Unite Parliamentary Staff Branch Interns' Network
The branch has a
new website:
http://unitepsbranch.org/
Parts of the new website are still under construction so the
material held below on this page,
and on those linked from it, will remain for the time being.
Latest information: 24 May 2011
Calling All Interns - come and show politicians how much you contribute to the UK economy
In aid of the launch of Intern Nation, NUS and Intern Aware are organising a publicity stunt on Wednesday 8th June 2011 outside the House of Commons to bring press attention to the contribution interns make to the UK economy.
We want politicians to come face to face with the exploitation faced by young people working for free across the country, but to do so WE NEED YOUR HELP.
We anticipate high press attention for this action so we need lots of interns there to get maximum effect. Come along to the event from 12pm-2pm. If you are interested in attending please register your interest by emailing susan.nash@nus.org.uk with your name, contact details, postcode and stating if you are currently doing a internship.
Added 8 January 2011:
Parliamentary intern mentoring scheme
Does my CV sound ok? Help, I don’t know what a statutory instrument is?! Where is the Table Office?
We are re-establishing the Parliamentary intern mentoring scheme and there will be an introductory meeting for interns interested in participating in the scheme on Thursday 13th January in Room M, Portcullis House from 12.30-13.30.
If interns who are interested in attending the meeting could email Shelley at shelley.phelps@parliament.uk so that we can get a feel for numbers that would be great. If you are an intern in the constituency and would like to take part in the scheme then you can sign up via email and we will put you on the list to be assigned a mentor.
Anyone who works for an MP and is interested in becoming a mentor should also email Shelley at the above address.
Looking forward to meeting you on the 13th.
Shelley, Nick and Mili
Added: 15 October 2009: Unite Interns Contract
The Unite interns contract aims to establish
a fairer system for internships in Parliament through a
clear set of guidelines. Some political employers like the
EU already offer well structured, resourced and
transparently advertised internship programmes. Our aim is
for our interns contract to provide the structure for the
House of Commons to do the same.
If you have any questions, or would like further information on the contract, please contact James Green at jamesgreen455@hotmail.com
Click here to view the contract (PDF file)
Click here to view the report on the Interns Summit on 12 October 2009
Who are we?
The Unite Parliamentary Staff Branch Interns' Network is a non-partisan network to help both people already interning in Parliament, and those who want to.
Want to get involved or learn more? Contact Adam at leedera@parliament.uk to sign up for our mailing list. Also, check back here for regular updates.
Whilst you do not have to be a member of Unite to join the Interns Network, you can join the Unite Parliamentary Branch as an Intern for the reduced rate of £1.15 per week by contacting freedmanm@parliament.uk or online at http://www.tgwu.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=89716.
To find out more about the Unite Parliamentary Staff Branch, visit www.w4mp.org/html/personnel/tgwu/default.asp.
What we do?
Advice:
Your first few days (or even weeks) can be a daunting experience – it is in these nervous and doubtful moments that the TGWU Interns Network is here to help.
How do you find the Table Office? What should go in a briefing note? Why do Members frown at you when you constantly stop the lift during a Division…?
To answer these questions, and countless others, the TGWU Interns' Network gives you the opportunity to make friends with other interns and full-time staff with whom you will be able to share tips and best practice.
You can also contact the Interns Network officers: Adam (leedera@parliament.uk) or James (greenjam@parliament.uk).
Meanwhile, have a look at the W4MP guide 'Your First 10 Days': http://www.w4mp.org/html/library/induction/firsttendays.asp. It might help you to survive those bewildering first few weeks
Events:
Putting the ‘network’ into Interns Network, the TGWU will frequently hold events where Interns can meet each other and full-time Parliamentary staff to learn, ask questions, find out about opportunities and get to know people in the same boat as you.
The social life of working in Parliament is one of its many attractions. Come along to a TGWU Interns Network event; meet with like-minded (and not so like-minded) people; and enjoy the odd drink (or two). You can not only get a full picture of Parliamentary life, but also possible find an unexpected springboard into full-time employment.
To hear about upcoming events, get on the mailing list by contacting Adam at leedera@parliament.uk.
Check out some of the sporting and social groups you can join here: http://www.w4mp.org/html/personnel/groups.asp.
Advocacy and Assistance:
Let’s be clear – most MPs treat their Interns perfectly well. But that does not mean there isn’t still some room for improvement.
Here the TGWU Interns Network can offer the chance to discuss any concerns you have about your employment practices in confidence. The TGWU can provide an opportunity to highlight both good and bad practice when employing Interns, with the hope of working with MPs towards more enjoyable, stimulating, and substantive internships, which benefit both the Member and the Intern.
The TGWU Interns Network will strive to provide some clarity of what is expected of your employer, but also what is expected of you during the course of your internship.
Mentoring:
We’ll also be setting up a mentoring scheme for new members of staff. Mentoring is a great way to build up new contacts, and to help you feel more welcome when you first start work at Parliament.
You will be matched with an experienced Parliamentary researcher or assistant, who will try to answer any questions you may have, help you navigate your way around the Westminster maze, and generally be a friendly face and point of contact when you arrive. It can also be nice to have someone to speak to who works for a different MP to you, in order to get a broader view of how things differ from office to office!
The minimum requirement we ask is one hour a month, but it will be up to the mentor and mentee to agree a contact programme that is mutually convenient. Contact Stacey Vickers on 020 72196377 or vickerss@parliament.uk for an application form or further information.
There's now a TGWU Parliamentary Branch Interns Network facebook page which you can visit at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25973496065.
Good luck, be in touch, and we look forward to meeting you soon…
To go to the main TGWU page click here.