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Training and events

Experience real-life outcomes in your public sector work – upskill with Westco to further your career and local communities.  

We offer thought leadership experiences, courses and networking events designed to support public sector communicators. Here’s what you can expect when you take part:

  • develop the core skills you need to excel in the public sector
  • build on your passion for creating social change
  • expert insight into the latest trends and competencies in the industry
  • strategies to improve your company’s strategic communications.

Learn from industry leaders

Our training and events are led by experts in the public sector. From Directors in Research to Creative Strategists, Policy Professionals, Special Advisors, Journalists, and Crisis Communications Leaders, our trainers have decades of hands-on industry experience and expertise.

Course topics you might be interested in

Our programme of training and events is continually evolving, so check back regularly to see what’s on offer. Here are some of our most popular topics include:

  • behaviour change
  • strategic campaign planning
  • leadership and stakeholder engagement
  • digital marketing
  • social media management and content creation
  • marketing strategy
  • project and budget management
  • crisis communications.
We also design bespoke training programmes for organisations and communications teams. Get in touch to chat tabout a custom course. 
 

Want to learn on your own schedule? 

Try one of our new Async courses. These courses are designed for you to learn on your own schedule and at your own pace. 

Have you heard about our Campaign Hub? 

You’re also encouraged to join our campaign community where you will receive access to resources and collaboration opportunities, that help us all keep changing lives for the better through strategic communications.

Members-only experiences 

Once you enrol in a Westco Academy course, you not only have access to our exclusive online learning platform, but also a number of complimentary, members-only experiences in and around our courses. 

Comms Café
Inspired by TED’s mission of Ideas Worth Spreading, Westco Academy learners and trainers let’s come together and connect over ideas-inducing conversations, current comms trends and daily life as comms professionals in a busy world. Join us once a month to hear about exciting, new comms campaigns and meet others in your industry. Get ready for a revitalising and refreshing moment in your work week. 

 

Take a look at our upcoming training events below: 


12

Presenting and Public Speaking

This course will help you polish your presentation skills, whether that’s for on-stage or in-person delivery of any content is a key life skill.

This an Async course - learn on your own schedule.

Async course

Learn on your own schedule

£30 + VAT

More info


13

Productivity Tools

This course will help you understand which free planning tools are available and which to choose for what you are trying to deliver. We will also discuss some key shortcuts in using them are key to helping your productivity

This an Async course - learn on your own schedule.

Async course

Learn on your own schedule

£30 + VAT

More info


14

Social Media Channels

This course will help you understand social media channels, audiences and features and how they differ from each other. This is critical for living in our mobile-first world.

This an Async course - learn on your own schedule.

Async course

Learn on your own schedule

£30 + VAT

More info


11

New ideas

This course will help you to understand how to have new ideas, and giving you a step-by-step process to form them can help in any area of your life.

This an Async course - learn on your own schedule.

Async course

Learn on your own schedule

£30 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Event page image (1)-1

Piloting AI for Marketers

Become the change agent within your business and the one who drives the next frontier in digital transformation with this Async course by Paul Roetzer and Mike Kaput form Marketing AI Institute.

Async course

Learn on your own schedule

$399 

More info


Westco Academy training course How to get Influencer Marketing right

How to get influencer marketing right

This course will give you all the information and tools you need to run effective and impactful influencer campaigns in the public sector.

21 March 2024

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy training course Digital Tactics to Drive Behaviour Change

Digital Tactics to Drive Behaviour Change

Digital platforms have revolutionised interactions with councils, education bodies, and other public service providers. Learn our tried and tested methods to optimise channels strategically, swiftly, and effectively.

11 April 2024

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Social media image-Mar-19-2024-07-00-59-5403-AM

Lunch and Learn: Emergency comms lessons from the Plymouth Bomb

The discovery of an unexploded half-tonne World War II bomb in Plymouth led to the biggest evacuation since World War II with more than 10,000 residents affected.

12 April 2024

12 - 12.40pm

FREE

More info


Westco Academy training course Communications strategy and planning

Communications Strategy and Planning

Learn how to construct a best-practice communications strategy in a methodical way, maximising the use of resources and exceeding your objectives.

