Welcome to the John Smith Fellowship Programme website. The Programme was established in 1996, by the John Smith Memorial Trust to provide a permanent memorial to one of Britain's best loved politicians. John Smith was the Leader of the Labour Party and, at the time of his death in May 1994, was widely expected to become the next Prime Minister. He was admired for his advocacy of public service, democratic government and social justice. The Fellowship Programme promotes the high ideals he embodied.

Its goals are to strengthen and deepen democratic awareness through a study programme and placements which show the workings of democratic organisations and their role within a democratic society.

The Programme targets young leaders of high caliber from the former Soviet Union working in politics, local government or civil society with an established interest in promoting democratic values.

The Fellowship Programme is operated by the John Smith Memorial Trust, a UK charity independent of any political affiliation. Core funding for the Fellowship Programme in 2009 is being provided by the Ministry of Justice.

Please follow the links to the left for more information on the Programme and how to apply.