Introduction to political decision-making in Wales

A short course to increase your understanding of Wales’s key decision-making bodies.

What’s it about?

Politics in Wales works differently from other parts of the UK. Following the Senedd election this May, important changes were made to the way politics is done in Wales, including updates to how representatives are elected and how the Senedd operates.

If you want to make a difference or get your voice heard, it’s essential to understand how the new system works and what it means for decision-making.

This course gives you the essential knowledge you need to understand Wales’s key decision-making bodies. You’ll learn about:

• What powers are devolved to Wales

• How the Welsh government and Welsh Parliament (Senedd) operate

• What has changed following the 2026 Senedd election

• The main ways people and organisations can influence change.

You can take this course on its own, or join it as part of a bundle with our follow-up session on Tuesday 26 January.

What you’ll learn

By the end of the course, you’ll have a clear understanding of:

• How devolution works in Wales

• The powers and responsibilities of the Welsh government

• The role of the Senedd and how it makes decisions

• What’s new in the post‑election political landscape

• The different ways to push for change.

Who should attend

The course will be of interest to anyone who needs to understand how decisions are made in Wales, including:

• People working in media, communications, public affairs or campaigning

• Staff in charities, businesses or public services

• Anyone working in or with government or agencies who wants to understand the bigger picture.

Cost

The course can be booked as a stand-alone session or as a bundle with the intermediate course.

Single session:

• Subscriber special: £65 (plus booking fee)

• Standard: £90 (plus booking fee)

Bundle:

• Subscriber special: £110 (plus booking fee)

• Standard: £160 (plus booking fee)

By booking, you agree to the Bevan Foundation’s training terms and conditions.

The subscriber special rate is available to organisations with a paid subscription to the Bevan Foundation. Please note that if you book at this rate but aren’t a subscriber, we reserve the right to charge the full price.

Two free places are available for small, unfunded groups – please contact us if you are interested in this offer.