Hansard Society Scotland

Hansard Society at 2008 SNP Conference

2008-09-16T14:57:00Z

People Like Us: Is Scottish Society fairly reflected in Holyrood?

The Hansard Society is collaborating with Channel 4 for this year's fringe meeting at the SNP Conference.

The event will take place on Saturday 18th October, 12.30-1.30pm, at the Royal George Hotel in Perth. The event will be chaired by Joyce McMillan of the Scotsman.

Food and refreshments provided.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE FOR THIS MEETING.

If you would like to attend this event, please click here

Engaging online: Getting citizens back to the centre of democracy

2008-09-11T09:01:00Z

"There is an increasing desire amongst governments to engage with citizens and many are pointing to the internet as a tool for managing this engagement. The Hansard Society has undertaken extensive research to identify what forms of online engagement are effective and when. In this event an invited panel will explore the different characteristics of online engagement, focusing not simply on the technology but also discussing the impact of organizational culture and the broader context of citizen disenfranchisement."

Wednesday 29 October, 6-8pm, Scottish Parliament.

A free seminar to discuss eDemocracy in Scotland.

Speakers will be Dr Laura Miller (Senior Researcher, eDemocracy Programme, Hansard Society), Navraj Singh Ghaleigh (Lecturer in Public Law, University of Edinburgh), Aileen Campbell MSP (Scottish National Party MSP for South of Scotland), Fergus Cochrane (Clerk to the Public Petitions Committee, Scottish Parliament).

For queries about this event please contact Emma at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or on 0131 243 2750.

This event is open to all - click here to attend

Become a Hansard Society Scotland Research Scholar!

2008-02-08T11:35:00Z

If you’re interested in doing a unique political internship in Edinburgh and studying British politics at its world famous University, the Autumn 2008 Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme will begin in September, just after Edinburgh's famous International Festival.

The Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for postgraduate students and professionals to develop applied knowledge of structures of government and policy processes in the UK, with a particular emphasis on Scotland, and gain invaluable experience at the heart of the British political system.

This really is a fascinating time to be involved in politics in Scotland. Tony Blair’s final days in office coincided with the Scottish National Party’s historic showing in the May 2007 elections. Operating as a minority government, the SNP has now published its promised White Paper on Scottish independence. The Scottish Labour Party has a new leader, Wendy Alexander, and has allied itself with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in pressing for more powers for the Scottish Parliament. All eyes in Westminster, Cardiff and Belfast are now on Scotland, none more so than those of Gordon Brown, the new Prime Minister and a Scot himself!

We are now accepting applications for Spring 2009. For more information please click here.

The National Conversation

2008-02-07T20:09:00Z

The National Conversation is galvanising debate across Scotland. After 10 years, it is only right to look again at the devolution settlement. The political ground in Scotland has shifted, starting a process that will change the United Kingdom forever.

Professor Sir Kenneth Calman, one of the country's senior academics, has been unveiled as the chairman of a new cross-party, cross-border commission to revise the devolution settlement. Sir Kenneth is a devolutionist and a unionist, so it is safe to say that independence will not be considered a viable option. The commission has a huge remit, it can examine any and all parts of the devolution settlement and recommend any changes - as long as Scotland stays within the UK.

His recommendations will be considered by the main unionist parties but any changes to the devolution settlement will need to be enacted by Westminster, which would need to change the Scotland Act. Yet again, Scotland's future rests in the hands of Westminster.

The Scottish National Party's first choice is to have a for or against referendum on independence in 2010, aware that if the opposition parties vote the plan out, the SNP will be able to go into the 2011 election accusing its opponents of denying the public its right to decide Scotland's future.

First Minister Alex Salmond has been criticised for suggesting that the referendum be held under the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, under which voters mark down their preferences, rather than voting for or against. But using STV to determine Scotland's future within the UK is controversial - under STV, the SNP could win independence with less than 50 per cent of people backing that as their first choice for the country.

Labour, Tory, and Lib Dem leaders are therefore also looking at ways to gain more powers for the Scottish Parliament, as part of the UK. Together, they command 78 out of the 129 MSPs in the Parliament, more than enough to drive through their plans in this or any other Parliament.

If the SNP believe their own spin, they could call a referendum on independence immediately. But mainstream opinion in Scotland appears to want devolution to work better and for Scotland to be secure in a stronger UK. If the Nationalists lose, it will surely turn into a "neverendum".

Emma Megaughin

Programmes Coordinator, Hansard Society Scotland

hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk

MPs in Schools Scotland resource packs

2008-02-06T12:58:00Z

Helping schools to develop better links with their elected representatives

The MPs in Schools Scotland packs help schools to develop better links with their local representatives by supporting teachers and students in organising an interactive visit from their local MPs.

Available in English and Gaelic, the free resource packs provide teachers with materials they can use to prepare their students for a visit - ensuring that students get the most of out of a visit from their elected representatives.

The Hansard Society's Elected Representatives In Schools resources have been used by over 3,000 teachers across the UK to organise visits to schools from Members of the Scottish Parliament, Members of Parliament, Members of the National Assembly for Wales and Members of the European Parliament.

"Pupils gained knowledge and confidence – especially from the role play – and were able to give the MP a real grilling." (Teacher)

An Elected Representatives in Schools day provides students with the opportunity to explore issues around representation and ask questions about what really matters to them. It also gives students the opportunity to demonstrate that they are the active citizens of today and voters of the future.

