Speakers & Trainers
An illustration of past contributors
John Bercow MP
Former Speaker of the House of Commons
John Bercow served as Speaker of the House of Commons from 2009 to 2019, presiding over some of the most significant parliamentary debates in recent British history. With over two decades of parliamentary experience, he has developed an unparalleled understanding of legislative procedure, parliamentary protocol, and constitutional matters. His tenure as Speaker was marked by his commitment to backbench rights and parliamentary sovereignty. John brings extensive expertise in public speaking, debate management, and the intricacies of Westminster parliamentary procedure to his training sessions.
John Bercow MP
Former Speaker of the House of Commons
John Bercow served as Speaker of the House of Commons from 2009 to 2019, presiding over some of the most significant parliamentary debates in recent British history. With over two decades of parliamentary experience, he has developed an unparalleled understanding of legislative procedure, parliamentary protocol, and constitutional matters. His tenure as Speaker was marked by his commitment to backbench rights and parliamentary sovereignty. John brings extensive expertise in public speaking, debate management, and the intricacies of Westminster parliamentary procedure to his training sessions.
Michael Portillo
Former Cabinet Minister and Broadcaster
Michael Portillo served as a Cabinet Minister in the 1990s, holding positions including Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Employment. His career combines high-level government experience with extensive broadcasting and media work. Michael brings unique perspectives on political communication, media relations, cabinet-level decision making, and the intersection of politics and public life. He is particularly skilled at helping civil servants understand ministerial perspectives and priorities.
Michael Portillo
Former Cabinet Minister and Broadcaster
Michael Portillo served as a Cabinet Minister in the 1990s, holding positions including Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Employment. His career combines high-level government experience with extensive broadcasting and media work. Michael brings unique perspectives on political communication, media relations, cabinet-level decision making, and the intersection of politics and public life. He is particularly skilled at helping civil servants understand ministerial perspectives and priorities.
Lord McNally
Chairman of Specialist Training Provider
Lord McNally combines his role in the House of Lords with chairmanship of specialist training organizations. His expertise spans public policy, governance structures, and the development of training programs for senior public servants. He has worked extensively with government departments and arm's length bodies to improve leadership capacity and organizational effectiveness in the public service.
Lord McNally
Chairman of Specialist Training Provider
Lord McNally combines his role in the House of Lords with chairmanship of specialist training organizations. His expertise spans public policy, governance structures, and the development of training programs for senior public servants. He has worked extensively with government departments and arm's length bodies to improve leadership capacity and organizational effectiveness in the public service.
Baroness Harris
Member of House of Lords
Baroness Harris brings her experience as a member of the House of Lords, offering unique insights into the upper chamber's role in the legislative process. Her expertise includes constitutional reform, the revising function of the Lords, and the relationship between the two Houses of Parliament.
Baroness Harris
Member of House of Lords
Baroness Harris brings her experience as a member of the House of Lords, offering unique insights into the upper chamber's role in the legislative process. Her expertise includes constitutional reform, the revising function of the Lords, and the relationship between the two Houses of Parliament.
Cheryl Gillan MP
Former Minister of State
As a former Minister of State, Cheryl Gillan has extensive experience in policy implementation and departmental management. Her ministerial career focused on transforming public services and improving government efficiency. She provides training on ministerial decision-making processes, stakeholder management, and effective policy delivery in complex government environments.
Cheryl Gillan MP
Former Minister of State
As a former Minister of State, Cheryl Gillan has extensive experience in policy implementation and departmental management. Her ministerial career focused on transforming public services and improving government efficiency. She provides training on ministerial decision-making processes, stakeholder management, and effective policy delivery in complex government environments.
Lord Tyler
Member of House of Lords
Lord Tyler brings his experience as a member of the House of Lords, offering unique insights into the upper chamber's role in the legislative process. His expertise includes constitutional reform, the revising function of the Lords, and the relationship between the two Houses of Parliament. He is particularly knowledgeable about parliamentary scrutiny and the legislative process.
Lord Tyler
Member of House of Lords
Lord Tyler brings his experience as a member of the House of Lords, offering unique insights into the upper chamber's role in the legislative process. His expertise includes constitutional reform, the revising function of the Lords, and the relationship between the two Houses of Parliament. He is particularly knowledgeable about parliamentary scrutiny and the legislative process.
Kate Hoey MP
Former Minister for Sport
Kate Hoey served as Minister for Sport and has extensive experience in both constituency work and ministerial responsibilities. Her training sessions draw on real-world examples from her ministerial career, focusing on policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and the management of high-profile portfolios. She is particularly effective at explaining how ministers balance political and administrative demands.