25 April 2024

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy training course -getting-things-done-in-central-government-how-to-build-relationships-and-influence_9-may-2024

Getting things done in central government: How to build relationships and influence

Connecting the dots between policy decisions and how central government’s priorities are delivered on the ground.

16 May 2024

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy training course How local government works

How local government works

In this course, you will explore what powers local government uses to affect people’s daily lives, how local government is funded and where the money goes as well as the impact of politics on the work of local authorities

23 May 2024

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy training course How to create high-quality video with just a smartphone

How to create high-quality video with just a Smartphone

Video is everywhere these days and it is more engaging than text on a web page. Join this course and learn how to harness the power of the device in your pocket.

6 & 13 June 2024

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy training course images 2024_LinkedIn-FB post 2 copy 48

Crisis communications masterclass

Develop your crisis communications skills with Amanda Coleman in her masterclass for Westco Academy, where she will share how to communicate before, during and after an emergency effectively.

20 June 2024

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy training course Campaign planning masterclass series (OASIS model) 

Campaign planning masterclass series (OASIS model) 

Join our 3-part series for best practice delivery, designed specifically for public sector communicators aspiring to lead campaigns using the OASIS model.

15, 17 & 19 July 2024

10:00 am - 12:30 pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy training course Digital and social media marketing masterclass

Digital and social media marketing masterclass

Digital platforms, including social media, have revolutionised interactions with councils, education bodies, and other public service providers. Learn our tried and tested methods to optimise channels strategically, swiftly, and effectively.

26 September 2024

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy training course How to write a great communications strategy

How to write a great communications strategy

Learn how to construct a best-practice communications strategy in a methodical way, maximising the use of resources and exceeding your objectives.

10 October 2024

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy training course Killer Creative for behaviour change campaigns

Killer creative for behaviour change campaigns

Unpack creative strategies and learn how to build successful campaigns that grab attention, engage your audience and ultimately make them reevaluate and change their behaviour.

24 October 2024

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy training course What makes a great communication strategist and leader?

What makes a great communication strategist and leader?

In-person course in London

This course explores what a strategic approach to communication entails and the qualities required of communication leaders in local government.

14 November 2024

9.30am - 4.30pm

£349 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy Trainers_Rory Sutherland

The role of behaviour change in Public Service

We sat down with acclaimed writer, Rory Sutherland, in April 2021 to discuss how behaviour change influences the public sector. 

Watch the recording now

FREE

More info


Westco Academy training course Killer creative behaviour change campaigns

Killer creative for behaviour change campaigns

Unpack creative strategies and learn how to build successful campaigns that grab attention, engage your audience and ultimately make them reevaluate and change their behaviour.

15 March 2024

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy Trainers_Rhion Jones

Understanding the basics of Consultation Law: what Council officers and Councillors need to know

In this Webinar, Rhion Jones explains why public engagement professionals, senior Managers and Councillors all need a basic awareness of the legal rules that have evolved over the last thirty years.

8 March 2024

10.30 – 11.15am

FREE 

More info


Westco - Courses Social media image-4

Lunch & Learn: Lessons from Communications Reviews  

What stops your communication team from being even more effective? What needs to change in your organisation to ensure that your team can work at the level that you need to?   

29 February 2024

12 – 12.50pm.

FREE

More info


Westco Academy training course Campaign Planning Masterclass Series (OASIS model)

Campaign planning masterclass series (OASIS model) 

Join our 3-part series for best practice delivery, designed specifically for public sector communicators aspiring to lead campaigns using the OASIS model.

12, 14 & 16 Feb 2024

10:00 am - 12:30 pm

£95 + VAT

More info


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How to run KPI busting email campaigns

Join Lynette to discover how to get the most out of your email marketing software to target different audiences and automate content.

18 Jan 2024

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


How to pitch regional and national media

Lunch & Learn: How to pitch regional and national media

We will be joined by the experts at Broadcast Revolution, including  former Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live news reporter, producer, and presenter Mike Young.

24 Nov 2023

12 – 12.45pm

FREE

More info


Digital tactics event_page

Digital and social media marketing masterclass

Digital platforms, including social media, have revolutionised interactions with councils, education bodies, and other public service providers. Learn our tried and tested methods to optimise channels strategically, swiftly, and effectively.

23 Nov 2023

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Event page image

What makes a great communication strategist and leader?

