Training
Driving transformational change: how to build public and political support for the change we need.
This interactive training program is designed for leaders and policy advocates dedicated to achieving transformational policy change.
Developed in collaboration between Common Cause Australia and For Purpose, this training explores how to use public engagement and strategic government relations to disrupt politics as usual and create more meaningful long-term change.
Please note: This is the only facilitated course excluded from the EOFY Sale. EOFY discount codes cannot be used for this training.
Over 4 sessions for 3-hours
Online via Zoom
Session 1: Wednesday 22nd July 2026, 10.00am-1.00pm (AEST), Session 2: Wednesday 29th July 2026, 10.00am-1.00pm (AEST), Session 3: Wednesday 5th August 2026 10.00am-1.00pm (AEST), Session 4: Wednesday 12th August 2026, 10.00am-1.00pm (AEST).
Policy Managers Intensive
Join our last Policy Managers Intensive for 2026.
These engaging, practical sessions will equip policy managers with essential skills to lead teams, set priorities, communicate effectively, and implement strategy with confidence.
Across 3 weeks, 3 hours each week + pre-work and 1:1 coaching
Online via Zoom
Tuesday 4th August 2026, Tuesday 11th August 2026 and Tuesday 18th August 2026, 10:00am–1:00pm (AEST).
Policy and Advocacy Intensive: Online Flexible Learning
Discover flexible online training with weekly modules and a live session designed to empower for-purpose professionals to master policy navigation and drive change.
At your own pace
Online via Zoom
Starts Monday 10th August 2026 (As this is a self-paced course, you can purchase tickets up to the Monday 24th August 2026, provided you feel confident completing all the modules).
Starts Monday 12th October 2026 (As this is a self-paced course, you can purchase tickets up to the Friday 30th October 2026, provided you feel confident completing all the modules).
AI for Not- for Profits: Practical Tools & Ethical use
This course is designed for organisations and people curious about AI, but not sure where to start and wanting to build practical and ethical AI skills.
2.5 hours
Online via Zoom
Tuesday 25th August 2026 10:00am – 12:30pm (AEST)
Meeting with decision makers: Live and Online
This Workshop has been developed for people working in not-for-profit organisations or other purpose-driven environments.
It explores how to prepare for, participate in and follow – up meetings with politicians, advisors or public servants.
2.5 hours
Online via Zoom
Thursday 27th August 2026 10:30am – 1:00pm (AEST)
Effective Email and Time Management: Online Intensive
This course is designed for professionals looking to manage email more effectively, improve productivity and create more space for meaningful work. Participants will learn practical tools and strategies to reduce overwhelm and make better use of their time.
2.5 hours
Online via Zoom
Tuesday 8th September 2026, 10:00am -12:30pm (AEST)
Policy and Advocacy Intensive: Live and online
Discover live, interactive sessions that empower not-for-profit professionals with critical skills to navigate policy and political processes and drive change.
Across 2 days, 3.5 hours each day
Online via Zoom
Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th September 2026 10:00am – 1:30pm (AEST)
Strategic Communications and Messaging Online Intensive
This training covers the latest research from cognitive linguistics and psychology fields, along with some practical tools to develop communications that win.
Across 2 days, 3.5 hours each day
Online via Zoom
Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th October 2026 10:30am -2:00pm (AEDT)
Say it so it sticks: Key messages and media releases
A hands-on 2.5-hour workshop where you’ll turn a real issue from your organisation into clear key messages and the spine of a media release.
Most of the time is spent writing and refining, so you leave with language you can put to work straight away.
2.5 hours each day
Online via Zoom
Thursday 15th October 2026, 10:30am – 1:00pm (AEDT)
Policy Writing: Developing Compelling Submissions
This training covers how to prepare, approach and develop policy submissions including tips, tools and resources to use to get the best outcome.
2.5 hours
Online via Zoom
Thursday 22nd October 2026, 10:30am – 1:00pm (AEDT)
The 48th Parliament
This training provides an understanding of the make-up of the 48th Parliament.
We examine the election outcome and the composition of the Parliament, as well as explore lessons from the first year of the term and the political landscape heading into the next election.
3 hours
Online via Zoom
Wednesday 28th October 2026 (AEDT)
Pitching for impact in a changing media landscape
A practical workshop for communicators who need to get stories up but feel the media has moved on.
Learn how today’s mix of print, online, podcasts and social first news really works, and walk away with targeted pitches you can send the next day.
2.5 hours
Online via Zoom
Thursday 29th October 2026, 10:30 am – 1:00pm (AEDT)
For Purpose Alumni and Community Webinar
This FREE online event will bring together our alumni and collaborators to connect and learn.
Whether you’ve participated in our training or coaching, or want to find out more about our community, we’d love for you to join our webinar.
1 hour
Online via Zoom
TBC
Policy and Advocacy 2 Day Intensive
This 2 Day Intensive offers purpose-driven professionals the chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals, developing the essential skills needed to navigate the policy development process and drive change.
Light lunch provided.
Across 2 day 6 hours each day
TBC
Training and coaching credits
What are training and coaching credits?
For Purpose offers flexible training and coaching credits, allowing organisations and individuals to pre-purchase learning in advance and apply it across a range of professional development opportunities over the course of a financial year.
Credits can be drawn down across For Purpose’s suite of workshops, intensives, and personalised coaching, ensuring support is aligned to real-time priorities and organisational goals.
Policy Managers Intensive
Managing policy teams requires a diverse range of skills and knowledge. The Policy Managers Intensive is for people currently working as a manager of a policy, research or advocacy team. It covers essential skills for leadership development in agenda setting, communication and engagement, implementing organisational strategy and building effective teams.
The Intensive involves:
- 4 hours of pre-workshop activities
- 3 x 3 hour workshops delivered weekly
- 1 x 1 hour coaching session at the completion of the workshop series
Pre-workshop activities
Prior to the workshops commencing, participants will be asked to complete a survey that provides an overview of their personal learning objectives. Participants will also be provided with content in the form of short videos and research to complete prior to workshop 1.
Workshop 1 – Agenda setting and prioritisation
This workshop will focus on one of the key challenges faced by people managing policy teams – prioritisation. When there are so many possible priorities, how do managers determine what to focus on and how to set the agenda? In this session, we will explore
- environmental scanning
- prioritisation
- policy windows.
Workshop 2 – Authentic communication and engagement
This workshop will focus on how to develop effective relationships with a range of communities. All change requires collective action by a range of people. In this session, we will explore:
- developing and maintaining relationships
- movement building
- creating compelling presentations.
Workshop 3 – From strategy to action
This workshop will focus on how to turn your organisation’s strategic plan into meaningful action. To achieve outcomes, tangible actions are required that are focused on the organisation’s strategy. In this session, we will explore:
- turning strategy into tangible action
- building effective teams
Cost
The cost of the Intensive is $950 for people working in not-for-profit organisations and $1,150 for people working in government and other sectors.
Expression of Interest
All Intensives are capped at 15 people. The Intensive is targeted at people who have experience working in policy management roles. To apply for the Intensive, please complete an Expression of Interest by 5pm AEST 24 September.