John Clark Parliamentary Internship Programme 2023

The John Clark Internship Programme has been created by Amy Callaghan MP in memory of her friend and colleague, John Clark.

John Clark was an SNP activist and campaigner, who provided Amy with knowledge and strength to be a successful activist and parliamentary member of staff. This internship programme is to continue John’s legacy, to equip others with skills needed to work in politics.

This opportunity will provide the successful candidate with experience of working life in a political office. Over twelve weeks, the intern will learn, grow, and develop a range of transferable skills.

The successful candidate will be based in the constituency office in East Dunbartonshire. There may be occasional travel to London when required, the successful candidate will have an opportunity to work in Amy’s parliamentary office in London.

The internship programme is designed to be completed over a period of 12 weeks. Hours must be completed Monday to Friday. Working days are open to negotiation and can accommodate the successful candidate’s circumstances.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting/ learning how to manage constituent correspondence and casework
• Assisting/ learning how to monitor media coverage and brief MP
• Basic administrative support
• Learning/ assisting in appropriate research to assist with resolving casework, or parliamentary activities.
• Learn how to analyse, evaluate, and interpret data
• Learn how to draft local/national press releases
• Accompany the member to constituency engagements, including MP Surgeries.
• Assist with arranging events; this may include compiling and managing guests-lists and providing on-the-day event support as required
• Log all cases; monitor progress and ensure all identified actions are taken
• Draft responses to constituents, including letters and email correspondence
• Ensure records are kept and information managed confidentially in line with the data protection legislation
• Undertake other general administrative duties in support of the Members’ work as required.
• There may be a requirement for the role holder to work outside of the normal working hours and travel to London for work occasionally
• Undertake a constituency-based research project, involving independent research and working

Essential Criteria

To be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the proven ability to produce a high standard of written work.
• Experience in dealing with the public and confidence to deal effectively with constituents, outside bodies and politicians.
• The ability to deal compassionately and respectfully with sensitive issues on behalf of constituents.
• Excellent organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to work under pressure to deadlines.
• A flexible approach to working with the ability to work as part of a small team and on own initiative
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of dealing with sensitive and confidential information
• An interest in and general understanding of the political scene in Scotland and the UK
• Knowledge of the East Dunbartonshire constituency
• A clean drivers licence and access to a vehicle is desirable

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter demonstrating how you meet the requirements to amy.callaghan.mp@parliament.uk.

Interviews to be held on Thursday 11th May 2023.