In-person course in London

This course explores what a strategic approach to communication entails and the qualities required of communication leaders in local government.

16 Nov 2023

9.30am - 4.30pm

£349 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Event page image-2

Email Marketing and Automation Strategy

Join Lynette to discover how to get the most out of your email marketing software to target different audiences and automate content.

26 Oct 2023

10am - 12pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Event page image-4

How to create high-quality video with just a Smartphone

Video is everywhere these days and it is more engaging than text on a web page. Join this course and learn how to harness the power of the device in your pocket.

19 & 26 Oct 2023

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Social media image-3

Lunch & Learn: Emergency comms planning

Amanda will guide you through the elements you need to think about when it comes to strengthening your organisation’s emergency communication plan.

19 Oct 2023

12 - 1 pm

FREE 

More info


How to talk about sustainability - Courses Event page image

How to talk about sustainability

As sustainability rises higher up the agenda, it is crucial that organisations talk about their impacts. Learn how to have more open and courageous conversations about sustainability when you don't have all the answers. 

21 Sept 2023

10am - 12pm

£65 + VAT

More info


Westco - New platform - Courses Event page image (2)

Comms Café: Behavioural Insights 

Join Westco's Carolene Méli and guest speaker, Jake Reynolds from the Behavourial Insights Team, to discuss how one can harness communications to promote sustainable behaviour. 

11 August 2023

10 - 11am

FREE

More info


Digital tactics event_page

Digital Tactics to Drive Behaviour Change

Digital platforms have revolutionised interactions with councils, education bodies, and other public service providers. Learn our tried and tested methods to optimise channels strategically, swiftly, and effectively.

27 July 2023

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Communications Strategy and Planning_event page-1

Communications Strategy and Planning

Learn how to construct a best-practice communications strategy in a methodical way, maximising the use of resources and exceeding your objectives.

20 July 2023

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_crisis_comms_ event_page

Crisis communications masterclass

Develop your crisis communications skills with Amanda Coleman in her masterclass for Westco Academy, where she will share how to communicate before, during and after an emergency effectively.

6 - 7 July 2023

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Event page image

What makes a great communication strategist and leader?

In-person course in Leeds

This course explores what a strategic approach to communication entails and the qualities required of communication leaders in local government.

19 June 2023

9.30am - 4.30pm

£349 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_video_with_smartphone_event_page_photo

How to create high-quality video with just a Smartphone

Video is everywhere these days and it is more engaging than text on a web page. Join this course and learn how to harness the power of the device in your pocket.

22 & 29 June 2023

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Communications Strategy and Planning_event page-1

How local government works

In this course, you will explore what powers local government uses to affect people’s daily lives, how local government is funded and where the money goes as well as the impact of politics on the work of local authorities

8 June 2023

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Getting things done in central government_ How policy impacts public service _ Event

Getting things done in central government: How to build relationships and influence

Connecting the dots between policy decisions and how central government’s priorities are delivered on the ground.

10 May 2023

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Digital tactics event_page

Digital Tactics to Drive Behaviour Change

Digital platforms, including social media, have revolutionised interactions with councils, education bodies, and other public service providers. Learn our tried and tested methods to optimise channels strategically, swiftly, and effectively.

20 April 2023

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Communications Strategy and Planning_event page-1

Communications Strategy and Planning

Learn how to construct a best-practice communications strategy in a methodical way, maximising the use of resources and exceeding your objectives.

5 April 2023

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco Academy SM_LinkedIn-FB post 2 copy 31

How to get influencer marketing right

This course will give you all the information and tools you need to run effective and impactful influencer campaigns in the public sector.

 

30 March 2023

10am - 1 pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Research_evaluation_and_insight_event_page_photo

Research, evaluation and insight done right 

This course unlocks the importance of evidence-based, data-driven campaigns and providing evidence of success. Join Jen Compton and master developing audience personas, insight, analytics, and evaluation.

16 March 2023

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


MicrosoftTeams-image

Creating a Memorable Onboarding Experience for Teams

Join us for a 3 hour look at onboarding in a unique way. We will be drawing inspiration from the worlds of events and entertainment and workshoping together what a great, new onboarding experience could look like for your team. 

