This brief is to help you complete the section of the application relating to attachments.
The 9 day attachment period is a key component of the Fellowship Programme. Former Fellows have found the attachment period both valuable and enjoyable. Fellows draw upon lessons learned from their experiences to produce their final reports.
The aim is to provide each John Smith Fellow with an individual insight into British organisations and institutions that make up part of the social and political structure in the U.K., building upon the seminars and group visits Fellows will have already undertaken. An attempt is made to find placements that match the Fellow’s professional interests and may provide useful contacts for the future. This often means two or three placements during the 10 day period, generally reflecting the range of interests a Fellow has.
During this time most attachment hosts do not provide Fellows with a desk and project to complete: Instead the Fellow will be given a range of experiences within an organisation – such as attending meetings or conferences with key staff, briefing politicians or visiting local projects. These attachments may be anywhere in the U.K. Each attachment is unique. In the past successful placements have been with Members of Parliament, central or local government departments, the BBC, think tanks, charitable organisations, campaigning groups, trade unions and academics, covering a wide range of interests and issues.
Placements are not subject to a contract of employment, and the participant will not be employed by the organisation on a contract for services in respect of any work with which s/he is involved. All attachments are provided by the different institutions free of charge and as a matter of goodwill. For these reasons we cannot guarantee to arrange an attachment with a particular organisation or institution. However, we will do our best to find a placement which reflects each individual’s interests and abilities.
In order to help us match your interests with the right attachment host or hosts, we have produced the list below to give you an idea of the types of placements on offer. We have also suggested websites where you can find more information. In your application you should suggest the type of organisation and issues you might wish to explore further during your attachment period. Please provide as much information as possible.
Including Parliament, government departments and political parties.
Scottish Parliament and Executive; Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland.
Including Local Authorities, Regional Health Authorities and local development agencies.
Non-governmental organisations working in the areas of: human rights, conflict resolution, development, children, women's rights, disability, employment, community action, minority rights, advocacy and other issues.
Including broadcasting companies, newspapers, on-line news agencies and internet campaign organisations.
Public policy think tanks - general and specialist. For example, think tanks working on economic/fiscal policy, family policy or foreign policy.
University departments with particular relevant expertise - Please state area of interest.
Including the Ministry of Justice, Law Courts, human rights practitioners, law centres and legal specialists.
If you would like your attachment to be in a particular area not covered in the list above, please make this clear in your application.
The websites listed below will give you an idea of some of the major organisations working in these fields in the UK.
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