REPORT WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 1

WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020: PREPARING PARLIAMENTARIANS FOR A CHANGING WORLD

23-25 November 2020

FINAL REPORT REPORT REPORT 2 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CONTENTS Between 23 – 25 November 2020, CPA UK hosted the 69th edition of the Westminster Seminar. Although this flagship programme has been running for years, this was the first ever ‘virtual’ Westminster Seminar. Incidentally, this year’s theme was centred around Preparing CONTENTS 2 Parliamentarians for a Changing World.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 The programme invited parliamentarians and parliamentary officials to network and engage with counterparts; explore approaches to parliamentary systems from across the Commonwealth; and draw comparisons between different legislatures, with exercises to help OUTCOME AND OUTPUTS 3 develop their capacity and knowledge.

PARTICIPATING LEGISLATURES 4 2020 as we know, has been an extremely eventful year with a global pandemic and continued protests for democracy, equality and security. These occurrences have strengthened the case SEMINAR SUMMARY 6 for parliamentarians to be prepared for change and unpredictability. This seminar therefore also provided an opportunity for delegates to discuss how these monumental global events have fared in their own local contexts. OFFICIAL PROGRAMME 12 During the Seminar, sessions focussed on a range of topics including good ways for leaders DELEGATE FEEDBACK 18 to communicate in a virtual world and the evolution of parliamentary scrutiny tools. It also explored best practice for writing committee reports and recommendations. The programme MEDIA ENGAGEMENT 19 provided participants with opportunities for networking, discussions and group work, alongside panel discussions and Q&A sessions with speakers.

CONCLUSION 20 We were honoured to be joined by 150 parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and officials from 30 countries across the Commonwealth.

OUTCOME AND OUTPUTS WESTMINSTER SEMINAR IN NUMBERS

OUTCOME: 158 networking meetings

Delegates enhanced their ability to effectively Average time spent on the event by scrutinise, represent and deliver oversight in their delegates was 613 minutes respective parliaments with tools to better adapt a changing political and social landscape. 610 1-2-1 chats between delegates

OUTPUTS: 1218 chat messages on the main stage and breakout groups 1. Delegates had an opportunity to widen their networks, creating open communication lines to work collaboratively with their peers.

2. Delegates were introduced to effective knowledge, tools and skills to enhance their leadership and administrative role in their respective legislatures.

3. Delegates gained a deeper understanding of the components that make up an effective parliament within the Westminster context, using examples from the UK and across the Commonwealth. REPORT REPORT 4 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 5

