On Friday, August 2nd, the much-anticipated relaunch of “Inside the Treasury“ took place, marking a triumphant return for this insightful course. Having previously run in 2008 and 2011, this year’s session featured three distinguished speakers from the Treasury, including both current officials and former Special Advisors (SPADs), who shared their invaluable experiences and expertise with the attendees.
The day began with a warm welcome, where attendees were greeted with tea and coffee. This set the stage for a productive day of learning and networking. The first session, “How the Department Operates,” provided an in-depth look at the internal structure and daily operations of the Treasury. Attendees gained a detailed understanding of how policies are presented and integrated with fiscal matters across mainstream departments. The session shed light on the Treasury’s pivotal role in setting tax and spending criteria, and its influence on banking and financial services. The strategic oversight provided by this session was enhanced by discussions on the potential changes in management style under the new leadership of Chancellor Rachel Reeves, highlighting the department’s critical role in policy formulation.
Following a short break, the next session, “How Policy is Delivered,” delved into the intricacies of policy subdivision, administration, and the management of individual policy teams. Key civil servants’ roles were outlined, providing attendees with strategies to enhance working partnerships with Treasury officials. This session also offered a glimpse into the Treasury’s operations under a new Labour Government, and the anticipated policy shifts in economic decision-making processes. The interactive nature of the session, coupled with the time allocated for questions, ensured that attendees left with a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
After a lunch break, the course resumed with “Working Closely with the Treasury: Responding to Key Events & Activities.” This session explored the policy impact of expected economic announcements and key events. Attendees gained detailed insights into the Treasury’s administrative culture and governance style. The session also provided practical guidance on preparing for significant events such as the Budget, Spring and Autumn Statements, and Spending Reviews. A compelling case study illustrated how an external organisation successfully engaged with the Treasury on tax and public spending issues, offering practical examples for attendees to emulate.
The final session of the day, “Influencing the Agenda: How to Influence Policy within the Treasury,” was particularly enlightening. It identified effective strategies for long-term engagement with the Treasury, focusing on building strong relationships with Special Advisors and Senior Officials. Case studies of successful engagement were presented, along with practical advice on presenting well-researched ideas to Treasury officials. The session concluded with an open forum discussion and a practical exercise, reinforcing the key learning points and ensuring that attendees left equipped with actionable insights.
Delegate Reviews
The feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive:
“Lots of valuable insights which I can now share with colleagues.” “The mix of trainers was incredibly insightful. I gained a lot of useful information that I can use in my work! Thank you.”
“This course was excellent. I have worked in my field for many years in public affairs, but this course gave me the information I needed to move forward at just the right time.”
“The trainers were incredible, thank you. A well-formed and useful course.”
Upcoming Session Announcement
We are thrilled to announce that we will be running the course again on Monday 28th October 2024, from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge on navigating and influencing the Treasury. Secure your spot and join us for another day of comprehensive learning and professional growth.