Training on Government Communication & Public Relations

This training program on Government Communications & Public Relations aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the government relations function and the significance of implementing a clear communications strategy. Attendees will develop insights into the business value derived from a strategic approach to government relations throughout all phases of the business cycle.

This course offers valuable insights into the significant role that government relations play in acquiring new business, establishing and enhancing a strong reputation, facilitating operations, navigating change, and resolving disputes.

Objectives

By the end of this  training course, participants will learn:

• How to create value for your business by using a strategic approach to government relations
• In-depth insight into how to analyze, anticipate and overcome political risks facing your business
• The ability to develop and implement a fit for purpose government relations strategy to support your business needs
• Knowledge of a wide range of tools and tactics to that will improve your ability to manage relations with government in a wide variety of situations
• Insight into your internal value chain and how synergies can be created between the government relations function and other functions such as Project Management, Operations, Finance, Legal and Public Relations

Who Can Attend?

• Government Relations Managers
• Political Risk Analysts
• Corporate Affairs Managers
• External Relations Managers
• Corporate Social Responsibility Managers
• Public Relations Professionals
• Country Managers
• Asset Managers
• Project Managers
• Operations Managers
• New Venture Managers
• Business Development Managers
• Finance and Tax Professionals
• Lawyers
• Risk Managers

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Effective Government Relations

• What is Effective PR in the 24/7/365 ‘Social’ Age?
• What is effective Government Relations?
• The Business Case for Government Relations
• Discussion: How important is government to your business?
• Ethics and Principles
• How to conduct Government Relations with integrity?
• Legal Aspects
• Reputation Risk
• Reputation Management
• Trends

Module 2: Political Risk Analysis and Mitigation

• Introduction to Political Risk
• Stakeholders: Agendas and Drivers
• Personality Types
• Learning & Communication Styles
• Analysing Political Risk
• Global Issues and Trends
• Strategies for Mitigating Political Risk

Module 3: Effective Applications of Government Relations

New Opportunities

• New Country Entry
• Expanding Existing Operations
• Mergers and Acquisition

Build and Strengthen Reputation

• Stakeholder Mapping
• Creating & Maintaining Sustainable Relations with Governments and Communities

Managing Change

• The Change Equation
• Advocacy and Lobbying
• Understanding Government Stakeholder Agendas and Drivers
• Building a Case for Change

Resolving Disputes

• Business Diplomacy
• Resolving Disputes with Government, Local Communities and other Stakeholders
• Conducting Due Diligence
• Creating Win-Win Solutions

Module 4: The Government Relations Toolbox

• strategies and Plans
• Elements of a Government Relations Strategy
• Implementation

• Monitoring Results and Assessing Performance


Tools and Tactics

• High Level Engagement
• Engaging in the Policy Debate

• Joining Forces with Others

• When Things Go Wrong


Synergy with other Functions

• Tax
- Role of Media including Social Media
• Role of Corporate Social Responsibility
• Public Relations


Organisation

• Where does Government Relations fit in the company’s org chart?
• What does a fit-for-purpose Government Relations department look like?
• Skills and Experience of Government Relations Managers

Module 5: The Government Relations Case Study

Session 1

• Case Study Introduction
• Risk Analysis
• Stakeholder Mapping
• Decision-Making
• Influence Matrices
• Government Relations Strategy

Session 2

• Building the License to Operate
• Implementing the Strategy
• Managing Expectations
• Alignment with the Government
• First Signs of Trouble

Session 3

• Political Instability
• Strikes and Protests
• New Opportunities
• New Partnerships

Concluding Discussion

• What does excellence in Government Relations look like?
• Lessons Learned and Conclusion
• Q&A