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Policy Volunteer

The British Ecological Society has a volunteer oportunity to assist the Science Policy Team for two days a week for up to three months at the Society’s office in Putney, 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
• Update policy contact database
• Assist with the organisation of policy meetings and a parliamentary reception
• Assist with administrative tasks

Qualifications and skills:

• Graduate
• Knowledge or interest in ecology
• Knowledge or interest in public policy
• Excellent IT skills

The BES will cover the volunteer's travel within London and lunch expenses.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter (including details of when you would be able to start and days available to volunteer) to the Science Policy Team .

The deadline for applications is Friday 28 November.
Interviews will be held in the morning on Wednesday 10 December.

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. 

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