our study programmes

We have substantial experience of designing and managing study programmes in the United Kingdom and in other countries. We provide tailor-made study programmes, seminars and workshops at the request of governments, funding agencies and other public and private sector bodies. Participants have included government ministers, senior policy makers, front line service delivery staff, parliamentarians, the media and representatives from non-government/civil society organisations and have come from the following countries: Albania, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cook Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Lithuania, Macao, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Serbia & Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zanzibar and Zimbabwe.

Programmes and/or delegates have been commissioned or funded by the Asian Development Bank, the British Council, the Canadian Parliamentary Project, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the European Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), the Open Society Institute, the Public Service Pension Fund of the United Republic of Tanzania, Transparency International, the United Nations Childrens’ Fund, the United Nations Development Programme, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the World Bank and a range of overseas governments.

our approach

We can arrange flexible programmes designed to meet the needs of groups and individuals from a range of countries and organisations. Briefing and/or training sessions are combined with practical work, case studies and visits to central government departments, local authorities, parliament, the media, non-government/civil society organisations and other public and private sector organisations.

Briefing sessions give participants an opportunity to update themselves on current issues in public administration and management techniques. Selected visits allow for valuable discussions and exchange of experience with key practitioners in specialised areas. Participants in our multi-national programmes are encouraged to discuss their particular interests and priorities with UK contributors and with each other and assess the scope for adapting best practice from the UK and internationally.

programme options

We can arrange a complete package, which includes designing, arranging and managing programmes, post-programme reporting, arrival and departure arrangements, accommodation and leisure activities. If the complete package is not required, we can offer a combination of the services listed below. Programmes can be arranged for individuals or groups. We provide detailed costings according to the content and length of the programme and the size of the group.

our main services include:

Design of programmes

We liaise with all parties involved to design programmes to match our clients’ objectives. We can draw on our Advisory Group and wide network of Associate Consultants to assist us in the design of specialised programmes where appropriate. Draft programmes are sent to clients in advance for approval and any adjustments incorporated into the final version.

Arrival arrangements

Programmes and arrival arrangements are sent to all visitors prior to their departure. We can offer advice about accommodation and make bookings on request. We are able to meet participants on arrival at one of the London airports, arrange transport to their accommodation, provide full briefing and disburse subsistence allowances if previously arranged with the funding agency.

Programme management

Briefing sessions and visits are arranged and speakers and visit hosts fully informed about participants’ backgrounds, objectives and particular areas of interest. Individuals and groups are accompanied by an experienced tutor or Director of Studies who sets the context for each session, provides continuity and ensures that participants gain as much as possible from their study programme. Case studies, practical exercises, syndicate work and action planning sessions are included, as appropriate. Documentation, materials and training equipment are provided. Transport on official visits is arranged and programmes include some hospitality and cultural/leisure activities. Advice is provided on health, welfare, travel, etc.

Evaluation

Informal feedback is encouraged during programmes to ensure that participants gain maximum benefit from their visit. We invite participants to assess the value of their study programme and provide us with comments before they return home. Suggestions for changes and improvements are taken into consideration at the planning stage of future programmes.

Interpretation/translation

We are familiar with working through interpreters and can provide interpretation and/or translation services. Alternatively, groups may prefer to nominate their own interpreter to accompany them on the study programme.

Certificates

Certificates are issued to participants who successfully complete their programme.

Departure

Transport to the airport on departure can be arranged.

UK-based multi-national study programmes and seminars

We run annual study programmes and seminars in the UK for people working in the public service and related organisations overseas. Our multi-national programmes include:

tailor-made study programmes and seminars

In addition to our "open" programmes we regularly run tailor-made programmes to suit particular client requirements. We have designed and organised special study programmes, seminars and workshops for:

Africa, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Diplomatic Studies Programme, Economic and Social Cohesion in the Enlarging European Union, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, European Union Workshops, Indonesia, Kosovo, Lebanon, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Namibia, Nigeria, Palestine, Poland, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, South Africa, Tanzania, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Yemen, and Zambia

Please contact us if you would like more information about tailor-made programmes.


