BES Facebook pagePolicy Internship
*This opportunity has now closed. Please check here in the New Year (2012) for further opportunities*
The British Ecological Society has a volunteer opportunity to assist the Science Policy Team for two days a week for three months at the Society's office in central London.
Volunteers will help:
- Monitor legislation and policy developments relevant to the science of ecology
- Assist with the preparation of policy statements, briefing papers and responses to Government consultations
- Assist with the organisation of policy meetings and events
- Assist with administrative tasks
Qualifications and skills:
- Graduate
- Knowledge or interest in the science of ecology
- Knowledge or interest in public policy
- Excellent IT skills
The BES will cover the volunteer's travel within London, and lunch expenses up to £5.00 a day.
An insight into volunteering in the BES Science Policy Team
- Katherine Gillbe (Summer 2006)
With a background in Ecology and a recent MSc in Environmental Management for Business, I saw the intern advertised with the BES as an opportunity to build upon my interest in environmental policy. Working for the British Ecological Society has given me invaluable Parliamentary experience, through both research and attendance at Parliamentary meetings.
One highlight was viewing David Miliband under scrutiny by the Environmental Food and Rural Affairs Committee - his first time since in post as Secretary of State for Defra. The meeting gave some insight as to how politicians communicate in public! Other meetings hosted by the BES allowed me to experience what goes on in Parliament.
My time with the BES has developed my, somewhat previously limited, understanding of how Government, Parliament and the European Commission interact. It has also developed my knowledge about the importance of key organisations and institutions relevant to the process of science into policy.
Of course, as well as the exciting experiences with Parliament, I have also developed some fantastic and sellable skills whilst in the office, such as website development and database management. The paramount benefits of office experience have been monitoring legislation and policy documents, writing briefing papers on these and assisting the Science Policy Manager with responses to Government consultations, such as the Marine Bill.
As a step between graduating and working, this internship is highly recommendable. Undoubtedly, my time with the BES equipped me with some of the experience, knowledge and skills required for my new job as Project Coordinator for the Associate Parliamentary Sustainable Waste Group.
- Charlie Butt (Intern April - July 2008)
Charlie writes about his experiences as part of the Policy Team in the British Ecological Society Bulletin August 2008, 39:3 p15-16