PARTICIPATING LEGISLATURES REPORT REPORT 6 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 7

SEMINAR SUMMARY A discussion on Effective Parliaments and the The first thematic discussion Roles and Responsibilities of the Presiding was on the State of Emergency Officer delved into the difference between and Democracy. The discussion - WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION - the Speaker of the House of Commons was chaired by Dr Catherine and the Lord Speaker. This session was Haddon, a Senior Fellow at The programme was delivered across specifically designed for the five presiding the Institute for Government. three days and was attended by presiding officers attending the Seminar. The current Dr Haddon highlighted that officers, parliamentarians, clerks and other Lord Speaker, The Rt Hon. The Lord Fowler, the pandemic has changed parliamentary staff from every region in the explained how he oversees proceedings in the way parliaments introduce Commonwealth. Where there was a possibility the Lords Chamber and plays a vital role in emergency powers. She also that some delegates from the Asia Pacific the House of Lords administration. He is also stated that governments region were unable to attend due to the seen as the representative for the Lords, both have been criticised for not domestically and internationally, promoting allowing sufficient scrutiny by time zone limitation, we included a specific The next session, Evolution of Parliamentary the work of the UK House of Lords and its vital parliament to new measures such as the networking session on Day Two of the seminar Scrutiny Tools, included contributions from role in the UK’s democratic system. The first lockdown. Delegates commented on the which was early enough to accommodate Liam Laurence Smyth, the Clerk of Legislation deputy speaker of the House of Commons, importance of maintaining an appropriate participation from all regions. Day One started from the UK Parliament and Baroness Liz The Rt Hon. Dame MP, then balance between supporting urgent with an introduction from Jon Davies, CEO of Barker, member of the UK House of Lords. gave an overview of the role of the Speaker of measures and questioning or scrutinising the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association They discussed an anticipated pressure the House of Commons, who is a Member of government decisions. UK Branch and a welcome from the Speaker of to move back to ‘business as usual’ in Parliament, elected to this office by other MPs. the UK House of Commons, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay the main chamber once restrictions are The Speaker chairs debates in the Commons The same points were raised during a Hoyle. relaxed. However, the possibility of a hybrid Chamber, keeps order and calls MPs to speak. parallel thematic discussion on The Impact system presents various opportunities for The Speaker is the chief officer and highest of COVID19 on Parliaments, chaired by - DAY ONE: ADAPTING PARLIAMENTS - committees. For instance, witnesses can be authority of the House of Commons and Dr Hannah White, Deputy Director of the brought in virtually from across the world. must always remain politically impartial. A key Institute of Government. She explained Day One started with an introduction from The discussion on Privilege & Conduct: difference between the two Speakers is that that several pieces of legislation have had Jon Davies, CEO of the Commonwealth Standards, Behaviour & Etiquette revealed the Commons Speaker regulates and controls to be amended over time to accommodate Parliamentary Association UK Branch and a stark differences between big and small debates, whereas the Lord Speaker guides and pressing needs and new developments welcome from the Speaker of the UK House legislatures. Eve Samson, Clerk of the Journals assists debates that are largely self-regulating. during the pandemic. Dr White spoke about of Commons, Rt Hon Sir . The for the UK Parliament, spoke about the These discussions highlighted contrasts with the difficulty of building relationships and day went on to explore the responsibilities of changes that have been brought about in the countries that had different approaches. For comradery during this pandemic as many members, presiding officers and clerks, how COVID19 context. Due to social distancing, instance, some legislatures have their Speaker parliaments are working virtually. She methods of scrutiny have evolved over the proxy voting is now available for all members, appointed by the government and some have stressed the importance for legislatures to years in parliament and how the pandemic has to limit physical attendance in the lobby. In only one chamber and therefore only one constantly review how parliaments have affected the concept of privilege and conduct comparison, Dr Bernicia Nisbett, the Deputy Presiding Officer. changed and whether operating this way in parliaments across the Commonwealth. Speaker of the National Assembly of St. Kitts will be appropriate beyond the global health and Nevis, maintained the pandemic has not A third parallel session explored Effective crisis. Key takeaways from Day One: affected their parliament as severely due Parliaments and the Roles and Responsibilities to their small membership size and their of Clerks. John Benger, the Clerk of the UK Parliamentarians began the seminar by infrequent meetings in comparison to the House of Commons, shared his journey - DAY TWO: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND unpacking the topic of Effective Parliaments UK parliament. However, in both contexts, into parliament and shed light on how the PERSONAL IMPACT - and the Roles and Responsibilities of elected officials must ensure they conduct overarching theme of Adapting Parliaments Members. There was a strong focus on the themselves in a way that does not bring their relates to parliamentary staff and officials. John Public Engagement is usually associated role parliamentarians have in upholding parliament into disrepute. the principles of democracy. Delegates Benger discussed how committee work has with the role of parliamentarians. However, been changed by the pandemic, with virtual this day unpacked the important role that discussed the importance of ensuring there is At the end of the day, delegates reflected on proceedings increasing many committees’ parliamentary staff also play when engaging a smooth transition of power after elections. and debated key topics through thematic reach to witnesses. Sarah Davies, Assistant with the public. The ‘Personal Impact’ element They also spoke about the duty members discussions. This was a new inclusion Clerk of the House of Commons, argued that of the day developed the leadership and have in ensuring wider participation from to the Westminster Seminar to provide virtual proceedings have proven successful for communication skills of delegates. There was underrepresented groups such as women parliamentarians and parliamentary officials the UK Parliament and have dispelled myths also an opportunity for both parliamentarians and the importance of increasing confidence an opportunity to discuss pertinent global that such an old institution would be unable to and staff to speak honestly with each other in citizens by reducing partisanship and party issues and their effects on their respective grapple with major changes. about their unique pressures and how they politics. legislatures. deal with them. REPORT REPORT 8 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 9

