Twenty-six Commonwealth Parliamentarians from across the CPA’s membership attended the Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Course in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom from 17 to 20 October 2023.

The course provided attendees with an opportunity to gain an in-depth analysis and understanding of the legislative process, improve their communication, presentation and influencing skills and learn from their colleagues in other Parliaments across the Commonwealth.

The core programme revolved around a single, central issue, with each day dedicated to a particular parliamentary function such as the legislative and Committee process. A Bill on alcohol pricing, passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2012, was used as sample legislation to provide a thematic focus for the sessions.

Across the four days, the Bill moved through the legislative process, giving participants the opportunity to test their skills in key parliamentary areas. Sessions included a debate in the parliamentary chamber, a Committee hearing, and a community outreach visit to The Sorted Project, an Edinburgh-based rehabilitation centre that provides a safe and peaceful space for people managing recovery from substance use and mental health.

The programme was co-hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat and the Scottish Parliament with delegates attending from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australian Capital Territory, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Nova Scotia, India, Saint Lucia, Sri Lanka, St Helena, Tasmania and Western Australia.

The Chamber debate was presided over by the Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Hon. Liam McArthur, MSP, who said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome so many Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth to the Scottish Parliament this week. The CPA Parliamentary Academy residency programme is a fantastic opportunity for Parliamentarians to network, learn and develop as Members of Parliament. It was my privilege to preside over the debate and to meet Members from a range of different Legislatures.”

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, attended the programme and said:

“I am immensely grateful to the Scottish Parliament for hosting this Residency. I was impressed by the dedication and commitment of the participants attending from a wide range of CPA jurisdictions. The CPA Parliamentary Academy continues to go from strength to strength in promoting mutual learning and best practice."

The programme was the CPA’s fourth residency course since the launch of the CPA Parliamentary Academy in 2021. Previous residency courses have been hosted by New South Wales (Australia), Western Cape (South Africa) and Alberta (Canada). The CPA Parliamentary Academy residency courses complement the CPA’s online courses, providing face-to-face interactive learning and knowledge-sharing at a more advanced level.

For images of the Residency programme please click here. 

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an international community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

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