The authors are award winning public affairs professionals, and have proven track records in helping to shape and influence legislation and policy development in the Scottish and UK parliaments. Mark Ballard is Head of Policy for one of the largest voluntary organisations in Scotland and an ex-MSP. Robert McGeachy is one of the few public affairs professionals in Scotland who can offer demonstrable public affairs experience of both the Scottish and Westminster political systems, and legislative processes.

• Preface by Michael Clancy1. Stripping away the mysteries 2. Parliamentary monitoring3. Engaging with key policy makers4. Working with individual MSPs5. Working with politicians and political parties6. Responding to consultations7. Influencing Scottish Parliamentary Committees8. Engaging with the legislative process: Pre-legislation to Stage 19. Engaging with the legislative process: Stage 2, Stage 3 and beyond10. Members' Bills11. Oral Questions and Written Questions 12. Scottish Parliamentary debates13. Parliamentary Motions14. Public Petitions to the Scottish Parliament15. Cross Party Groups in the Scottish Parliament16. Parliamentary receptions and other events17. Party conferences18. Partnership working19. Working with the Media20. Online Communications21. Influencing Local Government

'In order to negotiate the landscape of Scottish politics successfully and engage effectively with the governmental institutions, the political parties and the various stakeholders and sectors in Scottish civic society, any individual or organisation will need a good public affairs guide. This book is such guide for the newcomer and a 'memory stick' for the expert. It contains all a person needs to know to engage with the Parliament, the Government, local authorities and civic society in an effective and efficient way. This book shows how one can participate in that fast moving and interesting field and will become a tool for all who wish to get involved and achieve success in their endeavours.' Michael P Clancy OBE, Director, Law Reform, Law Society of Scotland

The authors are award winning public affairs professionals, and have proven track records in helping to shape and influence legislation and policy development in the Scottish and UK parliaments. Mark Ballard is Head of Policy for one of the largest voluntary organisations in Scotland and an ex-MSP. Robert McGeachy is one of the few public affairs professionals in Scotland who can offer demonstrable public affairs experience of both the Scottish and Westminster political systems, and legislative processes.

• Preface by Michael Clancy1. Stripping away the mysteries 2. Parliamentary monitoring3. Engaging with key policy makers4. Working with individual MSPs5. Working with politicians and political parties6. Responding to consultations7. Influencing Scottish Parliamentary Committees8. Engaging with the legislative process: Pre-legislation to Stage 19. Engaging with the legislative process: Stage 2, Stage 3 and beyond10. Members' Bills11. Oral Questions and Written Questions 12. Scottish Parliamentary debates13. Parliamentary Motions14. Public Petitions to the Scottish Parliament15. Cross Party Groups in the Scottish Parliament16. Parliamentary receptions and other events17. Party conferences18. Partnership working19. Working with the Media20. Online Communications21. Influencing Local Government

'In order to negotiate the landscape of Scottish politics successfully and engage effectively with the governmental institutions, the political parties and the various stakeholders and sectors in Scottish civic society, any individual or organisation will need a good public affairs guide. This book is such guide for the newcomer and a 'memory stick' for the expert. It contains all a person needs to know to engage with the Parliament, the Government, local authorities and civic society in an effective and efficient way. This book shows how one can participate in that fast moving and interesting field and will become a tool for all who wish to get involved and achieve success in their endeavours.' Michael P Clancy OBE, Director, Law Reform, Law Society of Scotland

The authors are award winning public affairs professionals, and have proven track records in helping to shape and influence legislation and policy development in the Scottish and UK parliaments. Mark Ballard is Head of Policy for one of the largest voluntary organisations in Scotland and an ex-MSP. Robert McGeachy is one of the few public affairs professionals in Scotland who can offer demonstrable public affairs experience of both the Scottish and Westminster political systems, and legislative processes.

• Preface by Michael Clancy1. Stripping away the mysteries 2. Parliamentary monitoring3. Engaging with key policy makers4. Working with individual MSPs5. Working with politicians and political parties6. Responding to consultations7. Influencing Scottish Parliamentary Committees8. Engaging with the legislative process: Pre-legislation to Stage 19. Engaging with the legislative process: Stage 2, Stage 3 and beyond10. Members' Bills11. Oral Questions and Written Questions 12. Scottish Parliamentary debates13. Parliamentary Motions14. Public Petitions to the Scottish Parliament15. Cross Party Groups in the Scottish Parliament16. Parliamentary receptions and other events17. Party conferences18. Partnership working19. Working with the Media20. Online Communications21. Influencing Local Government

'In order to negotiate the landscape of Scottish politics successfully and engage effectively with the governmental institutions, the political parties and the various stakeholders and sectors in Scottish civic society, any individual or organisation will need a good public affairs guide. This book is such guide for the newcomer and a 'memory stick' for the expert. It contains all a person needs to know to engage with the Parliament, the Government, local authorities and civic society in an effective and efficient way. This book shows how one can participate in that fast moving and interesting field and will become a tool for all who wish to get involved and achieve success in their endeavours.' Michael P Clancy OBE, Director, Law Reform, Law Society of Scotland