Key takeaways from Day Two: that there has also been increased pressure that the killing of George Floyd in the USA - DAY THREE: OVERSIGHT & SCRUTINY: on members of parliament as a result of the has shed light on the continued global THEORY & PRACTICE - An interactive session on Leadership and global pandemic, including more constituency prevalence of racism. It placed pressure on Communications was led by communications work. Newly elected MP, Bell Ribeiro Addy, parliamentarians to address issues of racism Day three focussed on both the theoretical expert Ginny Radmall. Delegates learnt how specifically detailed a surge in housing within their own legislatures. Delegates and practical elements of oversight and to be effective communicators as leaders, cases as people have lost their jobs and shared views regarding the perceptions held scrutiny. The bulk of the discussions particularly in the virtual world. Below are consequently lost their income. UK Members by other Commonwealth countries towards concentrated on committees: comparing some crucial pieces of advice shared during of Parliament have been given a higher how the UK has historically dealt with racism. and contrasting committee systems across the session: allowance of staff to help manage increased There is a perception that a colonial mindset the Commonwealth; conducting committee workloads. However, Lord Davies of Gower still exists in the UK. Elorm Haligah, CPA UK inquiries; and key tips on committee 1. Looking at the camera during virtual explained that in the House of Lords, they Programmes and Project Manager, informed recommendations and report writing for meetings is important as it directly engages do not have an allowance for members of the audience that CPA UK is championing both Clerks and Members. Delegates also the audience and makes it feel as if you are staff. Members of the Lords therefore utilise the fight against racial disparity. In 2020, explored the merit in using Prime Ministers looking at them. the well-equipped library and their access to the organisation ran a Black History Month Questions in the UK to hold the executive to external organisations that work on specific campaign to highlight Black role models account - something that was referred to by 2. Standing up allows you to command a policy areas. within the UK parliament. The session ended Lord Paul Boateng as ‘theatre’. certain level of authority when speaking to with an open invitation to Commonwealth people who are not physically in the same After this session, delegates were split parliamentarians and officials to work hand Key takeaways from Day Three: room. It also gives the speaker additional between parliamentarians and parliamentary in hand to address racial disparity. energy which helps to effectively engage the staff to discuss Public Engagement. Hon. The first session of the day compared audience. Andleeb Abbass from the National Assembly Lord Sarfraz spoke about the most relevant how Committees work across the of Pakistan likened the importance of case study regarding National Security in the Commonwealth. Meg Hillier MP, chair of 3. Being concise - by eliminating the use of public engagement to oxygen, claiming that UK: The National Security and Investment Bill the UK Public Account Committee (PAC), jargon and presenting your case in the format without it, democracies would not be able (currently being passed through the House spoke about the process of election for of a story - helps to avoid the common to function. This was echoed by The Rt Hon. of Commons and is due to come to the the PAC. The Chair of the PAC is chosen mistake of telling the whole movie when in the Baroness D’Souza CMG,who stated that House of Lords). He explained that it aims by Members of Parliament but has to be fact the audience only wants the ‘trailer’. public engagement has always been a priority to introduce a new regime for intervening an opposition member to allow balance. for the House of Lords, including facilitating in certain business transactions that might Committee members on the contrary are 4. Drinking warm water helps to loosen up school visits onto the estate and publicising raise security concerns. Delegates debated voted in by members of their own political the vocal cords and helps the speaker to sessions through social media. Both speakers on whether it should be in the hands of group. The use of the ‘Lead Member’ system sound clear. agreed that the pandemic has broadened politicians to determine what is a national in the UK PAC was discussed. This often the scope for public engagement because of security issue. On the converse, others felt comprises of one government member and The session on Pressures on Parliamentary virtual proceedings. However, to effectively this should be decided by an independent one opposition member in taking charge Staff revealed that managers find it complex reach the public, virtual outreach should body, as some politicians may have personal for questioning throughout an inquiry. Lead to deliver challenging news with staff complement, rather than replace, physical interests. Delegates also discussed views on members also take on a role after the inquiry dispersed, working from home during the engagement. the difference between national security and and feed into the report. In the Chair’s pandemic. Lynn Gardner, the Clerk of the protectionism. absence, the Lead Member is responsible for overseas office in the UK Parliament, said that The discussion on public engagement with handling media inquiries. This system allows another major challenge for parliamentary parliamentary staff and clerks complemented for a fair distribution of workload staff has been the pressure of working the parliamentarian session. Tara Jane across the committee to enable outside of sociable hours. Staff have found it Kerpens Lee, Select Committee Engagement members, regardless of their difficult to push back on tasks and workload Manager for the UK Parliament, and party, to work collaboratively has inevitably increased. To offer extra Tracy Cohen, Assistant to the House of in accomplishing a successful support to committee staff, a charter has Representatives and the Senate in Jamaica, inquiry. been drawn up, detailing their tasks, outlining agreed that the 2020 pandemic has enabled what is reasonable and at what time of the parliaments to broaden their reach to wider Hon. Akierra Missick MP, Chair of day. Fathitmath Niusha, the Secretary General audiences using digital technology. Tracy the Turks and Caicos Islands PAC, of the People’s Majis of Maldives, alluded to Cohen highlighted the use of social media as spoke about the value in training a similar process currently being planned by an area of development for their parliament. opportunities through CPA UK their legislature. The day closed with two thematic discussions; and advocated involvement in one on National Security and another one on committee hearing exercises as a A parallel discussion on Pressures on Racial Disparity. means of capacity development. Parliamentarians unsurprisingly revealed The discussion on Racial Disparity revealed In a small parliament such as the REPORT REPORT 10 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 11

Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), she stressed relevant due to the global health crisis in of drawing out key information. how much of a vital role committees play 2020, the actual focus was to help delegates in holding the government to account. The develop their skills when questioning witnesses This exercise also gave the delegates an deputy clerk of the TCI Parliament is the Clerk and secondly, discuss strategies about how opportunity to put into practice some of the for the PAC, and also has the responsibility to effectively using committee hearings points explored during their previous session of four other committees in parliament, to scrutinise legislation. The exercise was on Leadership and Communication session. portraying their stretch on personnel. This facilitated through the freeze-frame method: After the committee exercise, the last plenary provided a clear contrast between their after every 3-4 questions, the facilitator paused session looked at best practice when writing committee and the equivalent in a different the session. When doing this, he commented reports and recommendations, both from a sized legislature. on what was executed very well and facilitated clerk perspective and a parliamentarian’s point discussions around what could have been of view. Richard Cooke, the Clerk of the UK PAC, shared developed on even further. The three following some key points about his role. He highlighted key points were stated: The seminar culminated with a message from that he is less involved in the content of the the British people – not party interests. There the Leader of the House of Commons, the Rt committee and more involved in stakeholder was consensus during this session that it 1. When questioning witnesses, it is important Hon. Jacob Rees Mogg. He praised delegates engagement, as well as ensuring a smooth is important to decide an issue and gather to ask them questions only they know the for their participation and their leadership, and running of the committee. His role is mainly evidence soon after. Darren Jones explained answer to, to remain relevant. reminded them that the best thing they can adminstrative; in addition to giving procedural that bringing panellists that disagree together do with the knowledge acquired during the advice to members, his work is linked to is an effective way of exposing an issue and 2. To get the most out of difficult witnesses, seminar is to use it to better represent their debates in the chamber and other select effectively delving into it. The UK Business it is imperative to ask them specific targeted constituents. committees. Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee have questions that are harder to evade. Moreover, had more of a focus on the topic of COVID19. parliamentarians should push for promises to The next part of the seminar looked at Holding Like other discussions, he praised the fact follow up separately after the hearing. the Prime Minister to Account, which was led that the pandemic has lent itself to more by The Rt Hon. Lord Boateng. He described digital participation which makes it easier to this method of scrutinising the executive as bring witnesses together. However, a setback ‘gladiatorial combat’. He felt that the pandemic has been the difficulty in conducting more has somewhat diminished parliament in this sessions because of the limit on broadcasting respect. This is due to the view held that it is time. Darren Jones MP advised delegates to more effective to have people in the same room direct open questions to ministers and closed as it adds something to the atmosphere. The questions to witnesses when questioning hybrid system has detracted from the element during inquiries. of spontaneity that can only be brought about through physical interaction. He made Stephen Aldhouse, Committee Specialist reference to the strategy of the opposition in on the UK Business Energy and Industrial dividing the governing party and seeing the Strategy Committee, shared that their role effect of this through people’s faces on camera involves synthesising evidence and briefing the - consequently being able to follow up. Although committee on what evidence to use. Committee a lot of emphasis is placed on the Prime specialists make suggestions to committee Minister and the Leader of The Opposition, members on who to receive oral evidence from, Lord Boateng said that it is even more of an to drive a policy issue forward. These processes important platform for backbench MPs to rise are very central to ensuring committee inquiries to the occasion and bring their constituents’ work effectively. A key difference between issues to the forefront. Delegates praised this Clerks and Committee specialists is that the contribution as an open and honest insight into former oversees inquiry strands and ensures how Prime Minister’s Questions operates. strategic approach. Specialists, on the other Darren Jones MP started the third segment of hand, support members in understanding how the day by providing a good overview on how they can most utilise the powers they have as a inquiries are conducted. Inquiries do not have committee. the time to look at everything, so prioritisation is key. The ideal approach is to select a topical/ A committee exercise was held looking at political issue to bring ministers to account COVID19 and the Distribution of Personal on a cross party basis. Select committees Protective Equipment. Although the topic was 3. Using information from one witness to cross- exist to serve parliament and consequently examine another is also a very effective means REPORT 2020 Westminster Seminar 2020 WestminsterREPORT Seminar 23 - 25 November 2020 10 23 - 25 November 2020 12 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 13 11 OFFICIAL PROGRAMME (presentations can be downloaded here) 1315 – 1340 Break with optional networking Official Programme 1340 – 1430 Mainstage: The Evolution of Parliamentary Scrutiny Tools Day 1 – Monday 23 November 2020 One of parliament’s main roles is to examine and challenge the work of the government. The House of Commons and the House of Lords use similar methods of scrutiny, although the procedures vary.