Access to justice
Police, courts and prisons (two weeks)

The programme is aimed at policy makers, practitioners and senior decision-makers across the justice sector, including lawyers, court administrators, police and prison managers, prosecutors and people concerned with the rights and welfare of those charged with or convicted of criminal offences. Our next programme will take place from 6 to 17 October 2008. Please follow this link for further information and on-line booking form or view the brochure in the Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

Achieving better regulation
The UK state and private enterprise (one week)

The programme is aimed at policy advisers and senior decision-makers in governments changing the ways they regulate private or parastatal suppliers of utility and network services, especially those providing monopoly services in a global, free-market economy. The programme will cover regulation in both theory and practice drawing especially on the UK experience. Our next programme will take place in June 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.

Changing the law
Successful reform (one week)

This one-week programme is designed for all those involved in law reform, including those working for law reform commissions, committees and institutes, law reformers working within governments and other major contributors such as parliamentarians, judges, academic lawyers and representatives from non-governmental organisations. Participants would most likely be working at middle to senior levels, and be equally from countries where law reform is a major priority, or from those where resources for law reform are much smaller.Our first programme will take place from 20 to 24 October 2008. Please follow this link for further information and on-line booking form or view the brochure in the Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

Crisis communication in government (one week)
This programme is for senior policy officials, managers responsible for operational planning, and public service communications specialists who are responsible for government public service communications at times of risk and crisis. The programme is designed to help participants to develop effective communications strategies for when things go wrong, whether as a consequence of natural disaster or terrorist or other threats. Our next programme will take place in June 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.

Film, governance and society
Red tape and celluloid (one week)

The programme is designed mainly for senior policy makers and executives working in government ministries and agencies, regulatory and funding bodies, and in non-government organisations concerned with the funding, promotion, regulation or censorship of film industries. Our next programme will take place in February 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.

Freedom of information
Achieving open and transparent government (one week)

This programme offers a unique opportunity to explore both the theory and practice of FOI legislation. The programme is aimed at parliamentarians, presidential/government advisors, policy makers and managers, lawyers and all those with a responsibility for, or an interest in, FOI and related issues. Our next programme will take place in April 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.

Good governance
UK and international perspectives (two weeks)

The programme is designed primarily for central and local government officials involved in public service delivery or administrative reform, and representatives of non-government organisations (NGOs) concerned with governance issues. It will also interest other individuals working in this field, e.g. officials in development agencies, local consultants, policy advisers and media correspondents. Our next programme will take place in April 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.

Government: image and information
The UK experience (one week)

The programme is designed for government press officers, political and general editos from national newspapers. broadcasting organisations and news agencies as well as spokesmen/women from political parties and non-governmental organisations. The programme will also benefit other individuals with responsibility for disseminating information to the public. Our next programme will take place from 27 to 31 October 2008. Please follow this link for further information and on-line booking form or view the brochure in the Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

Heritage and Culture
Challenges and innovation in policy and practice (one week)

The programme is designed mainly for senior policy-makers and experts working in government ministries and agencies and in non-governmental organisations concerned with the funding and promotion of heritage conservation and culture. Applications will also be welcome from those in the voluntary and private sector who wish to gain insights into the role of heritage and culture in economic development and to engage in dialogue with officials with responsibilities in this field.Our next programme will take place in July 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.

Internal audit and performance management
The UK and international perspectives (two weeks)

The programme is designed primarily for central, state and local government audit officials and personnel working for agencies or departments responsible for monitoring organisational performance. It will also be of interest to other individuals working in this field; for example, officials in development agencies; governance, audit, evaluation and civil service reform policy advisers; aid donors working with internal audit departments to improve coverage of aid projects, and local consultants engaged in audit and performance management assignments Our next programme will take place in February 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.

Lawyers and government
Managing change (two weeks)

The programme is designed primarily for government lawyers and senior public administrators with responsibility for provision of government legal services. It is aimed at middle to senior level staff. Our next programme will take place in March 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.

Managing elections
Techniques and perspectives (one week)

This programme is designed to offer election adminsitrators and other election stakeholders the possibility to meet with counterparts in teh UK and Europe to learn about their practices and experiences. The programme is also intended to provide hands-on, practical training to improve day-to-day management skills in election adminsitration. Our first programme will take place from 8 to 12 September 2008. Please follow this link for further information and on-line booking form or view the brochure in the Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

Open for business
The role of government in attracting inward investment (one week)

The programme is designed primarily for senior officials in government ministries concerned with economic policy and regional development, national, regional and local agencies charged with attracting inward investment, those who advise companies on their overseas investment decisions, donor organisations looking to encourage investment promotion as part of their anti-poverty strategy and NGOs active in areas such as sustainability and anti-corruption. Our next programme will take place in April 2009. Please follow this link foron-line booking form.

