Introduction

In today's complex democratic societies, the influence of corporate lobbying on public policy is a critical area demanding stringent ethical oversight and transparent practices. While legitimate advocacy plays a vital role in shaping legislation, the potential for undue influence, conflicts of interest, and a lack of transparency can erode public trust and distort fair policy outcomes. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring leaders, public affairs professionals, and governance experts with the essential frameworks and practical strategies to navigate the intricate ethical landscape of corporate engagement with government.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of ethical advocacy, master transparency in lobbying, and refine their ability to lead with integrity and accountability in the public policy arena. You will learn to identify and mitigate ethical risks in lobbying activities, build robust internal controls, and foster a culture that prioritizes public interest alongside corporate objectives. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your capacity to protect your organization's reputation, ensure regulatory adherence, and contribute to more equitable and transparent policy-making processes.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Senior Leaders and Executives
• Public Affairs and Government Relations Professionals
• Legal Counsel and Compliance Officers
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Managers
• Ethics Officers
• Company Secretaries
• Board Members
• Lobbyists and Consultants
• Aspiring Leaders in Public Affairs
• Professionals interacting with government agencies

Objectives

• Understand the core ethical principles governing corporate lobbying and public policy.
• Develop a strategic mindset for ethical engagement with government.
• Master techniques for transparent and responsible lobbying practices.
• Learn to identify and manage conflicts of interest in public policy influence.
• Cultivate ethical leadership and decision-making in government relations.
• Enhance understanding of relevant anti-corruption and lobbying regulations.
• Develop strategies for fostering a culture of integrity in public affairs.
• Understand the role of stakeholder engagement in ethical policy advocacy.
• Create a personalized action plan for championing ethical lobbying practices.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Corporate Lobbying & Public Policy Ethics

• Defining corporate lobbying and its role in democratic processes.
• Understanding the ethical imperative of transparency and accountability in influence.
• Exploring the potential for undue influence and its societal consequences.
• The interplay between corporate interests, public interest, and ethical conduct.
• Case studies of ethical and unethical lobbying practices.

Module 2: Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Lobbying

• Overview of key lobbying laws and regulations (e.g., disclosure requirements, gift rules).
• Understanding anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws in the context of lobbying.
• Compliance requirements for lobbyists and organizations engaging in advocacy.
• The role of regulatory bodies and enforcement actions.
• Navigating international lobbying regulations and cross-border ethics.

Module 3: Ethical Decision-Making in Public Policy Influence

• Applying ethical frameworks to analyze lobbying strategies and policy positions.
• Addressing conflicts of interest for individuals and organizations involved in lobbying.
• The importance of integrity, honesty, and truthfulness in advocacy.
• Strategies for balancing corporate objectives with broader public good.
• Practical exercises in resolving ethical dilemmas in public affairs.

Module 4: Transparency and Disclosure in Lobbying

• Best practices for transparently disclosing lobbying activities and expenditures.
• Understanding the importance of public registers and reporting mechanisms.
• Strategies for proactive communication about policy positions and advocacy efforts.
• The role of integrated reporting in demonstrating ethical influence.
• Building public trust through open and honest engagement.

Module 5: Stakeholder Engagement and Ethical Advocacy

• Identifying and engaging diverse stakeholders in public policy debates.
• Strategies for building coalitions and fostering collaborative advocacy.
• Understanding the ethical implications of grassroots lobbying and astroturfing.
• The role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in ethical public affairs.
• Balancing competing stakeholder interests with ethical considerations.

Module 6: Internal Controls and Governance for Lobbying

• Designing and implementing robust internal controls for lobbying activities.
• Developing clear policies and procedures for government relations teams.
• The board's role in overseeing lobbying strategy and ethical conduct.
• Risk assessment for lobbying activities and potential ethical vulnerabilities.
• Ensuring accountability for compliance with lobbying laws and internal policies.

Module 7: Fostering a Culture of Ethical Public Affairs

• Strategies for embedding ethical values throughout the public affairs function.
• Developing and delivering ethics training for government relations professionals.
• Promoting psychological safety to encourage speaking up about ethical concerns.
• Recognizing and rewarding ethical advocacy.
• Creating a personalized action plan for championing ethical lobbying and public policy engagement.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.