Adapting Parliaments This session will explore these avenues but also examine more recent methods adapted in light of the 2020 global pandemic. TIME SESSION Baroness Barker, UK House of Lords (GMT) Liam Laurence Smyth, Clerk of Legislation 1130 - 1200 Sign in

1430 – 1440 Participants sign in and explore the seminar platform and optional networking opportunities. Break 1440 – 1530 Mainstage: Privilege & Conduct: Standards, Behaviour & Etiquette 1200 Mainstage: Welcome Parliamentary Privilege has been a historical safeguard for parliamentarians to perform their duties Important information on the logistics of the seminar including briefings on the committee inquiry without interference from outside of the House. However, with an increasing shift in the political exercise taking place on Wednesday. landscape, how does parliament ensure that there is a balance between the respect of privilege whilst maintaining the standards of behaviour? This session aims to open the conversation on Welcome message from Jon Davies, Chief Executive, CPA UK privilege and behaviour both in parliament and when working virtually. Housekeeping facilitated by Elorm Haligah, Projects & Programmes Manager, CPA UK Eve Samson, Clerk of Journals Hon. Dr Bernicia Nisbett, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis 1215 Mainstage: Welcome Keynote from Mr. Speaker Hon. Mohammud Zahid Nazurally, Deputy Speaker and Member of the National Assembly of 1220 -1315 Session 1a: Effective Session 1b: Effective Session 1c: Effective Mauritius Parliaments and the Parliaments and the Parliaments and the Responsibilities of Responsibilities of Presiding Responsibilities of Clerks 1530 – 1540 Break Members Officers 1540 – 1610 Thematic Discussion 1a: State of Thematic Discussion 1b: The Impact of In an environment where The Speaker is the chief officer Clerks are central to the Emergency and Democracy COVID19 on Parliaments society is always evolving, and the highest authority of the running of any parliament. The COVID19 pandemic set the conditions for COVID19 has impacted parliaments across the how do parliaments ensure house and must always remain From offering procedural some political leaders to use expansive world who have found that they have had to they are effective and what politically impartial. During advice in a neutral capacity powers by declaring a state of emergency. It adapt to new ways of working to allow them to does effective mean to debates the Speaker keeps to recording decisions in was a test of governments’ commitment to continue functioning and deliver their those within, and external order and calls MPs to speak. the house, their role is human rights and civil liberties with responsibilities. This discussion will explore the to, parliaments? This session This session aims to explore the crucial. This session will parliamentary accountability being at impact of the pandemic across Commonwealth aims to open the discussion historical background of the explore how clerks have a considerable risk. This discussion will explore parliaments as well as the approach taken to on what contributes to Speaker of the house, the responsibility to ensure the approaches to legislation taken by nations respond to challenges. effective parliaments, and importance of impartiality, and the effective running of in response to COVID19 and what best what is the role of how a new understanding of a their legislatures. safeguards democracy. Chair: Dr. Hannah White, Deputy Director, parliamentarians in modern Speaker has taken form Institute for Government ensuring its functionality. in parliament. This will be open John Benger, Clerk, UK Chair: Dr. Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow, to Presiding Officers only. Parliament Institute for Government MP, UK Parliament Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle Sarah Davies, Clerk 1610 – 1640 Speed Networking Session MP, Speaker, House of Assistant, UK Parliament Sir David Amess MP, UK Commons, UK Parliament This will be an opportunity for delegates to connect with others who share the same areas of Parliament interest from across the Commonwealth. The Rt Hon. Dame Eleanor The Rt Hon. The Lord Laing MP, Chair of Ways and 1640 – 1645 Closing Day 1 Haselhurst, UK House of Means, The First Deputy Lords Speaker of The House of This will be an opportunity for delegates to share with colleagues what they have learnt from Commons, UK Parliament today’s sessions and what they are looking forward to learning about from Day 2 of the Seminar. Hon. Fatoumatta Njai MP, Member of the National The Rt Hon. the Lord Fowler, Assembly of the Gambia Lord Speaker, UK House of Lords 14 REPORT REPORT WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 2020 Westminster Seminar WESTMINSTER2020 SEMINAR Westminster 2020 Seminar15 23 - 25 November 2020 12 23 - 25 November 2020 13

