Description of Activity: STUDY DAY & ACCLIMATISATION
Study time and reading of resource pack
Day 1 of the programme has been mainly set aside for participants to focus on reviewing the
course material in preparation for the start of the programme.
Accreditation and Registration
Welcome Reception
Official opening of the Residency Programme.
Free evening
DAY 2 - Tuesday 9th December
Description of Activity: SETTING THE SCENE
OPENING CEREMONY
National Anthem of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Brief Remarks
HOUSEKEEPING & INTRODUCTIONS
PERSONAL GOAL SETTING
This session will look at the importance of identifying personal goals for self-
improvement and to ensure key professional and personal objectives can be worked
towards. Participants will also have time to self-reflect and set objectives for the residency
programme.
Light refreshment break
MENTORING SESSION - WORLD CAFÉ
This will give participants an in-depth opportunity to work with a Mentor in small groups to examine key areas
around a number of topics. Participants will be able to examine domestic approaches and hear ideas
from experts on techniques and tips for personal development in the performance of their duties.
Networking Lunch
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PARLIAMENT TOUR
This is an opportunity for our delegates to learn about the Host Branch. A guided tour of the Parliament will be provided.
Networking Break
PARLIAMENTARIANS AND PARLIAMENT
This session examines the relationship between parliamentarians and the institution of parliament. What does a parliamentarian
need in terms of support, who owns parliament and how can it be fit for purpose in supporting parliamentarians in their roles?
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD PARLIAMENTARIAN
This interview-style session will give an opportunity for participants and mentors to discuss what makes for an effective
parliamentarian in the modern age and what skills, approaches, ethics and views shape them.
Participants will get to discuss issues they have faced in their own country context and how they can overcome those challenges.
End of Day 2
Description of Activity: LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
RECAP OF DAY 2
THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
This session will provide an in-depth analysis of the legislative process and what is
considered good practice – focus will be on scrutinising laws (before Bills are given
first reading and whilst in parliament), drafting laws, opportunities for amending laws
and advocating for them, and what post-legislative scrutiny is and why it is important.
This session will examine these topics from the perspective of Government and Private
Members’ Bills.
Networking Break
SPEECH AND PRESENTATION MASTERCLASS
To assist participants in preparing their contributions to the debate, a workshop on giving speeches, structuring speeches and body language will be available.
CHAMBER DEBATE PREP WORK
With the support of an assigned mentor, and in groups, participants will have an additional opportunity to examine the
Bill in preparation for the 2nd Reading in the afternoon. Groups will have a chance to coordinate their approaches to the debate.
Networking Lunch and continued Chamber Debate prep work
CHAMBER DEBATE – 2ND READING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM
(INCORPORATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL
Participants will debate the Second Reading of the Bill. The exercise will be timed and will include stop-start question and answer opportunities
throughout. The exercise will provide an opportunity to use influence
and negotiation skills, presentation skills, scrutiny skills, teamwork, understanding and interpretation of rules of procedure and confidence building.
ANALYSIS & WASHUP
Following the debate, participants will have a chance to reflect on the legislative process, how to achieve change and how to communicate effectively for that change.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Trinidad and Tobago Parliament has organised a cultural dinner and performance.
End of Day 3
Description of Activity: OUTREACH AND REPRESENTATION
RECAP OF DAY 3
OUTREACH, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
This session will begin by examining the representative function of a parliamentarian and how parliamentarians
bring the people into parliament as both representatives and delegates. How can parliamentarians build effective partnerships
and gain the support they need to achieve real and sustainable change?
In groups, the participants will look at stakeholder mapping on a key issue.
Networking Break
TRADITIONAL MEDIA, SOCIAL MEDIA AND AI
In the digital age, it is essential for parliamentarians to get their message out into the
community. New and traditional media are vital channels to be exploited and managed.
However, parliamentarians must be listeners as well as talkers. How can the media be
used as a powerful mechanism to reach out and learn?
In groups, the participants will design a communications’ strategy around a key issue.
Networking Lunch
FIELD VISIT
A key part of any parliamentarian’s work is to go out into the community either to learn from community stakeholders or to share
information for the purposes of educating or advocating. This field visit will highlight the benefits of visiting local projects or
activities to gain in-depth and valuable primary first-hand information to assist the parliamentarian in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities.
This visit will play a key role in Day 5’s scrutiny and committee focus.
End of Day 4
Description of Activity: SCRUTINY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT
RECAP OF DAY 4
SCRUTINY AND OVERSIGHT IN COMMITTEES
This session will look at the work of select and standing committees and why they are
one of the most effective mechanisms to scrutinise and hold the executive to account.
How committees work, how Members should perform, what should committees do to
ensure they are influential change-makers from reports and recommendations to public
pressure and beyond.
Networking Break
QUESTIONING MASTERCLASS
This will be an opportunity to look at what a good question is, what are open and closed questions and when to use them,
how to ensure you get the answers you seek and how to have confidence in drafting and asking a procedurally correct
question. In groups, participants will look at how to structure a good question.
GROUP WORK – COMMITTEE PREP-WORK
With the help of their mentors, time will be given for groups to prepare for the forthcoming committee session in
drafting questions and how to coordinate their approach with a designated Chair.
Networking Lunch and Continued Committee Prep Work
COMMITTEE EXERCISE
Individuals will be divided up into groups to conduct a committee hearing with witnesses on the Bill. Members will have the chance to ask probing
questions to real-life experts from Trinidad and will then in private examine what would be the committees’ key recommendations.
ANALYSIS & WASHUP
Following the committee session, participants will have a chance to reflect on the scrutiny and oversight process, how to achieve change and how to communicate for that change.
FEEDBACK AND OFFICIAL CLOSING
Delegates will complete a short post-assessment form and verbal feedback session on the course and key outcomes. There will also be a closing speech, issuing of certificates and an official Vote of Thanks.
End of Day 5
