Courses and events
Boost your communication skills and knowledge with our free courses and learning resources, as part of our curriculum. Topics include external affairs, internal communications, marketing, media, and strategic communications.
On this page:
- Booking
- Learn and develop
- Online courses (no date available yet)
- Public Service Communications Academy 2021
- Calendar
Booking
To book your course or access our content, you need to:
- be a government communicator, part of the Government Communication Service (GCS)
- ask the development adviser in your department for the GCS password or contact us to know their details: gcs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk (it is the same password to book events and to watch webinars)
- You will get Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points per session or learning.
Learn and develop
The majority of our courses are delivered by internal trainers from across departments and organisations. Check your learning pathway with our curriculum then record your activities in your personal development plan (PDP).
On-demand learning
Check your learning pathway with our curriculum and get Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.
- Listen to podcasts recordings
- External learning resources
- Reading lists by grade and topic
- On-demand webinars
Professional bodies webinars
Watch webinars for free or access resources for a discount through bodies we partner with, such as the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) and the Market Research Society (MRS): Professional bodies details.
Comms exchanges
Live online virtual events, Comms Exchanges are regular opportunities to learn about innovation and best practices in government communications, as well as share insight, ideas and knowledge. Check the calendar on this page for the next one.
Online courses with GCSI
October 2021 update: due to development work the following courses will resume at a later date. We have no date available yet. We will advertise the next course dates through our normal communication channels.
We work in partnership with the Government Communication Service International (GCSI) team to offer online modular courses to GCS members.
When you sign up you must commit to the full duration of the course; between 5 to 8 weeks, depending on which course you sign up for. Modules are released week by week and you can finish them at your own pace provided this is within the timeframe allowed for the whole course.
The courses are (no dates of availability yet):
- Campaigning excellence (in partnership with GCSI) Not available at the moment
- Crisis communications (in partnership with GCSI) Not available at the moment
- Understanding disinformation (in partnership with GCSI) Not available at the moment
- Introduction to communications (in partnership with GCSI) Not available at the moment
- Digital communications (in partnership with GCSI) Not available at the moment
Public Service Communications Academy 2021
The annual Public Service Communications Academy is for local and central government colleagues.
Run in partnership with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and LGcomms, the event provides a unique opportunity to listen, learn and discuss their work. It will again be a virtual event this year, following the success of last year’s first online setting.
The event will feature industry-leading speakers from across the full spectrum of public service communications, who will be reflecting on the successes and challenges of the past year, and looking ahead to the trends that will shape the future.
Themes will include the future of communications and building resilience, as well as practical tips on digital, accessibility and content.
Submit your entry for the Awards
The Public Service Communications Awards has a proud history of recognising the achievements of communicators across the public sector, staged jointly by LGcomms and GCS.
Each year, the Awards celebrate teams and individuals who have delivered innovative and impactful communications, to support policy delivery at a national, regional and local level. Find out more about the 2020 winners.
Submit your entry for this year’s award:
Public Service Communications Awards entry form (Word document)
Register using the links in the calendar
Calendar
| Course/Event | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
|
Webinar Public Service Communications Academy 2021: Day 1 Run in partnership with the PRCA and LGcomms, the event provides a unique opportunity to listen, learn and reflect on our work. |
Tuesday 23 November 9:15 am |
Tuesday 23 November 5:30 pm |
|
Webinar Public Service Communications Academy 2021: Day 2 Run in partnership with the PRCA and LGcomms, the event provides a unique opportunity to listen, learn and reflect on our work. |
Wednesday 24 November 9:15 am |
Wednesday 24 November 5:30 pm |