1520 – 1610 Session 5a: Public Engagement Session 5b: Public Engagement Day 2 – Tuesday 24 November 2020 (Members) (Clerks)

Public Engagement and Personal Impact To reach less engaged stakeholders, the UK Parliamentary staff often need to engage Parliament and its committees have with the public on behalf of parliamentarians developed a range of outreach and or parliamentary committees. This session TIME SESSION engagement strategies, using various will help delegates consider how different means of communication. The COVID19 strategies could expand the reach of (GMT) pandemic has meant that some of these committees and broader parliamentary 0800 – 0900 Connecting with Asia Pacific strategies have had to adapt. This session engagement with the wider public on will help delegates consider how previous examples from across the Commonwealth. A networking session open to all at a convenient time for the Asia Pacific region. and new strategies could expand the reach of their engagement with constituents and the wider public based on examples from 1200 – 1400 Mainstage: Leadership and Communication Skills across the Commonwealth. Leading during a pandemic is not something most people could say they were 'prepared' The Rt Hon. the Baroness D'Souza CMG, Tara Jane Kerpens Lee, Select Committee for, but COVID19 has demanded that we adapt quickly and find ways to lead teams well in the UK House of Lords Engagement Manager, UK Parliament virtual world. That said, some conversations are harder to have online such as giving a colleague constructive criticism, or even encouraging them. Research from the last few Hon. Andleeb Abbas MNA, Member of , Assistant to the House of months suggests that the technical challenges of video calls mean that listening well and Tracy Cohen the National Assembly, Islamic Republic of Representatives and the Senate, Parliament collaborating with others over a video call is also more complicated. Pakistan of Jamaica In this session you will learn some practical tools for: navigating tricky conversations well over Hon. John King MP, Minister in the Prime video call; how to give feedback well; deep level listening technique. This workshop will be Minister’s Office with responsibility for interactive, so come ready to get involved to share and learn some insights. Culture, Barbados

Facilitator: Ginny Radmall, Director, The Ivy Way, Director 1610 – 1620 Break 1620 – 1650 Thematic Discussion 2a: Thematic Discussion 2b: 1400 – 1430 Break with Optional Networking National Security Scrutiny Racial Disparity and the Role of 1430 – 1510 Session 4a: Pressures on Session 4b: Pressures on Parliamentary Parliamentarians Parliamentarians Staff On the back of rising geopolitical tensions Racial disparity is an issue that has existed How can parliamentarians balance various How do parliamentary staff ensure they give and security concerns, the UK government for years but has been brought to the commitments and prioritise their time parliamentarians the adequate support they set out plans in January 2020 to legislate for forefront in 2020 through various protests between their constituencies, their need with their varying tasks? How do a new National Security and Investment Bill. in different countries. This discussion will legislature, special interests and many parliamentary staff make sure their political The purpose of the bill is to “strengthen the give participants an opportunity to share other political and personal pressures? views do not influence their ability to work Government’s powers to scrutinise and experiences in their own contexts and what How do parliamentarians ensure they work effectively? This session will help participants intervene in business transactions they can do to combat the issue. with their political parties, caucuses or identify positive ways to manage different (takeovers and mergers) to protect national political alliances whilst ensuring the best pressures and expectations. security”. This discussion will give Chair: Elorm Haligah, Projects and interests of their constituents? This session participants an opportunity to discuss Programmes Manager, CPA UK will help participants identify positive ways whether scrutiny of overseas takeovers is an to manage different pressures and issue of security or protectionism. expectations. Chair: The Lord Sarfraz, UK House of Lord Davies of Gower, UK Houe of Lords Lynn Gardner, Clerk of the Overseas Office, Lords UK Parliament Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, Shadow Minister for Immigration, UK Parliament Fathimath Niusha, Secretary General of 1650 – 1655 Closing Day 2 The People’s Majlis of Maldives This will be an opportunity for delegates to share with colleagues what they have learnt from today’s programme and what they are looking forward to learning from Day 3 of the Seminar. 1510 – 1520 Break REPORT REPORT 2020 Westminster Seminar 2020 Westminster Seminar 16 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 17 23 - 25 November 2020 14 23 - 25 November 2020 15

