Parliamentary Oversight and Public Accounts Committee Leadership Training Course

Introduction

Effective parliamentary oversight, particularly through robust Public Accounts Committees (PACs), is the bedrock of democratic accountability and prudent public financial management. This intensive 5-day training course is meticulously designed to equip Members of Parliament, especially those serving on PACs and other oversight committees, with the advanced knowledge, strategic insights, and practical tools to rigorously scrutinize government expenditure, combat corruption, and ensure public resources are utilized efficiently and effectively for citizen benefit.

This program delves into the critical role of the legislature in holding the executive accountable, from interpreting audit reports and conducting investigative hearings to making actionable recommendations that drive reform. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks, procedural best practices, and leadership skills necessary to strengthen parliamentary oversight, enhance transparency, and ultimately bolster public trust in governance.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

  • Members of Parliament (MPs)
  • Members of Public Accounts Committees (PACs)
  • Members of other Parliamentary Oversight Committees (e.g., Budget, Finance, Sectoral Committees)
  • Clerks and Staff Supporting Parliamentary Committees
  • Senior Research and Policy Analysts in Parliamentary Service Commissions

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the constitutional and legal mandate of parliamentary oversight, especially the PAC.
  • Interpret public audit reports and identify key areas for scrutiny.
  • Develop effective strategies for conducting committee hearings and investigations.
  • Formulate actionable recommendations that drive government accountability.
  • Lead and manage a parliamentary oversight committee effectively.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Parliamentary Oversight

  • Constitutional and Legal Basis for Parliamentary Oversight
  • The Role of the Legislature in a Democratic Governance System
  • Types of Parliamentary Oversight (e.g., Legislative, Financial, Investigative)
  • The Importance of Separation of Powers and Checks & Balances
  • Global Best Practices in Parliamentary Oversight

Module 2: The Mandate and Powers of Public Accounts Committees (PACs)

  • Origins and Evolution of PACs in Commonwealth and Beyond
  • Specific Mandate and Functions of the Public Accounts Committee
  • Powers of PACs (e.g., Summoning Witnesses, Access to Information)
  • Relationship Between PAC and the Auditor General's Office
  • Best Practices for Effective PAC Operations

Module 3: Understanding and Interpreting Audit Reports

  • The Role of the Auditor General and Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs)
  • Types of Audit Reports (Financial, Performance, Compliance)
  • Key Sections and Findings in Public Audit Reports
  • Identifying Red Flags and High-Risk Areas in Audit Findings
  • Preparing for PAC Engagements with Audit Reports

Module 4: Conducting Effective Committee Hearings and Investigations

  • Planning and Preparing for PAC Hearings
  • Questioning Techniques for Witnesses (Ministers, PSs, Accounting Officers)
  • Gathering Evidence and Documenting Proceedings
  • Cross-Examination Skills for Committee Members
  • Ensuring Fairness and Due Process in Hearings

Module 5: Formulating Actionable Recommendations and Follow-up

  • Principles of Good Recommendation Drafting
  • Developing Clear, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound (SMART) Recommendations
  • Strategies for Ensuring Implementation of PAC Recommendations
  • Monitoring and Tracking Government Responses
  • Reporting to Parliament and the Public on PAC Outcomes

Module 6: Leadership and Management of an Oversight Committee

  • The Role of the Committee Chair and Vice-Chair
  • Building Consensus and Collaboration Within the Committee
  • Managing Committee Work Programs and Agendas
  • Effective Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Ethical Considerations for Committee Members

Module 7: Emerging Issues in Public Financial Oversight

  • Oversight of Public Debt and Fiscal Sustainability
  • Scrutiny of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
  • Oversight of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs)
  • Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Oversight (e.g., Open Data, Analytics)
  • Climate Finance and Environmental Audit Oversight

Module 8: Strengthening Parliamentary Accountability and Public Trust

  • Engaging with Citizens and Civil Society in Oversight
  • Communicating Oversight Outcomes to the Public
  • The Role of Media in Amplifying Oversight Findings
  • Parliamentary Privileges and Immunities in Oversight
  • Sustaining the Momentum for Stronger Accountability

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Parliamentary Oversight And Public Accounts Committee Leadership Training Course in Belarus
Dates Fees Location Action