You’ve done all the research, and you know the problem inside out, but you just aren’t having traction with the minister. Sound familiar?
In this five week course, you will learn how to map political incentives against institutional constraints, recognise when a policy idea is well developed (and when it is not), and tailor communications to different audiences, without diluting substance.
What ministers want is led by Andy Ormerod-Cloke, a former civil servant with over a decade of experience of Whitehall, including senior roles across a number of government departments. Andy will demystify how decisions are made, how ministers and officials think, and how external actors can engage effectively to influence outcomes.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how the UK government works in practice, and how power flows through it, so you know how to interact with it.
- Understand the lives and decision making of ministers and policy officials, so you know what they care about, and what that means for how you interact with them.
- Produce clear, credible policy briefs tailored to different audiences (including ministers), so you are giving those audiences what they want, and what will move things along.
This course is specific to the UK. It is primarily designed for those who are in public affairs roles, or those in a policy development or policy communications role who want to improve their understanding of public affairs.
The next cohort of What Ministers Want starts on the 12th October.
Book your place for £375+VATCourse Structure
| Duration | 5 modules over 5 weeks |
| Time Commitment | 10 hours: 5 self-led modules & activities 3 hours: 3 course leader led live sessions |
| Cost | £375.00 + VAT |
| Teams | 5 seats for 4 use promocode Teams5for4 at checkout |
| Cast from Clay Alumni? | 10% discount available, email [email protected]. |
Modules
Introducing your course leader, Andy Ormerod-Cloke
“Government policy making in the UK is a fascinating and often opaque world. Built on centuries of history, it has its own language, norms, and rules.
Drawing on my experience as a senior civil servant, and in areas as diverse as Brexit negotiation strategy, international modern slavery, and housing, I will demystify how decisions are made, how Ministers and officials think, and how external actors can engage effectively to influence outcomes. I will draw on over a decade of experience in major Whitehall departments to paint a picture of how things feel on the inside.”
- 2023-present: Consultancy with PwC, and through his firm, Citizenry.
- 2022-2023: Deputy Director, Energy Security Programme, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- 2019-2022: Programme Leader, Policy and Legislation, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
- 2018-2019: Senior Policy Advisor, HM Treasury
- 2015-2017: Deputy Head, Modern Slavery Unit, Home Office
- 2014-2015: Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills
- 2012-2014: Policy Advisor, Department for Communities and Local Government
“I really enjoyed the course and thought it was very worthwhile. The online sessions were useful, particularly hearing from other people’s experiences. Andy was really clear, easy to understand and obviously very experienced in this field which really came across.”
Programme manager
Upcoming Training
The dates don’t work for you? Register your interest and we will keep in touch with future dates.
What ministers want: October Cohort
- Mon 12 October – Friday 13 November 2026
5 Weeks, 5 modules and a cohort to learn from. Join Andy to breakthrough any campaigning pain points or brief writing blockages. This course will help you to elevate the way you influence change.
- Live session 1: Thu 15 Oct, 12 -1pm UK
- Half term break: 26 Oct – 30 Oct
- Live session 2: Thu 5 Nov, 12 – 1pm UK
- Live session 3: Thu 19 Nov, 12 – 1pm UK
Micro-learning Webinar: Why campaigns for policy change don’t work.
- Thu 1 October, 2 – 2:30pm (UK)
- Fri 2 October, 2 – 2:30pm (UK)
There’s nothing more disheartening than working for months to put together a campaign only for it to not lead to policy change. But why do campaigns fail? Join Andy to understand campaigning do’s and don’ts when trying to influence the government to adopt your ideas.
Frequently asked questions
- How is the training delivered?
We use a platform called Howspace to deliver the training. It is a purpose-designed online training platform. On payment, you’ll be given access to Howspace so you can start exploring the content. New modules are ‘unlocked’ on a weekly basis so you can complete them and work through the coursework. - What happens if I can’t make a live session?
We don’t record by default because people share more without it, but let your convenor know in advance if you have to miss a session and we’ll work something out. - I need to pay by invoice. Can you arrange this?
Please email [email protected], telling us which course you want to do, and how many seats you wish to purchase. - I’m in country X, is this course right for me?
What Ministers Want is the only geographic-specific course that we offer. All our other courses can be taken by anyone in any country. What Ministers Want is specific to the UK parliamentary system, so no, we would not take this course if your public affairs work is focused on a different political system. - What discounts do you offer for teams?
We offer a “five for the price of four” deal for teams. That scales with the numbers (so it becomes 10 for the price of eight, etc.). Team sizes above 15 receive bespoke pricing, and will run on their own private course. Please email [email protected] for more information. - Do you run courses just for one organisation?
Yes, albeit you must be purchasing at least 15 seats to do this. - Will I still be able to access the training materials after the course closes?
You will have access to the materials for an additional two weeks after course completion. - What happens if I am unable to complete the course?
You are given a two-week grace period at the end of the course to complete any missed modules. We strongly recommend making time to finish during this window, as with anything, the longer you leave it, the harder it is to complete! - Am I able to change my selected course dates once I have booked and paid?
Yes, you can change your course dates after booking. Please email [email protected] with your request. If the current live dates no longer suit your schedule, we can transfer you to a future cohort.