, tablet or smartphone by our esteemed trainers and distinguished Members of the House of Lords.

This workshop is designed to not only give you a deep understanding of the formal legislative process in the UK but also to pull back the curtain and provide you with a real-world understanding of how Parliament actually operate. We will learn about the various stages including formal introductions, second readings, committee stage, the role of the Lords, amendments, and Royal Assent. Moreover, learners will develop practical skills, such as formulating a policy project proposition, and gain insights into the hurdles and nuances involved in crafting new legislation.

The session uniquely combines the expertise of a seasoned trainer on parliamentary processes with the invaluable experience of a serving member of the House of Lords. This session will equip learners with a rare and authentic insight into the inner workings and realities of the UK Parliamentary process, bringing to life the mechanisms that shape the laws of the land.

Distinguished Speakers:

  • Lord Peter Lilley, Member of the House of Lords & former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
  • Government Exchange Trainers

Learning Outcomes

  • Gain comprehensive knowledge of the actions and stages involved in legislative creation.
  • Understand the role and significance of relevant bodies, such as the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC), in streamlining the legislative process.
  • Develop a regional perspective by understanding how policy-making varies across different parts of the UK.
  • Dive into the inner workings of Parliament and garner practical insights into how the legislative process operates in reality.
  • Learn about the Policy Cycle: Learn how to adeptly draft, implement, and assess policies.
  • Understand the critical role that civil servants play in policy-making, and what exemplary practice entails.
  • Grapple with and devise strategies to surmount the challenges that often accompany new legislation.
  • Evolve your understanding of how to effectively implement and modernize policies.

Agenda

09:30 Registration/Zoom room open
10:00 Introduction from Chair
10:10 Module Part i) What is the Parliamentary Process?
  • Overview of the Parliamentary Process: From Concept to Law
  • Deep Dive into the Legislative Process: Drafting, Debates, Amendments, and Royal Assent
  • Effectiveness of Scrutiny and Ways to Improve It
  • Case Studies of Recent Legislation
  • 45-minute presentation from the trainer, 10-minute presentation from the Chair, 35-minute group discussion
11:40 Coffee Break
12:00 Module Part ii) Who is involved?
  • Mapping the Landscape: Key Stakeholders and Relevant Bodies
  • The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC): Roles and Responsibilities
  • Select Committees, All-Party Groups, and their Role in Holding Power to Account
  • Engaging with the Parliamentary Process: How Organizations and Individuals Can Get Involved
  • 40-minute presentation from the trainer, 5-minute presentation from the Chair, 30-minute group discussion
13:15 Lunch Break
14:00 Module Part iii) The Policy Cycle
  • The Life Cycle of a Policy: From Idea Generation to Implementation and Evaluation
  • Crafting Legislation: Converting Complex Concepts into Clear Laws
  • Navigating Challenges: Addressing Ambiguities and Updating Outdated Legislation
  • The Role of Civil Servants and External Consultants in the Policy Making Process
  • Presentation from the trainer by followed by group discussion and questions
15:30 Summation from Chair
16:00 Finish


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Comments & Views

"Really useful to have direct experience from both a civil service and parliamentarians perspective. I found the morning session, particularly the discussion of APPGs very enlightening. I think this is exactly the type of course that academics should do if they want to be able to better engage with policy in their research."

University of Cumbria

"It was a great session, nicely paced. Very good to hear insight from a former Minister - gave perspective and opportunity for reflection on policy and parliament in a different light. Useful reminder of key elements of policy making and different approaches."

Ofwat

"This has been one of the best events that I have been to. The chair was very interactive, clear and interesting, as were the speakers."

Department of Health and Social Care

"Probably one of the best courses I have ever attended. Spot on!"

MOD

"I wanted to hear the insider view of making legislation which could really only be delivered by someone with the experience and insight that Peter gave us. It was incredibly valuable."

Historic England

"Massive thank you for a brilliant workshop today with Lord Lilley."

Together

"I feel like the learning objectives and more was achieved."

Office of Rail and Road

"Interactive session.Tony cleared my doubts"

Scottish Refugee Council

"I am greatly enjoying this course. Lord Lilley is engaging and informative, and I'm learning a lot from his anecdotes."

NFU Mutual

"Good experience and discussions with Lilley were helpful"

Network Rail

"Very useful session"

FCA