Knowledge Framework for Parliamentarians Ideas for developing a comprehensive induction and training programme for parli

1. Knowledge Framework for ParliamentariansIdeas for developing a comprehensive induction and training programme for parliamentariansGeorge Kunnath

2. Reasons for inductions • The effectiveness of a parliament ultimately depends on the quality of its members. • Parliaments require members to all have a basic understanding of their processes in order to work within committees and the house. • Political Parties tend to choose the most electable candidate over the most capable candidate for elections. • Political parties themselves do not have the structures to develop future MPs. • As younger MPs enter parliament, they lack the experience that they should have gained in local or municipal councils.

3. Main concerns with Induction Programmes • Induction programmes are usually very short and quite intense. Usually up to a week and members tend to leave overwhelmed with information. • They are often constructed quickly and tend to be a rush job. • They rarely move beyond the general information • They rarely bridge the gap between theory and practice.

4. Background to the framework • Initiated by the South African Parliament during their 3rd Parliament and refined further during the 4th Parliament and the 9th Ugandan Parliament. • The framework is an approach to thinking about members development and then devising a plan to ensure that there are adequate options to develop members capacities

5. Starting Principles for developing and using the framework • Take the long term view, on average a new MP takes two years before they fully know their way around parliamentary process. • Be flexible, realising people are at different levels. Some new, some returning and some experts. • Recognise the role of the political parties and gain their buy-in to the process • Plan early Plan Schedule Implement Evaluate

6. Building the Knowledge Framework What knowledge is required by the members in committees to immediately be efficient and effective? What knowledge does a member need to understand the processes/ business of Parliament in order to be effective? What personal knowledge does a member need to immediately settle and function in Parliament? (personal level)

7. What personal knowledge does a member need to immediately settle and function in Parliament? (personal level) Benefits and Policies ICT Skills 1 3 Personal Management 2 Protocol 4

8. What knowledge does a member need to understand the processes/ business of Parliament in order to be effective? Constitutional Democracy Core Business 1 4 Parliamentary Service 5 Parliament 2 Strategy/IRP 3

9. What knowledge is required by the members in committees to immediately be efficient and effective in Parliament? General Duties Per Committee/Cluster 3 1 Chairperson Role 2 Oversight Tools 4

10. Scheduling Induction and training programmes • Think long term: It takes on average two years to develop a new member of parliament, so plan interventions spread over a two year period. • Keep the principles and information stage short and the materials light. • Have sufficient entry and exit points in your programme. • Use a diversity of modes to deliver the training, be creative. Lecture mode tends to be the least popular mode of delivery. Cultural differences should also be taken into consideration. • Schedule the induction activities as soon as the dates for the elections, swearing-in and first sessions of parliament have been determined. • Be aware of training fatigue.

11. Modes of delivery • A short week long induction for new members of parliament. • Peer-to-peer workshops with parliamentarians from neighbouring countries and further afield. • Presentations of case studies • Study visits to different parliaments • Sister party and cross party workshops • Committee planning sessions • Thematic workshop and presentations by civil society groups • Mentoring by former chairpersons and members • Manuals and handbooks • Support to formal academic programmes should a member seek to specialise in a specific area of knowledge.

12. Advantages • The framework is a good logical approach to planning and tends to get good results. • The approach is owned by the institution • Its easily understandable and is a good donor coordination tool • It shifts the concept of induction from one event to many events over a year or two programme. • It allows for innovative approaches • It encourages repetition

13. Challenges and the way forward • Develop a comprehensive M&E tool that can be used to track members’ effectiveness over the term of a parliament. • Consider inclusion of more specific knowledge required by groups such as women members, accountability committees, human rights committees etc. • Broaden the base of thematic knowledge that applies to all members such as the inclusion of MDGs. • Apply it in two more countries before the end of the TWC programme • Strengthen its use as a donor coordination tool