Day 3 – Wednesday 25 November 2020 1520 – 1615 Exercise: Virtual Committee Hearing on COVID-19 This session will be a practical exercise, where delegates will role play a virtual committee with Oversight and Scrutiny: Theory & Practice witnesses looking at a specific topic. This will be a chance for participants to put into practice the knowledge and skills developed prior to this. It will be ‘freeze-frame’ facilitated, giving participants in the inquiry exercise an opportunity to pause and think about how certain TIME SESSION aspects could have been done differently, or compare how it usually would be conducted (GMT) during a committee hearing in their own legislatures.

1200 – 1250 Mainstage: Committee Systems Across the Commonwealth Facilitated by Huw Yardley, Former Clerk, Health and Social Care Select Committee, UK Parliament Committees aim to scrutinise governments on various topics which reflect the needs of the legislature, whilst also providing an opportunity to gather insight into trends within specific 1615 – 1625 Break regions. This session aims to showcase committees within the Commonwealth and explore the impact they make on social issues across various regions. 1625 – 1705 Exercise: Committee Recommendations Exercise: Committee Recommendations and Report Writing (Members) and Report Writing (Clerks) Hon. Akierra Missick MP, Chair of Public Accounts Committee, House of Assembly, Turks Committee reports are often aimed at Choosing recommendations and how a report and Caicos Islands & Meg Hillier MP, UK Parliament government, recommending changes in is presented are essential skills for clerks. policy and practice, based on the evidence Following the virtual committee hearing, this 1250 – 1315 Break with Optional Networking gathered during an inquiry. This session session will be a practical exercise that will 1315 – 1355 Mainstage: Holding the Prime Minister to Account brings parliamentarians together to share strengthen the skills required in identifying examples of good practice from their own recommendations and writing reports. Clerks Like some other parliaments in the Commonwealth, the British Prime Minister appears once a jurisdictions and discuss some of the will put their skills into practice by identifying week to answer questions tabled by Members of Parliament aiming to hold the government to challenges associated with committee recommendations based on the committee account. This session will discuss the purpose and procedure of Prime Minister’s Questions inquiries, including how these may have hearing and discuss what an effective (PMQs) and explore other ways the Prime Minister is held to account. Following this discussion, changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. committee report looks like. delegates will have the opportunity to view a previous recording of a PMQs session and hold a discussion during key points. Facilitated by Dr Sarah Wollaston, Former Facilitated by Huw Yardley, Former Clerk, Chair, Health and Social Care Health and Social Care Select Committee The Rt Hon. Lord Paul Boateng of Akyem and Wembley, UK House of Lords Select Committee, UK Parliament

1355 –1405 Break 1705 – 1720 Mainstage: Interactive Feedback Session - Facilitated by CPA UK 1405 – 1445 Mainstage: Conducting an Inquiry This will be an opportunity for delegates to share with colleagues what they have learnt from Committees consider policy issues, scrutinise the work and expenditure of the government, the seminar and what they intend to do as a result in their own legislatures. and examine proposals for primary and secondary legislation. Select committees operate largely by an investigative process, while legislative committees operate mainly by debate. This 1720 – 1730 Closing Remarks session will cover elements such as how to pick a topic, select witnesses and neutrality. Following the presentations by the panel, this session will break out into two groups - Keynote Speech from Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, The Leader of the House, UK Parliament parliamentarians and clerks - to allow a focussed discussion relevant to their roles. 1730 – 1735 Vote of Thanks Darren Jones MP, Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy Committee Chair, UK Parliament Led by Elorm Haligah, Projects and Programmes Manager, CPA UK 1445 – 1455 Break

1455 – 1520 Exercise: Virtual Committee Hearing Brief

The aim of this exercise is to explore techniques of scrutiny and effective questioning practices using a real-life case study. Participants will have the opportunity to experience how a virtual committee hearing works. They will also discuss and share good practice for an effective committee hearing. During this briefing session, questions will be distributed between END OF SEMINAR parliamentarians to ask in the hearing to follow.

