Meet your Facilitator 

Jo Scard, CEO/Founder, Fifty Acres

About Jo:

As the Founder and CEO, Jo leads our team at Fifty Acres and is involved with all projects. She offers 20 years’ experience in communications and a wealth of knowledge in public speaking, strategic communications and government engagement.

Standing as one of Australia’s most highly sought-after strategic advisors, Jo has a proven reputation in the field across corporate and political advisory and journalism. Jo regularly facilitates media training for organisations and individuals across Australia. 

A trained lawyer and respected former journalist in the UK and Australia, Jo has worked with ITV, Associated Press, Seven Network, SBS, ABC and Fairfax, and previously acted as a senior adviser in the Rudd and Gillard governments as well as the British Labour Party. 

A leader in the for-purpose and social impact sector, Jo runs regular webinars for not-for-profit and community-based organisations. Jo frequently speaks at industry events and conferences such as FWD+ORGANISE, Annual PA&COMMS and various events for PRCA.

Government Engagement Packages

Package 1: Post election strategy workshop – 3 hour – half day workshop

With a newly elected government comes opportunity.  Government engagement outreach has new life, and with newly appointed Ministers, new, constructive relationships can be built.

Jo Scard will lead a customised workshop which meets your needs, covering

• an overview of the existing government, the new shadow ministry, Greens and crossbench, 
• the best way to approach government engagement in the post-election environment.
• The workshop will also consider the best way to position your organisation in the lead-up to MYEFO and the budget process and incorporate a real-time discussion to help you develop a government engagement strategy, creating a clear direction for your organisation.

Package 2: Overview and brainstorm – 2 hour workshop

With a wealth of experience, including time spent in the corridors of Australian Parliament House, Jo will 

• provide an overview of the new government, their priorities and policies, the new shadow ministry and the role of the crossbench.  
• This workshop will include a brainstorming session to consider some of your organisation’s advocacy scenarios, and how to best engage with the new government and achieve your funding, policy or legislative objectives

Package 3: How to develop an effective government engagement strategy – 3 hour-half day workshop

Representing a unique blueprint to guide your organisation, a government engagement strategy can make the difference in ensuring your messaging and meetings with parliamentarians are strategic and outcomes-driven. 

In this tailored workshop, Jo Scard will: 

• outline the must-haves within the strategy, how to structure it and make it relevant for your organisation.
• facilitate practical activities to help your organisation develop a robust document that will guide your engagement activities, consider what you need from government, and how you can best approach the new Parliament.
• This strategy can also incorporate approaches for MYEFO, budget and election periods. 

Package 4:  Training: Preparing and presenting at Minister and MP meetings

Presenting  in front of a Minister or MP is  an artform., Jo Scard, will provide insights of how these are run, and what politicians are hoping to hear and achieve during their time with representatives from your organisation.

The workshop will include a mock meeting, facilitated by Jo, so participants can learn tactics in real-time, build knowledge of how to respond to complex questions and the expectations parliamentarians have during meetings.

Package 5: Training: Preparing and presenting at parliamentary hearings, committees and inquiries

Representatives from your organisation may be called to present on relevant topics to hearings, committees, or inquiries.  These are overseen by parliamentarians who hear your opening statement, before asking questions.

Jo Scard can help you best prepare, talk through potential questions you will be asked, and how you can effectively communicate your opinions and views in a succinct and effective way.

Packages can be tailored to meet your needs, and we are happy to discuss how we can tailor your session and provide pricing.