9 March 2023

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Event page image (3)

Campaign planning masterclass series (OASIS model)

Join our 5-part series for best practice delivery, designed specifically for public sector communicators aspiring to lead campaigns using the OASIS model. 

13 - 17 Feb 2023

10am - 12pm

£95 + VAT

More info


MicrosoftTeams-image

Design your next event

Join Carolene for this 3hr workshop on how to create an event from scratch. Together you will journey through different experience design strategies such as journey mapping, attendee impact curve and the 5 stages on an experience.

26 Jan 2023

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Event page image-1

Lunch & Learn: Build your email marketing strategy

Want to learn how to develop your own email marketing strategy? Lynette will show you how to use it as a campaigning tool where you can target different audiences in different ways while automating content.

5 Jan 2023

12 - 12.45pm

FREE

More info


Copy of 498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Being_a_leader_event_page_photo-1

What makes a great communication strategist and leader?

This in-person course explores what a strategic approach to communication entails and the qualities required of communication leaders in local government.

1 Dec 2022

9.30am - 4.30pm

£349 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Comms_strategy_event_page_photo_000

Communications strategy and planning

Learn how to construct a best-practice communications strategy in a methodical way, maximising the use of resources and exceeding your objectives.

24 Nov 2022

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Storytelling_essentials_event_page_photo_000

Storytelling essentials

This three-hour course is designed for communications officers involved in finding case studies or interviewees and writing about them – whether that be for newsletters, magazines or social media posts.

30 Nov 2022

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_crisis_comms_000_ event_page

Crisis communications masterclass series

Develop your crisis communications skills with Amanda Coleman in her masterclass for Westco Academy, where she will share how to communicate before, during and after an emergency effectively.

10 - 11 Nov 2022

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Prioritising_work_and_managing_time_event_page_photo

Emotional intelligence

In this webinar, Wendy Jocum will lead a discussion on the foundational skill of resilience within emotional intelligence and how this has an immediate and positive impact on many areas that are critical to public sector communications now, more than ever.

8 Nov 2022

9 - 10.30am

£65

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Digital_marketing_000_event_page_photo

Digital and social media marketing masterclass

Digital platforms, including social media, have revolutionised interactions with councils, education bodies, and other public service providers. Learn our tried and tested methods to optimise channels strategically, swiftly, and effectively.

3 Nov 2022

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_video_with_smartphone_event_page_B

How to create high-quality video with just a smartphone

Video is everywhere these days and it is more engaging than text on a web page. Join this course and learn how to harness the power of the device in your pocket.

13 and 20 Oct 2022

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco_Course Assets_Awards Writing 101_Event (2)

Awards Writing 101 for Aspiring Winners

Winning awards takes effort. But how do you know it’s worth it? And what tried-and-tested techniques can you use to increase your chances of a spot on the shortlist?

19 Oct 2022

9.30am - 12pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Social media image-1

Lunch and Learn: Pre-budget engagement

For many councils pre-budget communications and engagement is going to be more important than ever this year given the scale of the financial challenges. We need to take our communities with us on the journey and involve them in tough decisions ahead.

18 Oct 2022

1 - 1.30pm

FREE

More info


Westco - Courses Event page image - Using Nextdoor.com as part of your digital mix (1)

Lunch and Learn- My Nextdoor.com

Come and hear about how public services can make the most of the platform and examples of how the platform is being used as an essential part of the council's digital mix.

6 Oct 2022

12 - 12.50pm

FREE

Register


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Killer_creative_event_page_photo_000

Killer creative for behaviour change campaigns

Unpack creative strategies and learn how to build successful campaigns that grab attention, engage your audience and ultimately make them reevaluate and change their behaviour.

29 Sep 2022

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Research_and_insight_event_page_photo_000

Research, evaluation and insight done right 

This course unlocks the importance of evidence-based, data-driven campaigns and providing evidence of success. Join Jen Compton and master developing audience personas, insight, analytics, and evaluation.

22 Sep 2022

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco - Courses Event page image (1)

How to build a digital marketing content strategy

Find out all about digital content marketing strategy in our upcoming webinar, where our experts will show you how to create a strategy to meet your marketing goals and reach your audiences via the channels they use.

