Training in International Diplomatic Protocol & PR

The BBSI training courses in International Diplomatic Protocol & Public Relations are designed for those employed in the Diplomatic and Intelligence Services, or for those involved generally with VIP protocol at government level. Training focuses on the professional aspects of International Diplomatic Protocol, Public Relations, Public Administration, Formal/Social Etiquette and Forms of Address, as well as the necessary Management and Professional Skills required to function in an international role.

The course can be offered in modular format and course duration would depend on the English-language entry level of participants and previous experience levels. Normally of 16 or 24 weeks´ duration, the weekly study programme is typically as follows:

20 lessons English language & communication skills
10 lessons Diplomatic Training
6 lessons IT Skills
10 lessons Directed Self Study

Courses are designed for small groups of trainees and are tailored to meet a sponsor´s precise requirements. For those participants progressing to a subsequent university degree programme, BBSI can integrate IELTS Examination Preparation and Academic & Core Skills into weekly study.

Course Objectives:The course is designed to:

develop a functional level in professional communication &   presentation skills
develop an understanding of international diplomacy & public relations
develop the skills necessary to function in government, diplomatic & administrative roles at senior leveldevelop confidence & communicative competence
build appropriate professional & specialised vocabulary
develop general & cultural awareness
develop ability to function effectively in a professional international environment
develop personal presence & authority in professional context
develop personal, inter-personal & personal-presentation skills 

Training Topics.

Course content and structure are designed to provide a variety of input and practice in the topics specified. The colloquial, operational and specialised content for the programme will be selected, as necessary, from the following, and comprise practical and academic development in vocabulary, terminology and understanding of formal context:

logic, reasoning & problem solving
decision making
diplomatic communications
facts, opinions & their presentation
initialising, planning & controlling
summaries, reports & appreciations
international relations
government-to-government communications
international diplomacy
background
world politics
world economics
commercial factors
interpol & international intelligence
diplomatic service organisation & function
democratic processes
international defence studies
ceremonial & protocol
visits & delegations
administrative functions
conferences & meetings
social etiquette
forms of address

Learning Outcomes.

The course is designed to prepare potential diplomatic staff officers for international appointments within the Diplomatic and Intelligence Services. The programme is both stimulating and wide-ranging in its delivery and content and requires a high standard in motivation and approach from participants. Language and professional development is optimised by active participation in practical course work and is fully supported by authentic discussion, current affairs, written communication and planning activities. On course completion, participants would be expected to have achieved an operational standard of effectiveness and be able to:

fully comprehend native-speaker dialogue
feliver full professional briefings/presentations & handle subsequent questions
express & defend considered opinions
negotiate effectively in difficult circumstances
handle the unexpected with authority & presence
fully understand authentic texts in formal correspondence, newspapers & magazines
compose letters, briefs & formal reports to a high standard
training methods & resources
interactive classroom work
current affairs activities
discussion & debate
IT, audio & visual facilities
manuals & formal publications
practical work
role play
group exercises
external visits

Cultural & Professional Visits.

The cultural and professional excursion programme comprises regular part-day and full-day visits to professional and cultural places of interest. The visit programme is integrated with and structured around the academic elements of the course and is designed to fully compliment the academic and professional training.

Typical Visit Programme

Foreign Office
Banqueting Rooms, London
Cabinet War Rooms
Buckingham Palace
Houses of Parliament
Bournemouth Local Authority & Borough Council
Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Heathrow Airport, VIP Department

Social Programme.

Trainees are provided with a varied social programme that provides opportunities for them to integrate with senior BBSI staff, other military and government trainees, and also the School´s international student body.

Enrolment Details

Sponsors should contact BBSI with a Statement of Requirement, which must detail the number of course participants, their respective English-language skills´ levels and the precise training objectives. BBSI will then respond with a detailed, comprehensive and tailored Training Proposal.