Pension schemes: Security, diversity and choice
The UK experience (one week)

The programme is designed for politicians and senior public service managers responsible for public pension schemes, for administrators and managers of occupational and other non-government pension schemes and for all those interested in social protection issues. Our next programme will take place from 22 to 26 September 2008. Please follow this link for further information and on-line booking form or view the brochure in the Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

Policy and the public
Involving citizens and civil society in policy-making (one week)

The programme is designed primarily for senior leaders in ministries, agencies and public bodies engaged in solving policy problems at national and local level; those responsible for civil service reform and development; senior representatives from organisations outside government such as non-government organisations, interest groups and policy research institutes, who wish to develop a better working relationship with the national policy-making process.Our next programme will take place from 24 to 28 November 2008. Please follow this link for further information and on-line booking form or view the brochure in the Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

Protecting society
Challenges in managing prison and probation services (two weeks)

This programme is aimed at policy makers, practitioners and senior decision-makers in the criminal justice sector, particularly those responsible for managing prison and probation services. It will also be relevant for lawyers, administrators and people concerned with the rights and welfare of those charged with or convicted of criminal offences. Our next programme will take place in April 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.

Public service commissions
Professionalism. performance - excellence (one week)

The programme is designed to meet the needs of Public Service Commissioners and their senior staff, parliamentarians and others involved in the preparation or implementation of a Civil Service Law, and senior policy-makers and managers concerned with improving the effectiveness of public officials. Our next programme will take place from 17 to 22 November 2008. Please follow this link for further information and on-line booking form or view the brochure in the Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

Public-private partnerships
The UK experience of roads and transport (one week)

This programme explores experience with a wide range of public-private and public-public partnerships within the UK transport sector, particularly in relation to roads. It is designed to meet the needs of parliamentarians, senior staff from Ministries of Finance and Transport, senior road agency staff, bankers and financiers, organisations planning to bid for PFI/PPP contracts from government and consultants advising such organisations. Our next programme will take place from 1 to 5 September 2008. Please follow this link for further information and on-line booking form or view the brochure in the Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

Putting People First
The key to improving public services (two weeks)

The programme is designed for senior managers responsible for delivering public services, in particular those with direct interface with the public. Participants may have a background in central or local government, health, welfare, education or the administration of justice. Our next programme will take place in June 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.

Rewarding work
The strategic approach to pay and benefits (one week)

This one-week study programme is aimed at policy-makers, human resource practitioners and senior decision-makers in the public sector. The programme will explore strategies being adopted to modernise the management of performance, pay and benefits in the public sector. It will focus on the UK and examine best practice in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, with a view to sharing good practice with and among participants from a range of different backgrounds. Our first programme will take place from 15 to 19 September 2008. Please follow this link for further information and on-line booking form or view the brochure in the Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

Trust in Government
Promoting ethics and professional standards in the public service (two weeks)

The programme is designed for senior policy makers and managers in the public sector, presidential or special advisers, parliamentarians, representatives from non-government organisations and all those with responsibility for, or a special interest in, public service ethics and good governance. It will be relevant for those working at national, regional, local or organisational level. Our next programme will take place from 3 to 14 November 2008. Please follow this link for further information and on-line booking form or view the brochure in the Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

When Citizens Complain
The Role of the Ombudsman in Improving Public Services (two weeks)

This programme is designed for ombudsmen and similar complaint-handling and human rights organisations and agencies and their senior staff. It will also be relevant for policy makers from countries which have an ombudsman system, which are in the process of setting one up or which are contemplating doing so. Our next programme will take place in May 2009. Please follow this link for on-line booking form.


Africa

In collaboration with Eunoia, designed and ran a one-week workshop on Trust in Government: promoting ethics, integrity and professional standards in public services, for senior public servants from English and French speaking West African countries. The workshop was held in Abuja, Nigeria and was jointly funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Economic Community of West African States (2004).

