Effective Government Relations for the Oil and Gas Sector

Introduction

This training course on Effective Government Relations for the Oil & Gas Sector will provide participants with a thorough understanding of the government relations function within the oil and gas sector. Participants will gain an understanding of the business value that a strategic approach to government relations can deliver at all stages of the oil and gas investment cycle: exploration and production, transportation, trading, processing, and distribution. This training course will provide insight into the role government relations plays in winning new business, building and reinforcing a strong reputation, supporting operations, managing change, and resolving disputes. 

This training course will highlight:

• Political risk analysis and mitigation
• License to operate
• Stakeholder mapping
• New country entry
• Advocacy and lobbying

Objectives

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

• In-depth knowledge of how to use a strategic approach to government relations to create value for your business
• In-depth insight into how to analyze and mitigate political risks facing your business
• The ability to develop and implement a fit for purpose government relations strategy to support your business needs
• Knowledge of a wide range of tools and tactics to use to improve your ability to manage relations with the government in a wide variety of situations
• Insight into how to create synergies between the government relations function and other functions such as Project Management, Operations, Finance, Legal and Public Relations

Training Methodology

This is an interactive course. There will be open question and answer sessions, regular group exercises and activities, videos, case studies, and presentations on best practices. Participants will have the opportunity to share with the facilitator and other participants what works well and not so well for them, as well as work on issues from their own organizations. The online course is conducted online using MS-Teams/ClickMeeting.

Who Should Attend?

This training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals who are interested in learning about government relations for the oil and gas sector: 

• Government Relations Managers
• Political Risk Analysts
• Corporate Affairs Managers
• External Relations Managers
• Corporate Social Responsibility Managers
• Public Relations Professionals
• Country Managers
• Asset Managers
• Project Managers
• Operations Managers
• New Venture Managers
• Business Development Managers
• Finance and Tax Professionals
• Lawyers
• Risk Managers

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Effective Government Relations   

What is Effective Government Relations?

• The Business Case for Government Relations
• Discussion: How important is the government to your business?

Ethics and Principles

• How to conduct Government Relations with integrity?
• Legal Aspects
• Reputation Risk
• Trends

Day 2: Political Risk Analysis and Mitigation

• Introduction to Political Risk
• Stakeholders: Agendas and Drivers
• Political Risk Analysis Tools
• Global Issues and Trends
• Strategies for Mitigating Political Risk

Day 3: Effective Applications of Government Relations

New Opportunities

• New Country Entry
• Expanding Existing Operations
• Mergers and Acquisition

Build and Strengthen Reputation

• Stakeholder Mapping
• The License to Operate: Sustainable Relations with Governments and Communities
• Gaining and Maintaining a License to Operate

Managing Change

• Advocacy and Lobbying
• Understanding Government Stakeholder Agendas and Drivers
• Building a Case for Change

Resolving Disputes

• Business Diplomacy
• Resolving Disputes with Government, Local Communities, and other Stakeholders
• Conducting Due Diligence
• Creating Win-Win Solutions

Day 4: The Government Relations Toolbox

Strategies and Plans

• Elements of a Government Relations Strategy

• Implementation

• Monitoring Results and Assessing Performance


Tools and Tactics

• High-Level Engagement
• Engaging in the Policy Debate

• Joining Forces with Others

• When Things Go Wrong


Synergy with other Functions

• Tax
- Role of Media including Social Media
• Role of Corporate Social Responsibility
• Public Relations


Organization

• Where does Government Relations fit in the company’s org chart?
• What does a fit-for-purpose Government Relations department look like?
• Skills and Experience of Government Relations Managers

Day 5: The Government Relations Business Game

This day will allow attendees to bring their Government Relations expertise to bear on a realistic scenario.  Attendees will have the opportunity to put into practice a range of Government Relations strategies and tools.  They will be able to experience the impact of these in a fictional but realistic scenario.

Session 1

• Introducing the Scenario
• Risk Analysis
• Stakeholder Mapping
• Government Relations Strategy

Session 2

• Building the License to Operate
• Implementing the Strategy
• Managing Expectations
• Alignment with the Government
• First Signs of Trouble

Session 3

• Political Instability
• Strikes and Protests
• New Opportunities
• New Partnerships

Session 4

• Defending the License to Operate
• Long Term Outlook
• Divestment or Staying-on?
• Lessons Learned and Conclusions