Stronger voice: Introduction to parliament (Wales)

About the training

This training is designed to support people working for voluntary organisations in the criminal justice system to increase their awareness and understanding of the role of the UK Parliament to be able to work with them to influence change.

The training will cover:

• The respective roles of UK government and parliament, with a specific focus on how legislation is made
• The House of Commons and House of Lords and how to engage with them
• The Senedd’s role, powers and responsibilities
• How you can use your voice and get involved in the work of the Senedd.

Who this event is for

This is a beginner’s event, for organisations working in the criminal justice system who rarely engage with policy and want to learn how they can influence decision makers.

For example, you have sent a letter to a Member of Parliament or a Member of the Senedd but don’t know how to follow it up; you are interested in legislation but don’t know how it is made and passed through parliament; or you want to know more about how the Senedd works and it’s powers.

Training opportunities for organisations more experienced in policy and influencing will be made available later in the Stronger voice programme.

Eligibility criteria:

As Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales are funding this programme of work, we are asking for the following criteria to be met:

• These are open to any voluntary organisation working in the criminal justice system, though each event has a different capacity of attendee numbers to ensure the training is effective
• Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, subject to eligibility and availability, though Clinks will reserve specific spaces for organisations working with people in contact with the criminal justice system that are led by and focussed on racially minoritised people
• Please only book one ticket per organisation as we expect there to be high demand for these events.

About the trainers

Tomas Williams is part of UK Parliament’s Education and Engagement Service, which works with people and communities across the United Kingdom to increase public understanding of, and engagement with, the UK Parliament. As a regional outreach officer, Tomas helps to take Parliament beyond Westminster, working with schools and community organisations throughout his region, supporting people to understand how they can better engage with Parliament and get their voices heard.

Lowri Kenny is the Senior Events and Community Engagement Officer at the Senedd.

About Stronger voice

The Stronger voice training programme brings together experts across policy, campaigns and communications to support organisations of all sizes to influence decision makers. This programme is being delivered as part of Clinks’ three-year Stronger voice programme, funded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, and aims to help the voluntary sector working in criminal justice to develop a unified and influential voice, at both a national and regional level.