Parliamentary Research Training Enhances Skills of Bhutan's National Assembly and National Council Staff
A comprehensive four-day training on Parliamentary Research was conducted for Research Assistants (RAs) and Assistant Research Officers (AROs) from the National Assembly and National Council of Bhutan in Paro, from 19-29 August 2024 and from August 26 -29 August 2024 at Tsherim Resort,Paro.
The training aimed to enhance participants' skills in evaluating data sources, conducting descriptive analysis using Excel, incorporating gender and social dimensions into research, drafting parliamentary documents, performing impartial desk research, and applying Legislative Impact Assessment in Bhutanese law-making. Conducted in two groups—one from August 19th to 22nd and the other from August 26th to 29th—the course covered key topics such as information sourcing, evaluating sources and evidence, data cleaning and analysis, data visualization, gender-sensitive research and policy analysis, writing briefing notes and parliamentary briefs, preparing committee meeting briefs, and effective communication with a focus on presentation skills and impartiality. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and group activities to apply the concepts learned..
This capacity-building initiative was supported by Project ‘Nyamdrel II: Support to CSOs and Parliament of Bhutan, funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA. The training is part of a broader effort to strengthen parliamentary processes and promote evidence-based decision-making in Bhutan's legislative bodies.