Armenia
Designed and organised a special study programme on Raising the Role of the Media in Monitoring Government Programmes for journalists from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The programme was commissioned by the British Council (2006).

As part of our DFID funded project on Public Sector Reform for the Government of the Republic of Armenia, designed and arranged two study programmes for Armenian government officials to visit Estonia, to examine civil service legislation and its implementation, and Hungary, where participants were briefed about structural reforms and efficiency programmes (2000).

Azerbaijan
Participated in a workshop on ombudsman and human rights complaints run for the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) in Azerbaijan, funded by the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Office for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (2007).

Bangladesh
Arranged a special training programme on Public Service Management and Reform and Management Skills for Women for officials from the Government of Bangladesh. Funded by the British Council in Dhaka (1996).

Brazil
Collaborated with the Centre for the study of Regulated Industries (CRI) and the Getulio Vargas Foundation, Brazil, in running a tailor-made programme on energy and transport regulation for a group of Brazilian regulators. Funded by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (2002).

Invited by the British Council to provide a tailor-made programme on Performance Management for the Planning Co-Ordinator of the National School of Public Administration, Brazil. Funded by DFID (2000).

Bulgaria
Organised a study tour to the UK for ten senior participants from Bulgaria, including the Deputy Minister of State Administration, the Executive Director of the Institute of Public Administration, the Director of Strategic Planning from the Council of Ministers, and Human Resource Directors from a number of Ministries. The programme focussed on the arrangements for selecting and developing the UK Senior Civil Service and included sessions with or visits to the Cabinet Office, the National School of Government, the Civil Service Selection Board, HM Revenue and Customs and the Departments of Health, and of Work and Pensions (2007).

Series of study programmes for officials from the Government of Bulgaria as part of our two major DFID funded projects in that country. Programmes on performance management, performance appraisal, career progression and performance-related pay, human resource management and development, training and pensions provision and administration (1998 to 2002).

Diplomatic Studies Programme
Joined the Centre for Political and Diplomatic Studies, the University of Oxford and the University of Birmingham in providing management skills training for mid-career diplomats from Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries (1998).

Economic and Social Cohesion in the Enlarging European Union
Aimed at Central and Eastern European officials responsible for managing structural and cohesion funds and "twinning" programmes. Two-day visits to UK Government Offices in the regions to see how funds and projects were managed in practice formed a key part of the programme (1999).

Egypt
Presentations on the UK public sector reform experience at seminars, held in Cairo, for senior practitioners, academics and representatives from the private sector. Funded by the British Council (1997).

Estonia
For the Ministry of Social Affairs, Estonia, arranged study programmes on social security, health and welfare reform. Held in Brussels, Dublin, London and Maastricht and arranged in collaboration with the European Institute of Public Administration (Netherlands). Funded by the European Commission Phare Programme (1997).

Ethiopia
Devised and conducted a ‘Government: Image and Information’ seminar for ministers and senior officials followed by a five-day workshop for press and information officers and journalists from the Ethiopian press and broadcast media. Funded by the FCO and the British Council (2003).

European Union Workshops
International workshops on the Management and Co-Ordination of European Union Business for representatives from EU applicant countries. Participants were from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (1999).

Indonesia
Four-week study programmes in support of democracy in Indonesia for members of central and regional assemblies, senior officials and representatives from non-government organisations and the media. Funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office/British Council (2000 to 2003).

Two-week study programme on security sector reform for Indonesian journalists with a particular interest in reporting defence and security issues. The programme examined civilian oversight of the military and the relationship between armed forces and the Ministry of Defence (2003).

Workshops on Good Governance in Local Government delivered in Makassar and Pontianak. Funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office/British Council (2001).

Kosovo
Ran a study tour for a delegation for Kosovar civil servants from the Office of the Prime Minister to visit the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as part of the on-going support to the Office of the Prime Minister of Kosovo (2006).

Lebanon
Designed and delivered a one-week workshop on Trust in Government : promoting ethics, integrity and professional standards for the Institute of Finance, Government of the Lebanon. The programme was funded by the British Embassy and was run in collaboration with Eunoia (2007).

Presentations on People and Change in the UK Civil Service at a Human Resource Development Workshop held in Beirut. Organised and funded by the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform. Participants were drawn from the Lebanese Government, Parliament, the Civil Service, academic institutions and the media (2000).

