Public Policy

The BES Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme

*Now open for applications: Closing date Wednesday 29th February 2012*


Background

Our two day Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme has been running since 2007. Since then, members of the BES have shadowed senior policy-makers including several Parliamentary-Secretaries of State at Defra, the Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing in Wales, Policy Advisors in Scotland and MEPs in Brussels.

  • This scheme is open to members of the BES who are in the early stages of their research career.
  • Applicants must have finished their PhD and have completed this no more than 12 years ago.

European Commission. A photograph of flags and delegates inside the European Commission.Participating Ministers, MEPs and Officials for 2012

Invitations to participate in the 2012 scheme have been sent to Ministers, MEPs and Officials. As soon as possible, a full list of confirmed participating policy-makers will be published on this page.

Confirmed hosts so far for 2012 are:

  • Debbie Basset, Biodiversity Implementation Team Leader for Scottish Natural Heritage
  • Adam Smith, Policy Officer at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust in Scotland
  • Chris Davies MEP, Environment spokesman for Liberals and Democrats across Europe
  • Clare Greathead, Marine Biologist at Scottish Government's Directorate for Marine Science (Marine Scotland Science)
  • Linda McAvan, Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber

**This list will be updated as we receive further responses.

Expenses

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

Application

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 list above and check back for updates)
  • When you would be free to take part in the scheme

Applications should be sent to: Ceri@BritishEcologicalSociety.org (please state BES Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme in the subject header)

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

Further information

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