The Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, Ministers and MSPs control legislation, policy and spending decisions afffecting the activities of all organisations and people in Scotland. Informed, good decision making is important in good times, but absolutely critical in bad times. These remain difficult times. War in Ukraine, a weak economy, a new UK Government facing tough public finances and the unpredictable and imminent consequences of a second Trump Presidency - these all require the best judgement. So, in the midst of wave after wave of uncertainty buffeting Scotland's public services, private sector and third sector, it is essential to understand how to effectively influence, inform and connect with the key decision makers as they respond to the challenges ahead.
This conference examines how Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, Ministers and MSPs work and explains the policy and media context within which decision making in those bodies takes place. It is intended for people and organisations that need to inform and support policy making and decision making in our institutions.
The ways in which policy is made, legislation is developed and spending decisions are taken is subject to both specific processes and to a range of external and internal influences. Understanding what those processes are and how both these institutions and the individuals within them work is essential. So too is knowing the importance of the media and the political context in which government operates. As is being aware of the regulatory and political rules and conventions within which influencing takes place.
The purpose of this conference is to provide you with a step-by-step guide to making your voice heard in the corridors of power. It will give insight into the relationship between Government, Parliament politicians and media and explain the various stages and ways in which policy is developed and how decision making can be influenced.
Whether your interest is in development of legislation, policy making, ongoing constitutional change or spending decisions, the how and why of government and parliamentary decision making - and context in which those decisions are made - is pivotal. The conference looks at the institutions that matter, the types of external influence that count and what you need know about the instruments and practices needed to to be heard at the highest level.
If you want to develop a better understanding of how government works in Scotland, and to be a weather maker on policy before it is made rather than reading what policy has become once decisions are taken, then knowing how the system really works - and how to influence it - is essential.
Benefits of attending
Who should attend
Chair
Chartered Institute of Public Relations Scotland
09:15 Chair's opening remarks
Session 1: Influencing – understanding Parliament, lobbying rules and the current political context
09:20 Keynote – understanding the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government
09:40 Question and answer session
09:55 Complying with the Lobbying Register – good practice and new developments
10:10 The Scottish and UK political context – what is the state of play and where are we headed?
10:25 Question and answer session
10:40 Comfort break
Session 2: The decision makers and how they work
10:55 The Scottish Parliament – how it works
11:10 Understanding the political parties – what do you need to know?
11:25 Question and answer session
11:40 Comfort break
Session 3: How to influence
11:55 Messaging, media and social media – how to use them
Stewart Argo, Chair, Chartered Institute of Public Relations Scotland
CIPR_Scotland
12:10 Instruments of Influence – briefings, meetings, social media and beyond…
12:25 Understanding what the public think and want
12:40 Question and answer session
12:55 Chair's closing remarks
Stewart Argo
Chair
Chartered Institute of Public Relations Scotland
With three decades of experience in communications, Stewart is happy to talk on almost any issue, but is particularly keen to share practical insights on:
• Measuring campaign impact: Focusing on the importance of evaluation in communications to demonstrate the real effects of campaigns, particularly in achieving business outcomes and driving behaviour change.
• Leadership communication: Helping leaders improve how they communicate their vision, both internally and externally, to align teams and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Crisis and reputation management: Lessons from managing high-profile and sensitive issues across the public and private sectors, with an emphasis on transparency and long-term reputation building.
• Corporate and B2B communication: Practical strategies for businesses to enhance corporate reputation and manage stakeholder relationships more effectively.
Naturally, Stewart can also talk about the benefits of professional membership organisations and the contribution of PR, public affairs and marketing communications generally.
Professional and personal background
Stewart began his career with BBC Radio Shetland before moving into public relations. His initial roles were with NHS Grampian and then the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, before he joined the City of Edinburgh Council.
Stewart then moved into agency, first with Weber Shandwick and then BIG Partnership, where he is responsible for its Edinburgh PR and public affairs teams.
His campaign and issues experience ranges from student finance to square sausages, container terminals to communicable diseases, fish farming to ferries, chemistry to crime, radioactivity to rewilding, lighthouses to life sciences and other forced alliterative pairs!
This conference will take place online.
How to book
You can book to attend, or order the video only, in 3 ways:
Conference fees
GROUP DISCOUNT – organisations booking 3 ore more delegtes will recive every third delegate place free of charge (please complete further forms if necessary)
PLEASE NOTE – the option of ordering the video recording only is intended for any individual who would normally have attended the event but – for whatever reason – is unable to do so on the day. It is not permissible to share this recording. Please contact us if you wish to share this recording. See our terms and conditions for further information.
Payment
We do not currently accept payments online and will send you an invoice.
You have the option of paying by BACS or card.
BACS details will be included on the invoice.
If you wish to pay by card, please tick the appropriate box on the booking form and a member of our staff will contact you by telephone to take the payment. Alternatively you may call 0131 556 1500.
Terms and conditions
By placing this booking, you agree to the full terms and conditions found via the link at the foot of our website.
Book delegate places or purchase video recording.