Lithuania
Members of the Lithuanian Ombudsman's Office Vilnius, 1998 Tailor-made workshop held in Vilnius on The Role of the Ombudsman in Improving Public Services for the Seimas Ombudsmen's Office in Vilnius, Lithuania. Funded by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and organised in collaboration with the Public Administration Training Centre, Vilnius (1998).
Members of the Lithuanian Ombudsman's Office Vilnius, 1998

Macedonia
Programme on the Cabinet System and the UK Cabinet Office for staff from the General Secretariat of the Government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, organised as part of DFID funded project in support of public administration reform (2001).

Malaysia
With the Pahang Regional Development Authority, organised a tailor-made training programme on change management for thirty of the Authority’s Board members (1997).

Namibia
A one-week study programme commissioned by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit on Executive Agencies for senior officials from the Government of the Republic of Namibia. The aim of the programme was to assist participants in undertaking an intensive analysis of the concept of and rationale for setting up Executive Agencies (2001).

Nigeria
One-week Scoping Study to advise the British Council, Nigeria, on its Supporting Democratic Development programme, which is designed to promote democratic engagement between State Governments, local councils and communities. The visit was funded by the British Council (2008).

One-week workshop on Ombudsman and Complaint-Handling for the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Directorate, Office of the Executive Governor, Kano State. The main objective of the workshop was to equip staff with the knowledge, capacity and competences needed to fulfil its mission, in the light of best international practice. The programme was funded by Kano State Government (2008).

One-week study programme on Public Finance and Service Delivery for officials from Osun State. The overall objective of the programme of the programme was to help policy and decision-makers at state and local government level develop their knowledge of public financial management and effective service delivery (2007).

One-week study programme on Good Governance, Public Sector Reform and Policy Formulation for officials from the Office of the Government, Federal Government of Nigeria (2006).

One-week study programme on ‘Crisis Communication in Government’ arranged for the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for the Commissioner for Local Government and Chairmen of local authorities from Delta State (2005). The programme was designed to assist local authorities to develop communication strategies for dealing with emergencies of all kinds.

One week study programme on ‘Government: Image and Information’ for the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Delta State (2005). The programme was designed to create effective mechanisms for working with the media and disseminating public information.

Three two-week study programmes on Purpose and Propriety in Public Service for Permanent Secretaries from the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Commissioned and funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of Nigeria (2004 to 2005).

Workshop for the Head of the Civil Service, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, Director-General and staff of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat (2004).

Participated in a round table workshop and ran a series of public sector reform “surgeries” for Permanent Secretaries from the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat (2003).

Study programme in the UK on Democracy, Transparency and Accountability for five senior representatives from the State and Local Government Reform Programme, Government of Nigeria. Funded by DFID (2001).

Special study programme based on our international programme for Ombudsmen “When Citizens Complain: The Role of the Ombudsman in Improving Public Services” for the National Secretary and Director of Administration of the Public Complaints Commission, the Presidency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (2000).

Palestine
Law, Parliament and the Judiciary programme for young lawyers from the Law Centre, University of Birzeit. Funded by the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem (1997).

Philippines
Tailor-made professional development programme on “Putting People First : the key to improving service delivery”, commissioned by the Asian Development Bank and run in Manila. Participants included representatives from central and local government and non-government organisations in Bangladesh, India, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Run in collaboration with the International Development Department of the University of Birmingham and the UK Audit Commission (2003).

Poland
Series of programmes on the Protection of Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights for key staff from the Ministry of Culture and Arts and the Patent Office. UK consultants also visited Warsaw to run specialised workshops on industrial property protection for the Polish Patent Office and on technology and legal drafting for the Ministry of Culture and Arts. Funded by the British Council/DFID as part of DFID’s European Integration Programme (1997 to 1998).

Tailor-made UK-based programme on the Regulation of the Insurance Industry for staff from the State Insurance Supervisory Office. Also part of DFID's European Integration Programme (1997).

Managed a two-week study programme for labour lawyers from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Government of Poland. The main topic was European Union Directives on Equal Pay and Equal Treatment of men and women. Funded by DFID (1998).

Romania
Top-level team of advisers led a Forum on Good Government, held in Bucharest. Presentations and discussions on the principles of government in the UK, the functions of the Cabinet Office, public sector reform and the organisation and management of Executive Agencies. Funded by the British Council (1997).