15 Sep 2022

12 - 12.45pm

FREE

Register now


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_How_Central_Gov_Works_event_page_photo copy

Getting things done in central government: How to build relationships and influence

Connecting the dots between policy decisions and how central government’s priorities are delivered on the ground.

15 Sep 2022

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Campaign_planning_masterclass_event_page-1

Campaign planning masterclass series (OASIS model)

Join our 5-part series for best practice delivery, designed specifically for public sector communicators aspiring to lead campaigns using the OASIS model. 

5 - 9 Sep 2022

10am - 12pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_How_Central_Gov_Works_event_page_photo

The new Prime Minister and public sector policy

Join us for this lunchtime webinar to discuss the impact on public sector communications as Liz Truss takes over as PM. 

7 Sep 2022

1 - 1.30pm

FREE

Register now


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Paid_digital_advertising_ event_page_000

Paid digital advertising

By reaching your target communities on third-party platforms where they spend their time online and are most receptive, you increase awareness and ultimately drive more behaviour change. 

28 Jul 2022

10am - 3.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Prioritising_work_and_managing_time_event_page_photo

Prioritising work and managing time like a pro

This virtual workshop series will give you tips and techniques for applying effective time management skills for yourself, whether you are a team member or team leader.

7, 14 and 21 Jul 2022

9.30 - 11am

£95 + VAT

More info.


Westco Social Media 11-15 July Linkedin Twitter Post 3 (2)

How to use social media influencers

Social media influencers are quickly becoming an essential part of any campaign toolkit. How do you go about it in reality and what are the things to think about? Come and listen and chat with our experts who have successfully deployed social media influencers in various local government campaigns.

14 Jul 2022

12 - 12.45pm

FREE

Register


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Being_a_leader_event_page_photo-1

What makes a great communication strategist and leader? 

This in-person course explores what a strategic approach to communication entails and the qualities required of communication leaders in local government.

30 June 2022

9.30am - 4.30pm

£324 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_crisis_comms_000_ event_page

Crisis communications masterclass series

Develop your crisis communications skills with Amanda Coleman in her masterclass for Westco Academy, where she will share how to communicate before, during and after an emergency effectively.

16 & 17 Jun 2022

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Comms_strategy_event_page_photo_000

Communications strategy and planning

Learn how to construct a best-practice communications strategy in a methodical way, maximising the use of resources and exceeding your objectives.

9 June 2022

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


Westco_Webinar Assets_Event (1)-1

Webinar: What should a modern local government communications team look like?

Simon Jones and a panel of experts discuss the skills your team needs to be effective.

8 June 2022

12 - 12.45pm

FREE

More info


How local government works

In this course, you will explore what powers local government uses to affect people’s daily lives, how local government is funded and where the money goes as well as the impact of politics on the work of local authorities

25 May 2022

9.30am - 12.30pm

£65 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_video_with_smartphone_event_page_B

How to create high-quality video with just a smartphone

Video is everywhere these days and it is more engaging than text on a web page. Join this course and learn how to harness the power of the device in your pocket.

19 and 31 May 2022

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Digital_marketing_000_event_page_photo

Digital tactics to drive behaviour change

The course will equip you with the knowledge on how to plan your digital campaigns and social media activity and most importantly, how to report your results using the right measures at each stage of the digital marketing behaviour change funnel.

12 May 2022

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Research_and_insight_event_page_photo_000

Research, evaluation and insight done right 

This course unlocks the importance of evidence-based, data-driven campaigns and providing evidence of success. Join Jen Compton and master developing audience personas, insight, analytics, and evaluation.

28 Apr 2022

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Community_Engagement__event_page_photo

Community engagement the Westco way 

From sample design to analysis techniques and stakeholder mapping. Join us for this half-day course to harness the power of our best practice model and turbo-charge your approach to community engagement.

7 Apr 2022

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Campaign_planning_masterclass_event_page-1

Campaign planning masterclass series (OASIS)

Join our 5-part series for best practice delivery, designed specifically for public sector communicators aspiring to lead campaigns using the OASIS model. 

28 Mar - 1 Apr 2022

10am - 12pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Killer_creative_event_page_photo_000

Killer creative for behaviour change campaigns

Unpack creative strategies and learn how to build successful campaigns that grab attention, engage your audience and ultimately make them reevaluate and change their behaviour.