Facilitated by Huw Yardley, Former Clerk, Health and Social Care Select Committee, UK Parliament REPORT REPORT 18 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 19

DELEGATE FEEDBACK

CPA UK recognises that time is limited for our delegates and therefore we seek to make When delegates were asked how relevant the Seminar was to their role, around three- our programmes as tailored and relevant as possible to their needs. We do this through quarters said it was fully relevant to their role, the remainder stated it was partially and no consultation with our key stakeholders and continuous learning from previous activities. one responded that it was not relevant to their role. When it came to meeting delegates expectations, a third said we exceeded expectations with over 60% saying we met them. CPA UK asks delegates to complete Pre- and Post- Seminar Assessments where they rate their own levels of understanding against key areas covered during the workshop on a scale from expert to basic knowledge.

On average, we saw a 9% increase in knowledge with the highest increases including: • The Different Approaches Commonwealth Parliaments have taken during the Pandemic (35% increase), • Comparative Commonwealth Parliamentary Systems (24% increase) • Westminster Parliamentary System & UK Political Landscape (10% increase)

MEDIA ENGAGEMENT

The Westminster Seminar received positive media coverage in Bermuda, Jamaica, Rwanda and Guyana, with an emphasis on the theme of the Seminar which was to assist parliamentarians to adapt to challenging global trends.

See the articles below:

• ‘Commonwealth Parliamentarians Come Together To Reflect On Global Challenges & Changing Political Landscape’, Bermuda Real, https://www.bermudareal.com/ commonwealth-parliamentarians-come-together-to-reflect-on-global-challenges-changing- political-landscape/ • ‘Commonwealth parliamentarians to reflect on global challenges, changing political landscape’, Jamaica Observer, http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/ Commonwealth_parliamentarians_to_reflect_on_global_challenges • ‘Commonwealth parliamentarians meet to reflect on global challenges’,The New Times, Rwanda, https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/commonwealth-parliamentarians-meet- reflect-global-challenges • ‘Parliament of Guyana participates in CPA UK 2020 Westminster Seminar’, Parliament of Guyana, https://parliament.gov.gy/media-centre/press-releases/parliament-of-guyana- participates-in-cpa-uk-2020-westminster-seminar

Through CPA UK’s social media channels, the Seminar received over 65,000 impressions and individuals engaged with social media posts more than 1,300 times. REPORT CPA UK REPORT 20 WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 Westminster Hall | Houses of Parliament | | SW1A 0AA WESTMINSTER SEMINAR 2020 21 T: +44 (0)207 219 5373 W: www.uk-cpa.org E: [email protected] CONCLUSION

2020 has undoubtedly been a defining year for parliaments across the Commonwealth. This year’s seminar highlighted the reality of that. Despite the geographical spread of the Commonwealth, virtual connectivity enabled 150 parliamentarians and officials from 30 countries to attend the seminar. Similarities were brought to the fore in that the coronavirus pandemic has presented legislators and parliamentary staff with various challenges. These include the necessity to adapt to technological developments; increased workload due to emergency legislation; and managing all of this in conjunction with their usual responsibilities. Nonetheless, challenges always present opportunities. There has been great optimism especially from those working on committees, as virtual operation has granted access to a wider pool of resource personnel. Delegates enjoyed sharing good practice with peers on how to use the tools at their disposal to better adapt to the current changing political and social landscape.

As this was the first virtual Westminster Seminar, there were parallels drawn between how parliaments have been operating in the pandemic and the effectiveness of holding such a forum on a virtual platform. Delegates and speakers alike commented on the benefits of holding meetings in the chamber through online platforms but stressed that the value in physical meetings cannot be understated. As such, beyond the pandemic there was a consensus for parliamentary business to operate in a hybrid fashion at the very least, with more people leaning towards a complete return to physical meetings. Similarly, CPA UK will also consider adopting this approach when delivering multilateral meetings of this nature as the combination of both methods invites engagement from as many parts of the Commonwealth as possible, in a very cost-effective way.