Kate Hoey MP
Former Minister for Sport
Kate Hoey served as Minister for Sport and has extensive experience in both constituency work and ministerial responsibilities. Her training sessions draw on real-world examples from her ministerial career, focusing on policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and the management of high-profile portfolios. She is particularly effective at explaining how ministers balance political and administrative demands.
Baroness Miller
Member of House of Lords
Baroness Miller is a Member of the House of Lords with deep knowledge of parliamentary procedures and governance, bringing extensive experience in public policy and legislative scrutiny.
Baroness Miller
Member of House of Lords
Baroness Miller is a Member of the House of Lords with deep knowledge of parliamentary procedures and governance, bringing extensive experience in public policy and legislative scrutiny.
Baroness Quin
Former Minister of State
Baroness Quin served as Minister of State and has extensive parliamentary experience. She provides training on ministerial decision-making processes and effective policy delivery in complex government environments.
Baroness Quin
Former Minister of State
Baroness Quin served as Minister of State and has extensive parliamentary experience. She provides training on ministerial decision-making processes and effective policy delivery in complex government environments.
Dr Stephen Wall, GCMG, LVO
Former UK Permanent Representative to the EU
Dr Stephen Wall served as the UK Permanent Representative to the European Union, representing British interests at the highest level of European diplomacy. His distinguished career in the Foreign Office included roles as EU Advisor to the Prime Minister. He provides unparalleled insights into international negotiations, diplomatic protocol, European institutions, and the conduct of UK foreign policy.
Dr Stephen Wall, GCMG, LVO
Former UK Permanent Representative to the EU
Dr Stephen Wall served as the UK Permanent Representative to the European Union, representing British interests at the highest level of European diplomacy. His distinguished career in the Foreign Office included roles as EU Advisor to the Prime Minister. He provides unparalleled insights into international negotiations, diplomatic protocol, European institutions, and the conduct of UK foreign policy.
Martin Stanley
Public Administration Expert
Martin Stanley is a recognized expert in public administration with decades of experience in civil service management and organizational development. His work focuses on administrative reform, efficiency in government operations, and best practices in public service management. He provides training on organizational effectiveness, change management, and modern public administration principles.
Martin Stanley
Public Administration Expert
Martin Stanley is a recognized expert in public administration with decades of experience in civil service management and organizational development. His work focuses on administrative reform, efficiency in government operations, and best practices in public service management. He provides training on organizational effectiveness, change management, and modern public administration principles.
Lance Price
Political Communications Specialist
Lance Price has extensive experience in political communications, having worked in senior communications roles in government. He specializes in media strategy, crisis communications, and the management of government messaging. His training covers effective communication strategies, media handling, and the relationship between government communications and policy objectives.
Lance Price
Political Communications Specialist
Lance Price has extensive experience in political communications, having worked in senior communications roles in government. He specializes in media strategy, crisis communications, and the management of government messaging. His training covers effective communication strategies, media handling, and the relationship between government communications and policy objectives.
Nick Stuart
Parliamentary Procedures Expert
Nick Stuart has dedicated his career to understanding and teaching parliamentary procedures. With years of experience working within Parliament, he has comprehensive knowledge of standing orders, precedents, and the practical application of parliamentary rules. His training sessions provide detailed instruction on legislative processes, committee procedures, and parliamentary conventions.
Nick Stuart
Parliamentary Procedures Expert
Nick Stuart has dedicated his career to understanding and teaching parliamentary procedures. With years of experience working within Parliament, he has comprehensive knowledge of standing orders, precedents, and the practical application of parliamentary rules. His training sessions provide detailed instruction on legislative processes, committee procedures, and parliamentary conventions.
Martyn Bond
Governance and Policy Specialist
Martyn Bond specializes in governance structures and policy development across the public service. His research examined governance mechanisms in complex organizations. He provides training on corporate governance in the public service, accountability frameworks, and the development of effective policy governance structures.
Martyn Bond
Governance and Policy Specialist
Martyn Bond specializes in governance structures and policy development across the public service. His research examined governance mechanisms in complex organizations. He provides training on corporate governance in the public service, accountability frameworks, and the development of effective policy governance structures.
Jonathan Simcock
Leadership Development Trainer
Jonathan Simcock specializes in leadership development for senior public servants. With a background in organizational psychology and extensive experience in the civil service, he designs and delivers training programs on leadership skills, strategic thinking, and organizational change. His approach combines theoretical frameworks with practical application tailored to the public service context.
