E-Learning Course on Regulatory Information and Public Participation
January 14 - March 14, 2008
Brief Description of the Course:
The objectives of the E-learning Training course on Regulatory Information and Public Participation are to:
- Identify and discuss the best practices that link regulatory functions and public participation.
- Address the need for transparency and information availability and the issue of confidentiality and the process for doing so.
- Address customer service and dispute resolution processes.
The purpose of this course is to provide participants with:
- An understanding of the fundamental value of public participation to the regulatory process and the breadth of regulatory activities that can encourage or inhibit meaningful public participation
- Enhanced practical skills in communicating with the public and other stakeholders to increase interest and understanding of regulatory issues and to expand public participation in and support for the regulatory process.
The course is organized into several modules.
- Module 1 focuses on the relationship of regulatory information to public participation and the need to provide the public with access to information comparable to that of the regulator.
- Module 2 addresses the process for public participation and methods of encouraging or facilitating public participation, including public hearings.
- Module 3 covers the internal organizational structure and process required to support a high level of public participation.
- Module 4 concentrates on practical skills in communicating issues, activities and decisions of the regulator and interacting with energy sector stakeholders.
- Module 5 provides an opportunity for students to apply the content of the previous modules into development of a comprehensive public participation and outreach plan in response to a given scenario.
- The course concludes with a discussion session on ethics.
Modules are interactive and designed to provide an introduction of the underlying principles of the topic, exposure to situations and practical responses utilizing actual experiences of ERRA members. Students will also be expected to react and respond individually or in groups to hypothetical situations, including a mock hearing and a mock press conference.
The course was available at the following website:
http://erra.eduweb.hu/
