Courses and events
Our communications skills training courses are free and accessible to the Government Communication Service (GCS) members.
With courses on external affairs, internal communications, marketing, media, and strategic communications, there is a course to help you develop as a professional – whatever the stage of your career.
The majority of our courses are delivered by internal trainers from across departments and organisations and are worth CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) points which can be used towards your personal development plan.
Booking a course
Book your course by asking the development adviser in your department for the GCS password or contact us if you need to know their details: gcsbookings@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
GCS academy: webinars and podcasts
To further support learning and development across our profession, we offer the following:
- on-demand GCS webinars (GCS members only – requires a password)
- podcasts (available to listen now)
- live webinars and courses (GCS members only – see the calendar)
Online courses with GCSI
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.
We will advertise the next course dates through our normal communication channels. The courses available are as follow:
Campaigning Excellence
The start of the next cohort is planned for early next year. We will announce the registration for the next cohort later this year. Email us at gcsbookings@cabinetoffice.gov.uk to be added to the waiting list.
Find out more about Campaigning Excellence course.
Crisis Communications
The current cohort started on 14 September 2020. We will announce the registration for the next cohort later this year. Email us at gcsbookings@cabinetoffice.gov.uk to be added to the waiting list.
Find out more about Crisis Communications course.
Understanding Disinformation
We will announce the registration for the next cohort later this year. Email us at gcsbookings@cabinetoffice.gov.uk to be added to the waiting list.
Find out more about Understanding Disinformation course.
Introduction to Communications
We will announce the registration for the next cohort later this year. Email us at gcsbookings@cabinetoffice.gov.uk to be added to the waiting list.
Find out more about Introduction to Communications course.
Digital Communications
Our first cohort started on 14 September 2020. We have received an unprecedented number of sign-ups and the course is now fully subscribed. We will be running the next cohort in December 2020. Please add your details to the waiting list form.
Find out more about Digital Communications course.
Day courses with GCS
The courses available are as follow, keep checking our calendar for new start dates:
- Creative campaigns
- Online crisis response and media relations
- Presenting with impact
- A practical approach to planning, insight and evaluation
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).
| Course/Event | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
|
Webinar Academy: Introduction to National Security Communications In this webinar hosted by the National Security and Communications Team, you will learn how communications are used in a crisis situation. |
Wednesday 23 September 3:00 pm |
Wednesday 23 September 4:00 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Online Crisis Response and Media Relations - FULLY BOOKED This course will give you the chance to build your crisis management skills through real-life examples. |
Thursday 24 September 9:00 am |
Thursday 24 September 12:30 pm |
|
Comms-exchange Wellbeing session: Tea & Talk Join us for an informal 'Tea & Talk' session, to talk openly and honestly about mental health. |
Thursday 24 September 2:00 pm |
Thursday 24 September 2:45 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Practical Approach to Planning, Insight & Evaluation -FULLY BOOKED This course will demonstrate the value and importance of good audience insight as you work through every stage of the OASIS model. |
Friday 25 September 9:30 am |
Friday 25 September 4:30 pm |
|
Webinar Academy: Creative Campaigns - FULLY BOOKED An interactive, fun and relaxed session with a lively facilitator with decades of experience in the creative industries. |
Wednesday 30 September 9:30 am |
Wednesday 30 September 4:30 pm |
|
Webinar Academy: Communicating Locally The course will introduce you to the essentials of local campaign planning. |
Wednesday 30 September 2:00 pm |
Wednesday 30 September 3:00 pm |
|
Webinar Academy: How to Run a Great Training Session Overview This webinar is aimed at GCS communications who want to deliver training online. |
Tuesday 6 October 1:30 pm |
Tuesday 6 October 3:00 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Practical Approach to Planning, Insight & Evaluation -FULLY BOOKED This course will demonstrate the value and importance of good audience insight as you work through every stage of the OASIS model. |
Thursday 8 October 9:30 am |
Thursday 8 October 4:30 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Creative Campaigns An interactive, fun and relaxed session with a lively facilitator with decades of experience in the creative industries. |
Friday 9 October 9:30 am |
Friday 9 October 4:30 pm |
|
Comms-exchange Wellbeing session: Tea & Talk Join us for an informal 'Tea & Talk' session, to talk openly and honestly about mental health. |
Wednesday 14 October 12:00 pm |
Wednesday 14 October 12:45 pm |
|
Webinar Academy: Presenting with Impact - FULLY BOOKED You must first submit a business case to gcsbookings@cabinetoffice.gov.uk detailing why this course would be beneficial for you. |
Thursday 15 October 9:30 am |
Thursday 15 October 4:30 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Online Crisis Response and Media Relations This course will give you the chance to build your crisis management skills through real-life examples. |
Thursday 22 October 9:00 am |
Thursday 22 October 12:30 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Presenting with Impact - FULLY BOOKED You must first submit a business case to gcsbookings@cabinetoffice.gov.uk detailing why this course would be beneficial for you. |
Friday 23 October 9:30 am |
Friday 23 October 4:30 pm |
|
Webinar Academy: Presenting with Impact You must first submit a business case to gcsbookings@cabinetoffice.gov.uk detailing why this course would be beneficial for you. |
Tuesday 3 November 9:30 am |
Tuesday 3 November 4:30 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Practical Approach to Planning, Insight and Evaluation This course will demonstrate the value and importance of good audience insight as you work through every stage of the OASIS model. |
Thursday 19 November 9:30 am |
Thursday 19 November 4:30 pm |