Public Relations

Public Information and Citizen Engagement

Governments and public bodies must inform citizens clearly and involve them in decisions. This course covers public information principles, plain language, accessible communication, public consultations, participatory approaches, digital engagement and evaluating engagement outcomes.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Citizens trust institutions that communicate openly and listen. You will learn to inform and engage the public effectively.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Plain language rewriting, consultation design, digital engagement planning and case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Apply public information principles
Write in plain, accessible language
Design public consultations
Use participatory engagement methods
Engage citizens through digital channels
Evaluate engagement outcomes

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Government communication officers
Public engagement specialists
Policy officers
Municipal staff
PR professionals in public bodies

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Plain language
Accessibility
Consultation design
Participation
Evaluation

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Public Information

09:00–10:08Right to information
10:08–11:00Principles
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Principles (continued)
11:45–12:53Case studies
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Plain Language

09:00–10:08Plain language rules
10:08–11:00Accessible formats
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Accessible formats (continued)
11:45–12:53Translation
12:53–14:00Rewriting practice

Day 3Consultations

09:00–10:08Consultation design
10:08–11:00Methods
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Methods (continued)
11:45–12:53Analysis
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 4Participation

09:00–10:08Participatory methods
10:08–11:00Digital engagement
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Digital engagement (continued)
11:45–12:53Inclusion
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 5Evaluation

09:00–10:08Engagement metrics
10:08–11:00Reporting back
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Reporting back (continued)
11:45–12:53Improvement
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.