Government and Public Affairs Certification Training Course

Why select this training course?

This Government and Public Affairs Certification Training Course by Rcademy is designed to teach participants the different strategic practices and techniques for engaging with legislators as part of general efforts to influence and shape government policies and legislation. The Rcademy course will also train participants on utilizing those practices and techniques in various areas to enhance the organization’s public image by promoting a single thought or cause.

What are the differences between public relations and public affairs?

There is a popular misconception that public affairs and public relations are similar concepts. While there are certainly similarities between both ideas, like their involvement in public interactions, both concepts are different. Public affairs generally focus on public policy matters, while public relations tend towards commercial goals. While public affairs are concerned with issues such as legislation that directly affect the public, public relations, on the other hand, is concerned with building a connection between members of the public and specific bodies or organizations.

What is the role of government in public affairs?

Public affairs are primarily concerned with an organization’s relationship with stakeholders across all sectors of society. Governments utilize public affairs to interact and relate with the public on issues that are of public concern. It also uses the platform to interact with interest bodies, such as advocacy groups and lobbyists on legislation, policies, governance, etc., to influence and change public perceptions.

Who should attend?

The Government and Public Affairs Certification Training Course by Rcademy is ideal for several persons, especially professionals responsible for supervising strategic government policies related to public affairs. The following personnel should attend the course:

• Government Relations Officers who are responsible for providing professional publicity strategies and maintaining a constructive relationship with relevant stakeholders on behalf of the government
• Public Affairs Officers are charged with planning and implementing public operations and also guiding policymakers on decisions that affect mission success
• Professional Analysts who are tasked with examining and improving governmental programs.
• Policymakers who are engaged in formulating public policies and legislation
• Political Risk Analysts who are responsible for researching and analyzing political ideas, political trends, policies, and foreign relations
• Chief Executive Officers who are responsible for overseeing the administration of a corporate entity
• Executive Directors are charged with developing and executing strategies aimed at improving an organization’s mission goal
• Ministerial Committees are responsible for procuring and disposing of public assets on behalf of a government
• External Relations Managers who are charged with drafting and delivering external relations programs on behalf of a corporate body or government
• Professionals who are interested in understanding public affairs and their role in shaping government policies and practices 

What are the course objectives?

The government and Public Affairs Certification Training Course by Rcademy is aimed at assisting participants to achieve the following objectives:

• Identify how, when, and where to engage in the public policy and legislative process
• Create and implement strategies that are targeted at integrating public affairs with business
• Organise and execute meetings with high-ranking government officials to influence government policies and legislation
• Engage with members of the media and develop vital public opinions around issues of public concern
• Make good use of social media platforms and tools as part of emerging public affairs practices
• Create value for business and commercial enterprises by utilizing a strategic approach to government affairs
• Gain insights on how partnerships can be developed between government affairs functions and other areas such as legal, finance, project management, and public relations
• Understand and analyze global trends in government relations
• Build their abilities on the various techniques and methodologies in public affairs

How will this course be presented?

The content of this course is designed to meet the expectations of participants and enhance their knowledge and understanding; it is participant-oriented. Several effective methodologies and techniques ensure active and constant learning by attendees are utilized in thoroughly delivering this course. Seasoned experts teach this course with years of experience and practice. The modules that make up the course are curated from extensive and in-depth research related to the subject matter.

The Rcademy Course on Government and Public Affairs Certification Training Course consists of theory and practical learning by providing slides on the concepts, case studies, lecture notes, and real-life scenarios. Attendees will also participate in seminar workshops, quizzes, presentations, and regular feedback on lessons learned to confirm their optimum satisfaction.

What are the topics covered in this course?

Module 1: Introduction to Public Affairs Strategy

• Definitions of Public Affairs
• Principles of Public Affairs and Government Relations
  – Accountability
  – Honesty
  -­ Fairness
  – Trustfulnes
  -­ Transparency
  -­ Confidentiality
  ­ – Loyalty
• The Roles of Public Affairs
• Building a Public Affairs and Government Relations Strategy
• Mapping political landscapes and Public Affairs
• Stakeholder Management and Analysis in Public Affairs

Module 2: Public Affairs Programmes 

• Audience management
• Stakeholders’ support and engagement
• Alliance building
• Problems management
• Creating influential arguments
• Objectives establishment
• Effective positioning with stakeholders

Module 3: Introduction to Media Strategies 

• Advocacy advertising
• Press coverage and journalism
• Campaign management
• Broadcast appearance
• Proactive media relations
• Circumventing the news media

Module 4: Government Relations and Public Affairs 

• Lobbying frameworks
• Types of lobbying
  – Regulatory advocacy lobbying
  -­ Budget Advocacy
  -­ Legislative lobbying
  -­ Grassroots lobbying
  -­ Direct lobbying
  -­ Integrated lobbying
• Engaging with government officials
• Dynamics of relationship with government officials
• Identifying and researching political targets
• Public policy, administration, and governance interplay

Module 5: Tools and Tactics

• Digital media and tech trends
• Business diplomacy
• High-Level engagements
• Corporate political activity
• Human Rights and Sustainable Development
• Globalization
• Values, ethics, and Professionalism in public affairs
• Partnerships with other stakeholders
• Partaking in policy debates

Module 6: Political Risk Analysis and Mitigation 

• Introduction to political risk
• Strategies for mitigating political risks
  -­ Adaptation
  -­ Lobbying
  -­ Threats
  -­ Political risk insurance
  -­ Consultancy
• Stakeholders: agendas and drivers
  – ­ Personality types
  – Communication and learning styles
  – Stakeholder mapping
  – Global issues and trends

Module 7: Managing Change 

• The change equation
• Advocacy and lobbying
• Creating a Case for change
• Building and strengthening reputations
• Implementing due diligence
• Resolving issues with government, local government, and stakeholders
• Finding wholesome solutions

Module 8: Public Affairs; Prospects and Challenges  

• Risk analysis
• Social diversity features and Impacts on Public Affairs and Governance
• Keeping pace with social Trends
• Measuring success
• Understanding policy circles
• Evaluating threats and opportunities
• Aligning governance frameworks and government relations structures, and Public Affairs