Knowledge Framework for Parliamentarians Ideas for developing a comprehensive induction and training programme for parliamentarians George Kunnath

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.

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.

Background to the framework Initiated by the South African Parliament during their 3 rd Parliament and refined further during the 4 th Parliament and the 9 th 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

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

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

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

What knowledge does a member need to understand the processes/ business of Parliament in order to be effective? Constitutional Democracy Parliament Strategy/IRP Core Business Parliamentary Service

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

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.

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.

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

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