Public Policy

The BES Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme


Background

In 2007, Barry Gardiner MP, former Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs invited the BES to select five ecologists to shadow him and senior Defra officials.  The experience gave the selected ecologists a great insight into how environmental policy-making works in the UK. In 2008, we were very fortunate to secure the participation of the Minister for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Waste, Joan Ruddock MP, and also the involvement of MEPs, Linda McAvan and John Bowis, in Brussels. 

European Commission. A photograph of flags and delegates inside the European Commission.The 2009 scheme saw members of the BES undertake placements with Jane Davidson AM, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing at the Welsh Assembly Government; Professor Maggie Gill, Chief Scientific Advisor for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Scottish Government; Huw Irranca-Davies MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Defra and Professor Bob Watson, Chief Scientific Advisor at Defra. Once more, a member of the BES was able to spend time in Brussels shadowing Linda McAvan MEP.

Participating Ministers, MEPs and Officials for 2010

We are delighted to confirm that the following have agreed to take part in the scheme in 2010. Dates are given for the placement, if these have been confirmed.

  • Jane Davidson AM, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing at the Welsh Assembly Government (13 - 14 April 2010)
  • Professor Maggie Gill, Chief Scientific Advisor for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Scottish Government
  • Huw Irranca Davies MP, Parliamentary under Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government
  • Linda McAvan MEP, Labour Spokesperson on the Environment, European Parliament
  • Caroline Lucas MEP, Leader of the Green Party for England and Wales (24 February 2010)
  • Chris Davies MEP, Environment spokesman for Liberals and Democrats across Europe
  • Julie Girling MEP, Conservative MEP for the South West Region

Expenses

The BES will cover reasonable travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for undertaking the scheme.

Application

If you would like to be considered for the scheme, please send a short CV (2 pages) including names and contact details of two references and a covering letter detailing:

  • Why you want this experience and how you will utilise it in your career
  • Who you would be interested in shadowing (see above)
  • When you would be free to take part in the scheme

Criteria for selection

Eligibility is limited to ecologists who are:

  • Current BES members
  • Based at an academic institution or equivalent body
  • Post - PhD

Selection will be based on: 

  • Experience or willingness to actively communicate ecological research to policymakers
  • Strong scientific record for career status
  • Intent to share what is learned during the Fellowship with students and colleagues 
  • Desire to become active in the BES’s policy work

Closing date

Applications for the 2010 scheme have now closed. Check back here towards the end of this year for details of further opportunities in 2011.

Further information

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"A BES grant helped launch the Big Biodiversity Butterfly Count, leading to Brighton & Hove's 2010 Big Nature bioliteracy campaign" Dan Danahar Grant recipient

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