Government: image and information
The UK experience

One-week study programme 18 to 22 October 2010

About the programme

The worlds of government and of media need each other. Their symbiotic relationship, however, is fraught with difficulties. "Government: Image and Information" explores responsible management of public information in a democratic society. While governments need media coverage to carry their message to the public, the credibility of the media depends on independence from government. Hence this critical relationship needs careful management on both sides. The balance between complicity and opposition requires intelligent and tolerant practitioners who understand each other's problems. "Government: Image and Information" offers participants the opportunity to explore these issues with experienced professionals from both worlds, including practical visits and observation of the process in the UK context.

How participants will benefit

The study programme will:

• Broaden participants' knowledge of government and political party activities in relation to the media, especially in the UK
• Enable participants to learn from the experience of UK government spokesmen/women and of leading journalists and editors
• Encourage participants to consider ways of widening access to public information for a wide range of groups in society
• Raise participants' awareness relating to handling public information
• Assist participants in sharing experience from their countries with others in comparable situations.

Who is it for?

The programme is designed for government press and information officers, political and general editors from national newspapers, broadcasting organisations and news agencies as well as spokesmen/women from political parties and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The programme will also benefit other individuals with responsibility for disseminating information to the public.

Programme scope

This programme will review:

• Traditional and new media outlets, including digital broadcasting and the internet
• Government priorities in managing public information and political party involvement
• Media priorities, public interest, freedom of information
• Parliamentary coverage in relation to government news
• The role of public relations professionals in media management and image promotion.

"Government: Image and Information" will include lectures and discussions, briefings by government spokesmen/women, editors and journalists, and may also include group visits to editorial offices, TV and radio stations, pollsters and PR agencies. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss practical issues affecting their own professional life and to compare and contrast experience with counterparts from different countries.

Programme Outline

We reserve the right to change the programme as necessary.

Language

The programme will be conducted in English. Participants will be expected to have a good working knowledge of the language.

Location and arrival arrangements

The study programme will be based in central London. On request, PAI can assist in finding suitable hotel accommodation and can arrange travel to and from the airport.

Fees and other costs

The fee for this one-week study programme will be £1,700. This includes tuition, travel to and from the airport (if required), travel on scheduled visits which form part of the advertised programme , printed material/books and other documentation. UK Valued Added Tax (VAT) will not be charged if applicants can provide written confirmation from their government or its accredited representative that they are employed by their government in furtherance of its sovereign activities. In all other cases, VAT (currently 17.5%) will be charged in addition to the fee. Payment in full must be received by PAI no later than 18 October 2010. Cheques should be made payable to Public Administration International. Alternatively, PAI is able to invoice individuals or government agencies. Payment by bank transfer is also acceptable.

If participants cancel their booking within 21 calendar days of the start of the programme we will charge £250 to cover administration costs. Alternatively, fees already received can be held as a credit towards the cost of future PAI study programmes.

We reserve the right to cancel the programme if there are not enough participants to make it viable. In these circumstances, fees already received will be refunded in full.

Airfares, accommodation costs, daily travel (other than on visits scheduled in the programme), meals and living expenses are not included. We suggest that approximately £120 per person per day should be allowed for a modest standard of accommodation, local travel in the UK, meals and other incidental expenses. Participants requiring a higher standard of accommodation (for example a 4 start hotel) will need to allow approximately £175 per person per day.

Discount

We offer a 10% discount on the tuition fee if a funding organisation sponsors more than three participants in any one calendar year. Please ensure that when you book your fourth participant (in any one calendar year) you let us know so that we can apply the discount.

Insurance

Participants are advised to arrange travel and health insurance cover before leaving their home country.

Public Administration International (PAI)

PAI specialises in management consultancy and development services for organisations in and associated with the public sector worldwide. We provide advice and support for governments undergoing political, economic, structural and legislative change. Our extensive network of associates includes practitioners, academics and independent consultants. This programme is one of a number of specialist UK-based study programmes designed to meet the needs of the public services worldwide.

We also have extensive experience of designing tailor-made programmes which can be run in-country or in the UK to meet the specific needs of groups or individuals. Please contact us if you would like further information.

Director of Studies
The Director of Studies for the programme is Dr Martyn Bond, formerly head of the European Parliament office in London and a Director of the London Press Club. He was formerly the Director of the Federal Trust for Education and Research and is Visiting Professor in European Politics and Policy at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is also a former BBC Berlin Correspondent.

How to apply

Please follow the link to complete an online application form, alternatively you can download the brochure for this study programme and complete the attached application form. Please post or fax it to:

Clare Walters
Programme Manager
Public Administration International
10 Bayley Street
London, WC1B 3HB
UK

T +44 (0)20 7580 3590
F +44 (0)20 7580 4746
pai@public-admin.co.uk

Applications should be made as soon as possible as the number of available places is limited.

How to contact us

If you would like to discuss the programme or to find out more about Public Administration International and our services, please contact:

Donald McGregor
Directors
Public Administration International
10 Bayley Street
London, WC1B 3HB
UK

T +44 (0)20 7580 3590
F +44 (0)20 7580 4746
pai@public-admin.co.uk
www.public-admin.co.uk

Public Administration
International Ltd
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