Since the 2015 General Election, Total Training, formerly Dods Training has delivered an average of 120 specialist courses Members’ staff working across the UK Parliament. This equates to the professional development of more than 2,000 parliamentary staff over the past decade.
Each election cycle brings significant change within the walls of the Houses of Parliament. An influx of new MPs and newly appointed staff creates an immediate need for practical, high-impact training that enables individuals to operate confidently in one of the most scrutinised working environments in the world. Our programmes are designed to meet that need.
We currently deliver training in:
- Minute Taking
- Essential Writing Skills
- Writing a Brief
- Media Handling and Social Media
- Speech Writing
Building on over a century of trusted relationships with the UK Parliament, we tailor our learning materials to reflect the operational realities of Westminster and constituency offices. Our courses align with the organisational objectives of both Houses while supporting delegates’ individual professional development.
Responding to a Transformed Media Landscape
The communications environment facing parliamentary staff has evolved dramatically since this programme was first developed.
Today’s political communications landscape is shaped by 24-hour news cycles, algorithm-driven content, livestreaming, short-form video, and heightened public scrutiny. Staff must navigate the speed of digital reaction, viral moments, misinformation, and the blending of traditional journalism with digital-first commentary.
Platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok now play a central role in shaping political narratives. At the same time, established broadcasters including the BBC continue to influence national debate across television, radio and online channels.
Our Media Handling and Social Media training reflects this complexity. Trainers begin by clarifying communication objectives and strengthening delegates’ understanding of how both traditional and digital media ecosystems operate. Participants examine how their roles within Parliament are influenced by this environment and how to craft messages strategically for different platforms and audiences.
During the course delegates build confidence in preparing colleagues for live radio, television interviews and press conferences. The emphasis is on clarity, composure and message discipline under pressure.
Essential Writing and Minute Taking: Clarity Under Pressure
Clear communication is fundamental to effective parliamentary work. Many delegates are recent graduates and though they often have very good analytical skills, they are prone to writing in an overly elaborate and convoluted manner.
Our Essential Writing Skills course focuses on the principles of Plain English, concision, empathy and good structure, using the POWER model as its central tool. Delegates practice drafting short and purposeful correspondence, effective blogs for MPs’ webites, and summarising and reordering complex policy issues. They finish with exercises on editing and proofing documents to remove jargon, repetition and ambiguity.
Writing a Brief
Our Writing a Brief course concentrates on the need to produce short and tightly focused papers which avoid jargon, empty phrasing and convoluted arguments. Delegates are introduced to sift an sort tools such as ‘Musts, Shoulds and Coulds’, which help to eradicate irrelevant material and to templates which help to improve structure and appearance.
Participants have the opportunity to analyze and criticize a number of briefings before undertaking an exercise of their own, where they are asked to produce a one-page briefing for a a stakeholder meeting.
Speech Writing: Crafting Persuasive Parliamentary Communication
Our Speech Writing course explores the principles of persuasive political communication. Delegates learn how to structure a compelling narrative, craft strong openings and memorable conclusions, the interplay between logic (logos) and emotion (pathos) and to harness rhetorical devices – such as alliteration, metaphor, tricolon and humour..
Participants analyse well-known speeches (using text and video) to understand structure, pacing and tone before applying their learning in a practical writing exercise. This applied approach ensures that theory is translated into practical skill, equipping staff to draft effective speeches for parliamentary debates, stakeholder events and constituency engagements.
Interactive Online Delivery via Microsoft Teams
All courses are delivered live online via Microsoft Teams, providing flexibility for Members’ staff balancing Westminster and constituency responsibilities.
Sessions are designed to be highly interactive, incorporating breakout discussions, live polling, collaborative exercises and real-time feedback from trainers. This ensures that virtual delivery remains engaging, practical and discussion-led, while enabling delegates from across the parliamentary estate to participate fully.
New for 2026: Mobile Microlearning for Onboarding
As of March 2026, we are developing three mobile-accessible microlearning courses to support onboarding for new starters at the House of Commons. These will complement all programmes within our offering for Members staff.
The modules allow new staff to build foundational knowledge before attending live training. Content includes concise learning segments, practical guidance and pieces to camera from recognised experts.
Contributors include Paul Richards, former Special Adviser and commentator, recently featured in a BBC documentary on the monarchy. His practitioner insight adds depth and credibility to the learning experience.
This blended approach – combining microlearning with live interactive sessions – reflects the evolving expectations of modern learners and the operational realities of parliamentary life.
Impact
As a result of our training, Members’ staff demonstrate increased confidence and capability in communicating with constituents, stakeholders and the media. Delegates report improved understanding of the contemporary communications landscape and greater ability to craft clear, strategic and audience-appropriate messages.
By continually evolving our content in response to political, technological and media change, Total Training – Dods Training remains a trusted partner in strengthening communication capability within the UK Parliament.