ΠΕΡΙΓΡΑΦΗ

Lobbying is defined as any attempt by individuals or private interest groups to influence the decisions of government. 

Lobbying, on behalf of a group or individual, can be undertaken by businesses or individuals, wanting to influence regulation, legislation, or other government policies, decisions or actions. 

Lobbying ensures in a productive government, by giving stakeholders access to the development and implementation of public policies. Professionals involved in public decision-making processes (communication with a government official who, by virtue of their position, have the authority to initiate such a procedure or to formulate its content or to determine its final outcome), must implement lobbying regulation. 

However, these professionals need be aware of the provisions of the legislation and be able to effectively practise them. This training programme prepares professionals to successfully adapt to the requirements of lobbying legislation in Cyprus, offers the opportunity to understand the advantages of institutionalised lobbying, while presenting the best practices followed at a European level.

ΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΣΕΜΙΝΑΡΙΟΥ

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Describe the principles and provisions of the legislation regulating lobbying in Cyprus.
• Name offences and penalties under this legislation.
• Corelate national legislation to best practices followed at European level.
• Explain the provisions of the new legislation regulating lobbying in Cyprus.
• Develop skills of proper involvement in public decision-making processes.
• Show wrong practices through new legislation.
• Participate with all stakeholders involved.
• Participate in public decision-making processes
• Defend their personal and/or corporate interests

ΣΕ ΠΟΙΟΥΣ ΑΠΕΥΘΥΝΕΤΑΙ

The training programme is addressed to individuals, companies, or groups of professionals, involved in public decision-making processes (communication with a government official who, by virtue of their position, have the competence to initiate such a process or to formulate its content or to determine its final outcome). Specifically, the course will benefit:

• CEOs
• CFOs
• Directors and Senior Managers
• Legal Professionals
• Accountants
• Bankers
• Public relations professionals
• Any professional involved in public decision-making processes

ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΕΣ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΕΣ

Training Outline 

Introduction to legislation 

• Brief historical overview of what lobbying is and how it came about as a practice, so that participants can better understand its application
• Description of the main purpose of the legislation and the gap it comes to fill with its implementation
• Presentation of some basic interpretations and exceptions so that participants can better understand certain provisions of the legislation

 Fundamentals 

• Presentation of the registry in which professionals wishing to participate in public decision-making processes must register
• Presentation of the information that must be included in the report that individuals involved in public decision-making processes must submit after each meeting with a government official
• Reference to the basic rights and obligations of all those involved in public decision-making processes

 Offences and penalties: Presentation of all penalties imposed in case of violation regarding specific provisions of the legislation 

• Non-register persons
• False representations
• Failure to submit/false report
• Administrative fine

 Legislative implementation in the EU

• Presentation of legislative work carried out at European level and all stages in which lobbyists are involved
• The most important phase in which lobbyists can lobby for the institutionalisation or amendment of a particular legislation
• Presentation of the registry in which professionals wishing to participate in public decision-making processes must register

 Group exercises

Training Style

The training style is training-focused, involving a combination of presentation and real-life examples, but also learner-focused, where participants are encouraged to raise questions, seek clarifications and share their opinions from their different perspectives and engage in an exchange of views and personal professional experiences. It will strive to enhance participants’ skills and knowledge via presentations, discussion, questions, brainstorming and practical examples.

Explanation of the necessary theory behind the practice shall be made whilst then progressing with a focus on the documents and procedures.  Role play and brainstorming shall also be applied during delivery.

CPD Recognition 

This programme may be approved for up to 14 CPD units in Law. Eligibility criteria and CPD Units are verified directly by your association, regulator or other bodies which you hold membership. 

The Cyprus Bar Association (CyBAR) has confirmed that this programme is accredited for 14 CPD units.