The Senedd & Welsh Government

Senedd Training Delivered by former Senedd Members, Ministers and Political Advisers from Across Welsh Politics

Practical Insight into How Welsh Politics Really Works

Westminster & Whitehall Partners provides high-level training for organisations seeking to understand and engage effectively with the Senedd, Welsh Government and the Welsh policy-making process.

Whether you are a business, trade association, charity, public affairs team, local authority, embassy or international organisation, our training provides a practical understanding of how decisions are made in Wales and how organisations can engage effectively with Welsh policymakers.

Training is overseen by former MP, Minister and Select Committee Chair David Davies and delivered by experienced political practitioners with first-hand knowledge of the Senedd and Welsh Government.

Where appropriate, Westminster & Whitehall Partners works with colleagues from a range of political backgrounds, including former Members of the Senedd and advisers with experience of Labour, Plaid Cymru and Conservative administrations and political groups. This enables clients to gain a broader understanding of Welsh politics and how different parties approach government, scrutiny, policy-making and stakeholder engagement.

Unlike many training providers, we do not rely on career trainers. Every contributor is selected for their practical experience and subject expertise, and the most appropriate trainers are discussed and agreed with clients in advance.

What Our Senedd Training Covers

Each session is delivered by an experienced practitioner and provides a practical, insider's view of how Welsh politics operates in practice.

Understanding the Senedd

• Understand the role of Members of the Senedd, Ministers, committee chairs and political groups.

• Learn how the Senedd differs from Westminster and how powers are divided between Cardiff Bay and Whitehall.

• Gain insight into how political influence is exercised within the Welsh political system.

Influencing Welsh Policy

• Understand how policy is developed within the Welsh Government.

• Learn how organisations can engage constructively with Ministers, Members of the Senedd and political advisers.

• Explore practical approaches to raising issues and building support for policy proposals.

Working with Senedd Committees

• Understand how Senedd Committees scrutinise legislation, public spending and government performance.

• Learn how inquiries are conducted and how organisations can submit effective evidence.

• Understand how committee reports can influence government policy and public debate.

Understanding Welsh Legislation

• Gain a practical understanding of how legislation is developed and scrutinised in the Senedd.

• Learn when stakeholders can engage most effectively during the legislative process.

• Understand the opportunities and limitations of influencing legislation in Wales.

Understanding Welsh Government Decision-Making

• Learn how Ministers, special advisers and officials work together within the Welsh Government.

• Understand how policy priorities are established and implemented.

• Gain insight into the political and practical considerations that influence decision-making in Cardiff Bay.

Tailored to Your Organisation

Every organisation is different.

For that reason, Westminster & Whitehall Partners tailors each programme to the needs of the client. Training can be adapted to specific sectors, policy areas, campaigns or strategic objectives.

Whether your focus is the Senedd, Welsh Government, local government, regulators or wider public affairs activity, we can design a programme that reflects your priorities.

Training can be delivered in either English or Welsh, with Welsh-speaking trainers available where required.

Who the Training Is For?

• Businesses and public affairs teams seeking to strengthen engagement with the Welsh Government and Senedd.

• Trade associations and membership organisations with interests in Wales.

• Charities, NGOs and advocacy groups working on Welsh policy issues.

• Local authorities and public bodies seeking a deeper understanding of the Welsh political landscape.

• Embassies, diplomatic missions and international organisations seeking insight into Welsh devolution and policy-making.

• Organisations seeking to understand the political priorities and perspectives of the major parties represented in the Senedd.

Flexible Training Formats

• In-person training delivered in central Cardiff or at your preferred location.

• Live online training delivered anywhere in the world.

• Full-day programmes (typically 9:30am–3:00pm) or shorter, focused sessions.

• Bespoke workshops tailored to specific policy challenges or organisational objectives.

Typical Fee

Typical fee for a full-day training session delivered in central Cardiff: from £950

Bespoke programmes, specialist sessions and online training are available on request.

To book a session or discuss how this training could benefit you, please Contact us for more details.