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Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements Programme

Ellwood & Atfield are delighted to be supporting the Speaker's Parliament Placements scheme.

Backed by the Speaker the scheme was created by Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Eric Ollerenshaw MP and Jo Swinson MP. It is a cross-party initiative that has opened up Parliamentary internships to people who have always wanted to work in politics but haven't had the opportunity.

Of over 250 applications for the scheme 10 interns were successful. They are working for a Member of Parliament four days a week and spending Friday in training with House of Commons to better understand how Parliament works. None of the interns could afford to work for free and the scheme ensures that they receive the London living wage.

They all have an inspirational story to tell. For example Abdul fled conflict in Western Africa to start a new life and wants to learn more about our politics so he can return and help build a better future for his country. James left school in Glasgow at 16 to become a joiner he applied for the scheme after being made redundant and is now working for the Leader of the Opposition’s Parliamentary office.

Ellwood & Atfield are giving them and the other interns specialist career support to help them make the most of their internship experience in order to accelerate their careers. We are providing:

• one-to-one mentoring – a meeting with a dedicated recruitment consultant held early on in the internship. The meeting offers support and guidance to ensure that they maximise the opportunities during the scheme.
• CV review – there are lots of different opinions about what a perfect CV should contain and how it should look. The dedicated recruitment consultant helps the interns get to the nub of what should be in their CV and help them develop a clear, concise narrative of their skills and experiences.
• interview training – for some interviews are nerve wracking whilst others breeze through them. The interns receive practical techniques to create the positive impact they need to secure positions.
• job search advice – Ellwood & Atfield help the interns identify the best routes for them to pursue their next job from identifying who they should meet and which are the best job websites.

For more information about Ellwood & Atfield’s involvement with the Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements Programme please contact Nicola Bates.