Jonathan Simcock
Leadership Development Trainer
Jonathan Simcock specializes in leadership development for senior public servants. With a background in organizational psychology and extensive experience in the civil service, he designs and delivers training programs on leadership skills, strategic thinking, and organizational change. His approach combines theoretical frameworks with practical application tailored to the public service context.
Lord Peter Lilley
Member of the House of Lords & former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
Lord Peter Lilley has been a parliamentarian since 1983, serving as an MP until 2017, before moving into the House of Lords in 2018. Peter has held several ministerial positions including Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Secretary of State for Social Security and Financial Secretary to the Treasury. Other notable positions include Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
Lord Peter Lilley
Member of the House of Lords & former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
Lord Peter Lilley has been a parliamentarian since 1983, serving as an MP until 2017, before moving into the House of Lords in 2018. Peter has held several ministerial positions including Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Secretary of State for Social Security and Financial Secretary to the Treasury. Other notable positions include Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
Tony Lavender
Defence and Security Consultant
Tony Lavender brings his distinguished career and defence expertise to training civil servants working in security and defence sectors. His background combined with understanding of civil-military relations provides unique insights into defence policy, security protocols, and the interface between military and civilian government structures.
Tony Lavender
Defence and Security Consultant
Tony Lavender brings his distinguished career and defence expertise to training civil servants working in security and defence sectors. His background combined with understanding of civil-military relations provides unique insights into defence policy, security protocols, and the interface between military and civilian government structures.
Nicholas Comfort
Civil Service Trainer
Nicholas Comfort has spent his career developing and delivering training programs specifically designed for civil servants. His expertise covers core civil service competencies, ethical standards, and professional development. He has worked across multiple government departments, giving him broad understanding of different departmental cultures and training needs.
Nicholas Comfort
Civil Service Trainer
Nicholas Comfort has spent his career developing and delivering training programs specifically designed for civil servants. His expertise covers core civil service competencies, ethical standards, and professional development. He has worked across multiple government departments, giving him broad understanding of different departmental cultures and training needs.
Derek Hart
Constitutional Law Expert
Derek Hart is a leading expert specializing in constitutional and administrative law. With extensive experience in constitutional cases involving government powers and judicial review, Hart provides authoritative training on constitutional principles, legal frameworks governing public administration, and the rule of law in democratic governance.
Derek Hart
Constitutional Law Expert
Derek Hart is a leading expert specializing in constitutional and administrative law. With extensive experience in constitutional cases involving government powers and judicial review, Hart provides authoritative training on constitutional principles, legal frameworks governing public administration, and the rule of law in democratic governance.
Rob Smith
Public Sector Training Specialist
Rob Smith specializes in designing and delivering training programs across the public service. With experience in both central and local government, Smith understands the diverse training needs of public servants at all levels. Training areas include project management, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery improvement in public service contexts.
Rob Smith
Public Sector Training Specialist
Rob Smith specializes in designing and delivering training programs across the public service. With experience in both central and local government, Smith understands the diverse training needs of public servants at all levels. Training areas include project management, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery improvement in public service contexts.
Paul Richards
Policy and Strategy Advisor
Paul Richards has advised government on policy and strategy development across multiple policy areas. His expertise includes strategic planning, policy analysis, and the translation of political priorities into deliverable policy programs. He provides training on strategic thinking, policy development cycles, and effective implementation strategies.
Paul Richards
Policy and Strategy Advisor
Paul Richards has advised government on policy and strategy development across multiple policy areas. His expertise includes strategic planning, policy analysis, and the translation of political priorities into deliverable policy programs. He provides training on strategic thinking, policy development cycles, and effective implementation strategies.
Anastasia De Waal
International Relations Expert
Anastasia De Waal brings international perspective to government training, with expertise in international relations, diplomatic protocol, and cross-cultural communication. Her work spans multiple international organizations and provides civil servants with understanding of global governance, international negotiations, and international affairs.
Anastasia De Waal
International Relations Expert
Anastasia De Waal brings international perspective to government training, with expertise in international relations, diplomatic protocol, and cross-cultural communication. Her work spans multiple international organizations and provides civil servants with understanding of global governance, international negotiations, and international affairs.
Anette Braun
Parliamentary Affairs Expert
Anette Braun combines expertise in parliamentary affairs. Her training draws on extensive parliamentary experience, covering topics including parliamentary questions, debates, committee work. She provides practical insights into how Parliament works from an insider perspective.