17 Mar 2022

9.30am - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Storytelling_essentials_000_event_page_photo

Storytelling essentials

This three-hour course is designed for communications officers involved in finding case studies or interviewees and writing about them – whether that be for newsletters, magazines or social media posts.

10 Mar 2022

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Digital_marketing_000_event_page_photo

Digital and social media marketing masterclass

Digital platforms, including social media, have revolutionised interactions with councils, education bodies, and other public service providers. Learn our tried and tested methods to optimise channels strategically, swiftly, and effectively. 

22 Feb 2022

9.30 - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_How_Local_Gov_Works_000_event_page_photo

How local government works

Learn more about how local government works to better understand what is done and where you sit in the machinery of government. In this course, you will explore what powers local government uses to affect people’s daily lives, how local government is funded and where the money goes as well as the impact of politics on the work of local authorities

17 Feb 2022

9.30 - 12.30pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_People_Management_event_page_photo_001

People management in a hybrid world

Learn about and explore what exemplary people management looks like in a hybrid working environment. This series will explore leadership in turbulent times, provide an introduction to coaching and help you provide actionable feedback to those you lead. 

1 - 3 Feb 2022

9.30 - 12.30pm

£170 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Comms_strategy_event_page_photo_000

Communications strategy and planning

Learn how to construct a best-practice communications strategy in a methodical way, maximising the use of resources and exceeding your objectives.

24 Nov 2021

9.30am - 1pm

£65 + VAT

More info


498_3 - WES_Westco_Academy_Digital_marketing_event_page_photo_000

Digital and social media marketing masterclass for the public sector

Digital platforms, including social media, have revolutionised interactions with councils, education bodies, and other public service providers. Learn our tried and tested methods to optimise channels strategically, swiftly and effectively.

18 Nov 2021

9.30am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

More info


498_6 - WES_Westco_Academy_Storytelling_essentials_000_event_page_photo

Storytelling essentials 

This three-hour course is designed for communications officers involved in finding case studies or interviewees and writing about them – whether that be for newsletters, magazines or social media posts.

17 Nov 2021

10am - 1pm

£65 + VAT

More info


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Research, evaluation and insight done right 

This course unlocks the importance of evidence-based, data-driven campaigns and providing evidence of success. Join Jen Compton and master developing audience personas, insight, analytics, and evaluation.

11 Nov 2021

9.30am - 1pm

£65 + VAT

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Emotional intelligence

In this webinar, Wendy Jocum will lead a discussion on the foundational skill of resilience within emotional intelligence and how this has an immediate and positive impact on many areas that are critical to public sectors communications now, more than ever.

4 Nov 2021

9 - 10am

FREE

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Killer creative for behaviour change campaigns (SOLD OUT)

Unpack creative strategies and learn how to build successful campaigns that grab attention, engage your audience and ultimately make them reevaluate and change their behaviour.

3 Nov 2021

9.30am - 12.30pm

£65 + VAT

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Leadership in local government communications

Join Professor Paul Willis in this webinar as we explore the leadership challenges confronting professional communicators across the challenging context of local government. We'll discuss and introduce different ways of thinking, to positively impact and enhance your leadership skills. 

21 Oct 2021

4.30pm - 5.30pm

FREE

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Community engagement the Westco way 

From sample design to analysis techniques and stakeholder mapping. Join us for this half-day course to harness the power of our best practice model and turbo-charge your approach to community engagement.

20 Oct 2021

9.30am - 1pm

£65 + VAT

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How to launch a campaign in five days

This will provide you with a tried and tested campaign-build process to research, develop objectives, design a strategy, depict creative assets, set out your implementation plan and evaluate all within five days. 

4 - 8 Oct 2021

10am - 12noon

£140 + VAT

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Consulting for success

Learn what successful stakeholder management looks like, how to build trust and loyalty from your internal and external clients and stakeholders - and shift from account management to trusted advisor.

27 - 30 Sep 2021

9.30 - 11.30am

£170 + VAT

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Prioritising work and managing time like a pro

This virtual workshop series will give you tips and techniques for applying effective time management skills for yourself, whether you are a team member or team leader.

