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.
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.
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.
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.
The courses available are as follow:
- Campaigning Excellence course
- Crisis Communications course
- Understanding Disinformation course
- Introduction to Communications course
- Digital Communications course
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.
Register your interest by signing up to the waiting list for any of these GCSI courses.
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: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Marketing At the end of this session, participants will know more about the relationship between thoughts, attitudes and behaviour, and more. |
Wednesday 2 December 12:30 pm |
Wednesday 2 December 1:45 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Creative Campaigns - FULLY BOOKED An interactive, fun and relaxed session with a lively facilitator with decades of experience in the creative industries. |
Friday 4 December 9:30 am |
Friday 4 December 5:00 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Online Crisis Response and Media Relations - RESCHEDULED This course will give you the chance to build your crisis management skills through real-life examples. |
Tuesday 8 December 9:00 am |
Tuesday 8 December 12:30 pm |
|
Comms-exchange Comms exchange: The FSA is ‘Here to Help’ Looking to use insight to inform your campaigns to amplify your messaging? This comms exchange can't be missed. |
Tuesday 8 December 3:15 pm |
Tuesday 8 December 4:00 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Building Trust in the Networked Age In this half-day session, Nick Barron will explore various aspects of trust as relevant to communicators today. |
Friday 11 December 9:30 am |
Friday 11 December 1:30 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. |
Tuesday 15 December 9:30 am |
Tuesday 15 December 4:30 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Online Crisis Response and Media Relations - RESCHEDULED This course will give you the chance to build your crisis management skills through real-life examples. |
Wednesday 16 December 9:00 am |
Wednesday 16 December 12:30 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Advanced strategic thinking, leadership and communication You must first submit a business case (https://forms.gle/VnaAKasPzr5DHkfY9) detailing why this course would be beneficial for you. |
Wednesday 16 December 9:30 am |
Wednesday 16 December 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. |
Tuesday 12 January 9:00 am |
Tuesday 12 January 12:30 pm |
|
Webinar Academy: Objective Setting and Strategic Problem Solving In this half-day course, you will learn how to identify the right objectives and metrics for your campaign or project. |
Tuesday 12 January 9:30 am |
Tuesday 12 January 12:30 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Citizen Experience This course aims to give participants the tools to create a great citizen experience within the marketing discipline. |
Tuesday 19 January 1:30 pm |
Tuesday 19 January 5:00 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Creative Campaigns An interactive, fun and relaxed session with a lively facilitator with decades of experience in the creative industries. |
Thursday 21 January 9:30 am |
Thursday 21 January 5:00 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Presenting with Impact You must submit a business case (http://bit.ly/PresentingWithImpactBusinessCase) on why this course would be beneficial for you. |
Friday 22 January 9:30 am |
Friday 22 January 4:30 pm |
|
Online-course Academy: Paid Social Advertising: Focusing on what matters At the end of the session, participants will have learned about marketing theory and how to execute it through paid social channels. |
Tuesday 26 January 1:00 pm |
Tuesday 26 January 1:45 pm |