Anette Braun
Parliamentary Affairs Expert
Anette Braun combines expertise in parliamentary affairs. Her training draws on extensive parliamentary experience, covering topics including parliamentary questions, debates, committee work. She provides practical insights into how Parliament works from an insider perspective.
Julian Wood
Legal Affairs Consultant
Julian Wood specializes in legal affairs consultancy for government departments and public bodies. His practice focuses on administrative law, government legal frameworks, and regulatory compliance. He provides training on legal responsibilities of public servants, navigating legal constraints in policy implementation, and understanding judicial review processes.
Julian Wood
Legal Affairs Consultant
Julian Wood specializes in legal affairs consultancy for government departments and public bodies. His practice focuses on administrative law, government legal frameworks, and regulatory compliance. He provides training on legal responsibilities of public servants, navigating legal constraints in policy implementation, and understanding judicial review processes.
Ibrahim Hasan
Organizational Development Expert
Ibrahim Hasan specializes in organizational development within public service contexts. His work focuses on organizational change, culture transformation, and building high-performing teams in government departments. He brings evidence-based approaches to organizational effectiveness, change management, and developing adaptive organizations capable of meeting evolving public service challenges.
Ibrahim Hasan
Organizational Development Expert
Ibrahim Hasan specializes in organizational development within public service contexts. His work focuses on organizational change, culture transformation, and building high-performing teams in government departments. He brings evidence-based approaches to organizational effectiveness, change management, and developing adaptive organizations capable of meeting evolving public service challenges.
Lord Lisvane
Former Clerk of the House of Commons
Lord Lisvane brings unique expertise from his role as Former Clerk of the House of Commons. His deep understanding of parliamentary procedure and constitutional matters provides invaluable insights for public servants working with Parliament.
Lord Lisvane
Former Clerk of the House of Commons
Lord Lisvane brings unique expertise from his role as Former Clerk of the House of Commons. His deep understanding of parliamentary procedure and constitutional matters provides invaluable insights for public servants working with Parliament.
Peter Riddell
Political Commentator and Academic
Peter Riddell is a distinguished political commentator and academic with extensive experience in analyzing government and parliamentary affairs. He provides expert training on political analysis and public policy.
Peter Riddell
Political Commentator and Academic
Peter Riddell is a distinguished political commentator and academic with extensive experience in analyzing government and parliamentary affairs. He provides expert training on political analysis and public policy.
Tony Cash
Senior Government Trainer
Tony Cash is a senior trainer with decades of experience delivering programs to government personnel at all levels. His training expertise spans leadership development, management skills, and professional development for civil servants.
Tony Cash
Senior Government Trainer
Tony Cash is a senior trainer with decades of experience delivering programs to government personnel at all levels. His training expertise spans leadership development, management skills, and professional development for civil servants.
Ian Rennie
International Development & Leadership Consultant
Ian Rennie (known as Ren) is an international development consultant specialising in leadership development, organisational change and strategic policy-making. A former UK Civil Servant, he is a Fellow of the CIPD, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Management, accredited by the Institute of Leadership, and licensed to administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and TMSDI profiles. He currently facilitates the 'fast stream' talent development programme for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and has delivered strategic policy-making and leadership work internationally — including for the Prime Minister's Office of Iceland, the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the Cayman Islands Cabinet Office and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, among many others.
Ian Rennie
International Development & Leadership Consultant
Ian Rennie (known as Ren) is an international development consultant specialising in leadership development, organisational change and strategic policy-making. A former UK Civil Servant, he is a Fellow of the CIPD, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Management, accredited by the Institute of Leadership, and licensed to administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and TMSDI profiles. He currently facilitates the 'fast stream' talent development programme for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and has delivered strategic policy-making and leadership work internationally — including for the Prime Minister's Office of Iceland, the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the Cayman Islands Cabinet Office and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, among many others.
Susan Haird CB
Former Senior UK Civil Servant
Susan Haird CB is a former Senior UK Civil Servant whose major leadership roles included Deputy CEO of UK Trade and Investment and Director of Export Control and Non-Proliferation, and of Human Resources and Change Management, at the Department of Trade and Industry. She served as the UK Governor on the Boards of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and from 2012 to 2017 was the European Trade and Investment Representative for British Columbia. She now pursues a portfolio career and lectures in leadership, trade and investment, and economic diplomacy. Susan holds an MA from the University of St Andrews and a Diploma in Advanced European Studies from the College of Europe, Bruges.