23 Sep, 30 Sep & 7 Oct 2021

9.30 - 11am

£95 + VAT

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Writing for different audiences

Different audiences require different styles of writing in various formats. In this highly accessible and enjoyable masterclass, we put the fun back into writing and teach you how to adapt your content across the board, including writing a great press release, telling engaging stories, and crafting compelling social content.

22 Sep 2021

10am - 1pm

£95 + VAT

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Paid digital advertising for the public sector

By reaching your target communities on third-party platforms where they spend their time online and are most receptive, you increase awareness and ultimately drive more behaviour change. 

16 Sep 2021

10am - 3.30pm

£95 + VAT

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Crisis communications

Develop your crisis communications skills with Amanda Coleman in her masterclass for Westco Academy, where she will share how to communicate before, during and after an emergency effectively.

18 - 19 Aug 2021

10am - 1pm 

£65 + VAT

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Fostering marketing, recruitment and retention

This best practice discussion will look at how councils can improve fostering marketing, recruitment and retention. It is specifically for local authorities fostering staff and their communication/marketing teams.

Thursday, 29 July 2021

16:00 – 17:30 BST

FREE

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How to create high-quality video with just a smartphone

Video is everywhere these days and it is more engaging than text on a web page. Join this course and learn how to harness the power of the device in your pocket.

Thursday, 29 July 2021 & Thursday, 5 August 2021

10:00 – 13:00 BST

2 part course

£140 + VAT

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Using data analytics for better decision-making in the public sector

By having the chance to enhance your understanding of the basis of robust information, the course aims to help you become more critical of sources of data before making significant decisions.

Thursday, 22 July 2021

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Digital and social media marketing masterclass for the public sector

Bring your public sector marketing skills into the digital age with our practical and relevant half-day course with Westco Academy.

Thursday, 8 July 2021

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Virtual, augmented and mixed reality tech to support immersive learning

Explore the potentials of immersive technologies to support and enhance education with Louis Nisiotis.

Wednesday, 16 June 2021

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Being a leader: a course for local government communicators

This course is designed to help participants address the development challenges they face as communication leaders, both within their teams and across the organisation.

Thursday, 10 June 2021

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Storytelling Essentials

This three-hour course is designed for communications officer involved in finding case studies or interviewees and writing about them – whether that be for newsletters, magazines or social media posts.

Thursday, 3 June 2021

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Campaign Planning Masterclass Series: ROSIE Model

Join our 5-part Campaign Planning Masterclass Series: ROSIE Model for best practice delivery designed specifically for public sector communicators aspiring to lead campaigns.

May 17 - 21, 2021

5 part course

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Using foresight to think about the UK in 2030

What will the UK be like in 2030 when the nation is post-Covid, post-Brexit and post-Johnson? When there is much speculation on what the next twelve months may bring, some are also looking ahead to prepare for the longer term.

Thursday, 29 April 2021

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Research, Evaluation and Insight

Learn how to design, monitor and evaluate your campaigns and better understand the importance of evidence-based, data-driven communication campaigns and providing evidence of success.

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

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The role of behaviour change in public service

This thought-provoking presentation by Rory Sutherland will provide new and emerging trends in behavioural science within mainstream communications.

Tuesday, 13 April 2021

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Digital tactics to drive behaviour change

The course will equip you with the knowledge on how to plan your digital campaigns and social media activity and most importantly, how to report your results using the right measures at each stage of the digital marketing behaviour change funnel.

Tuesday, 23 March 2021

 


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Emergency communication

Amanda Coleman will share her knowledge of how to effectively communicate before, during and after an emergency. This will include analysing recent case studies to uncover the most up-to-date thinking about what makes successful emergency communication.

23 February - 26 February 2021 

(4-Day Training)

 


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Smarter Project Management:

Join us for an introduction to the fundamentals of Project Management for those looking to increase their knowledge and skills.

Wednesday, 10 February 2021


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Virtual Leadership:

Struggling with the change involved in managing your teams virtually rather than face to face in the office? Join Guy Boyd to learn about and explore what virtual leadership looks like today.

30 Sept - 1 October 2020

2-Day Masterclass


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Introduction to Behaviour Change Theory

Learn about behavioural insights; the theory as well as how public sector communicators can apply them to real-life campaigns and more. This 3-part course will introduce you to behaviour change theory and its application.

20, 21, 22 October 2020

(Postponed)