Good Government seminars held in Romania and in the UK as part of the Black Sea University Project. The seminars were delivered by a joint PAI-Romanian team. Funded by the British Council (1996).

Russia

A tailor-made one-week study programme on Performance Management and Human Resource Policy Developments in the UK Civil Service for a group of Russian government officials. The programme was organised within the framework of the Tacis funded project in Russia on Administrative Reform (2004).

Serbia and Montenegro

Workshop on Enhancing Communication in Customer Care for the People’s Office. Funded by the British Council (2005).

Sierra Leone

Designed and organised a one-week study programme for officials from the Human Resource Management Office, Government of Sierra Leone. The programme was part of our DFID-funded project to support the HRMO (2006).

Slovakia
Series of study visits to the Westminster and Scottish Parliaments for Members and staff of the Slovak National Council. Focussed on the legislative process, the organisation of committees, the facilities and operation of parliament and research and information. Part of DFID funded project on Strengthening Parliamentary Processes in Slovakia (2002 to 2003).

As part of our DFID funded Support for Public Administration Reform in Slovakia Project, arranged a one-week visit on Programme Budgeting for participants from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Finance and the Civil Service Office (2003).

Arranged a special programme for public procurement specialists on Joint Procurement Strategy and Practice, also as part of the Support for Public Administration Reform Project (2001).

South Africa
Three-month tailor-made programme for the Assistant Clerk to the Table, South African Parliament, who visited the UK for briefings on current good practice in the administration and management of parliamentary procedures and services. Collaborated with the Hansard Society for Parliamentary Government. Funded by the British Council (1996).

Follow-up visit for Chief Executive Officers from the nine Provincial Legislatures. Briefing sessions and visits were arranged with parliamentary experts and representatives from the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Hansard Society for Parliamentary Government. Funded by the British High Commission in Cape Town (1998).

Training programmes in legislative drafting for members of the National and Provincial Legislatures in South Africa. Based in Cape Town, the programmes were funded by the British Council/DFID (1999 to 2000).

Tanzania
Representatives of the Public Service Management Unit of the President's Office of Tanzania, London, 2007
Two-week tailor-made training programme on complaints and grievance handling, records and information management, public sector ethics and presentation skills for senior staff from the Public Service Management Unit of the President’s Office (2007).
Representatives of the Public Service Management Unit of the President's Office of Tanzania, London, 2007

A tailor-made study programme on Pension Schemes was designed for the Board of Trustees and senior executives of the Tanzania Public Service Pension Fund. The programme emphasised practical issues and the identification of areas of best practice which, where appropriate, could be adapted for Tanzania. It included visits to the UK Department for Work and Pensions, the Office of the Pensions Advisory Service, the London Pension Fund Authority and to the British Airways Pension Scheme, as well as a number of seminars with speakers from a variety of pensions-related organisations (2004).

Turkey
Collaborated with the International Records Management Trust in designing and delivering a study programme for judges from the Ministry of Justice, Government of Turkey. The programme concentrated on judicial records and covered issues of managing records and statistics, openness and transparency, freedom of information and accessibility. The British Council in Ankara commissioned the programme, with funding from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (2002).

United Kingdom
Complaint-handling workshops for participants from UK central and local government. Aimed at managers and service providers responsible for customer care and complaint handling, the workshops offered both strategic and practical advice (1999 to 2000).

Specialised one-day seminars on effective complaint management for registered social landlords. Run in association with the Independent Housing Ombudsman (2002).

Vietnam
Tailor-made public service reform, central and local government structures and management and service delivery programme for senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Vietnam. Funded by the Government of Vietnam (2007).

Yemen
Individual programme of briefings and visits for the Director of the Speaker's Office, Parliament of the Republic of Yemen. Special area of interest was parliamentary administration and management in support of open democratic systems of government. Funded by the British Council (1998).

Zambia
Intensive one-week programme on the Role of the Ombudsman in Improving Public Services for the Office of the Investigator-General. Programme run in collaboration with the Centre for Ombudsman Studies at the University of Reading (1997).

Special study programmes for members of the Zambian Judiciary on judicial administration, public sector reform and human resource management. Funded by the British Council (1996).