Susan Haird CB
Former Senior UK Civil Servant
Susan Haird CB is a former Senior UK Civil Servant whose major leadership roles included Deputy CEO of UK Trade and Investment and Director of Export Control and Non-Proliferation, and of Human Resources and Change Management, at the Department of Trade and Industry. She served as the UK Governor on the Boards of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and from 2012 to 2017 was the European Trade and Investment Representative for British Columbia. She now pursues a portfolio career and lectures in leadership, trade and investment, and economic diplomacy. Susan holds an MA from the University of St Andrews and a Diploma in Advanced European Studies from the College of Europe, Bruges.
Andrew Archer
International Learning Consultant
Andrew Archer is an International Learning Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the UK Civil Service, where he worked on regional policy, Middle East trade, and as a senior team leader and Deputy Director in an internal consultancy role on projects across Whitehall. For the last eight years he has worked as an independent learning consultant, delivering open and bespoke programmes for government and non-government organisations in the UK and overseas, including in South Africa, Angola, Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Malaysia, Estonia, Egypt and the Caribbean. His areas of expertise include strategy and policy, change, public administration, leadership and talent development, and economic diplomacy. Andrew is a Fellow of the CIPD, a Member of the CMI and BCS, accredited by the Institute of Leadership, and licensed to administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and TMSDI profiles.
Andrew Archer
International Learning Consultant
Andrew Archer is an International Learning Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the UK Civil Service, where he worked on regional policy, Middle East trade, and as a senior team leader and Deputy Director in an internal consultancy role on projects across Whitehall. For the last eight years he has worked as an independent learning consultant, delivering open and bespoke programmes for government and non-government organisations in the UK and overseas, including in South Africa, Angola, Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Malaysia, Estonia, Egypt and the Caribbean. His areas of expertise include strategy and policy, change, public administration, leadership and talent development, and economic diplomacy. Andrew is a Fellow of the CIPD, a Member of the CMI and BCS, accredited by the Institute of Leadership, and licensed to administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and TMSDI profiles.
Mark Dean
Director, People Team and Change Solutions Ltd
Mark Dean is Director of People, Team and Change Solutions Ltd and has helped organisations learn and change for more than 25 years, winning a 'Vision 100' award for visionary leadership as Director of the PTS Consortium, a public/private sector partnership within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. He has delivered and project managed numerous learning solutions across the public and private sectors, spanning strategy, leadership and diversity programmes, competence development, recruitment and selection, and e-learning. As one of the HR Directors in BIS and its predecessors, he worked with the Cabinet Office on Senior Civil Service issues. Mark is MBTI and TMSDI accredited and a registered PRINCE2 Practitioner.
Mark Dean
Director, People Team and Change Solutions Ltd
Mark Dean is Director of People, Team and Change Solutions Ltd and has helped organisations learn and change for more than 25 years, winning a 'Vision 100' award for visionary leadership as Director of the PTS Consortium, a public/private sector partnership within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. He has delivered and project managed numerous learning solutions across the public and private sectors, spanning strategy, leadership and diversity programmes, competence development, recruitment and selection, and e-learning. As one of the HR Directors in BIS and its predecessors, he worked with the Cabinet Office on Senior Civil Service issues. Mark is MBTI and TMSDI accredited and a registered PRINCE2 Practitioner.
Matteo Molinari
Lecturer in Accounting, Kent Business School
Matteo Molinari is a Lecturer in Accounting at Kent Business School, University of Kent, where he also serves as GTA/PhD Coordinator and sits on the Research Ethics Advisory Group. He collaborates with the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies as a trainer in Public Financial Management and is an Approved Trainer of the Institute of Leadership. Matteo holds a joint international PhD in Accounting from the Universities of Siena, Pisa and Florence, and has been a visiting scholar at the University of Auckland, King's College Cambridge, and Loyola University Chicago. He has also worked with the General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria) and served on sustainability and SDG stakeholder panels.
Matteo Molinari
Lecturer in Accounting, Kent Business School
Matteo Molinari is a Lecturer in Accounting at Kent Business School, University of Kent, where he also serves as GTA/PhD Coordinator and sits on the Research Ethics Advisory Group. He collaborates with the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies as a trainer in Public Financial Management and is an Approved Trainer of the Institute of Leadership. Matteo holds a joint international PhD in Accounting from the Universities of Siena, Pisa and Florence, and has been a visiting scholar at the University of Auckland, King's College Cambridge, and Loyola University Chicago. He has also worked with the General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria) and served on sustainability and SDG stakeholder panels.