To order a copy of the pack, please contact the Hansard Society Scotland at: hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or on 0131 243 2750.

The MPs in Schools Scotland project was piloted and produced with the support of The Scotland Office, The Electoral Commission, Learning and Teaching Scotland and the Parliamentary Education Service.

The resource is sponsored by Standard Life.

Developments in Scottish Politics: The English View

2008-02-05T14:24:00Z

November 27th 2007 saw the fourth seminar in the Institute of Governance's series on Identity and Governance in England.

Speaker: Peter Riddell - Chief Political Commentator and Assistant Editor, The Times, and Chair, Hansard Society.

Respondent: Joyce McMillan - Columnist and Chief Theatre Critic of The Scotsman, Visiting Professor of Creative Industries at Queen Margaret University and Council Member, Hansard Society.

Chair: Charlie Jeffery - Co-Director of Institute of Governance, Professor of Politics at the University of Edinburgh, and Vice-Chair, Hansard Society Scotland Working Group.

For further details on the event, please contact: hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Hansard Society Scotland at 2007 SNP Conference

2007-10-16T11:02:00Z

Transforming Government Services: Is ICT the answer?

In 2007, the Hansard Society again collaborated with BT Scotland on its event at the Scottish National Party Conference.

The discussion ranged over the opportunities for elected representatives, parliaments and local councils to engage with the public using new technology.

The speakers were Alasdair Allan, MSP for the Western Isles, Dr Laura Miller, Hansard Society eDemocracy Programme, Owen Evans, Head of Strategic Relations (Devolved Government) for BT Global Services, and Cllr. Jean Urquhart, Deputy Leader, Highland Council, and it was chaired by Joyce McMillan of The Scotsman.

For more information on this event, please contact the Hansard Society Scotland at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or on 0131 243 2750.

Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme

2007-08-29T11:51:00Z

If you’re interested in learning first-hand about the fascinating world of Scottish politics and studying British politics at Edinburgh's world-famous University, the Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme is what you're after!

This really is a fascinating time to be involved in politics in Scotland. Tony Blair’s final days in office coincided with the Scottish National Party’s historic showing in the 2007 Scottish parliamentary elections. Operating as a minority government, the SNP has now published its promised White Paper on Scottish independence. The Scottish Labour Party has a new leader, Wendy Alexander, and has allied itself with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in pressing for more powers for the Scottish Parliament. All eyes in Westminster, Cardiff and Belfast are now on Scotland, none more so than those of Gordon Brown, the new Prime Minister and a Scot himself!

As a Hansard Research Scholar you will be part of the Hansard Society, an organisation with an unparallelled reputation in the political world, developed over more than 60 years. Based in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, you will study Democracy & Public Policy at its world-renowned University, and enjoy an internship which corresponds with your research interests.

You might be based at the sharp end of representative government at party headquarters, or in the office of a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). You might be helping to cover political developments as they emerge for a newspaper, news agency, or broadcast news channel. You might be in the policy unit of a major pressure group or think tank or NGO, drafting briefings and aiming to make the views of your organisation heard by decision makers in the Scottish Government and beyond.

Internship

The Hansard Scholars were invaluable in my very small staff. I recall many of the Scholars and their valued contribution; I keep in touch with lots of them.”

Rt. Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen – former NATO Secretary General & former UK Secretary of State for Defence

As part of the Programme, all Hansard Research Scholars undertake an internship which is individually selected by the Hansard Society Scotland to match your interests, expertise and career aspirations. Whether you are analysing the work of government for a campaign group, helping to devise media campaigns for a public affairs consultancy or doing research for an MSP, you will get an unparalleled insight into the world of Scottish politics.

Internships are for three days (20 hours) per week and, in the past, have included:

Offices of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)
Offices of Scottish Members of Parliament (MPs)
Scottish Government Departments
Political party HQs
Campaign groups
Lobbying/ Public Affairs Organisations
Businesses and Consultancies

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s most prestigious universities and is internationally renowned for its teaching and research. All class take place at the University of Edinburgh where all Hansard Research Scholars are registered as students. Registration includes full use of IT facilities; access to student shops, bars, public lectures and social events; and membership of the Student Union.

Research Project

Each Research Scholar will work on an individually designed research project with the aim of bringing scholarly analysis to bear on a policy issue. A subject and a plan of action will be chosen together with the course leader, and designed where possible to allow cross-fertilisation with the subject matter of the internship. A project supervisor will be allocated, and a project of 8-10,000 words must be submitted. This will account for the final 60% of the final assessment.

Academic Programme

Research Scholars will attend a weekly seminar in Multi-Level Democracy & Public Policy in the United Kingdom given by Edinburgh academics with a track record of bridging scholarship and practice.

Many, though not necessarily all the sessions will focus on questions of government and public policy of particular relevance in Scotland. Sessions will be attuned where possible to the interests of each particular group of Research Scholars, to encourage them to make connections between academic analysis and their experiences, and may vary from semester to semester. All classes will be held at the University of Edinburgh.

Research Scholars will be expected to prepare for and contribute to seminar discussion, and will be assessed through a short course essay and a one-hour examination. Essay and examination will each count for 20% of the final assessment.

In addition, Research Scholars will be required to attend one seminar weekly among the wide range of research and visiting speaker seminars offered by the School of Social and Political Studies or other Schools with relevant interests, including Management and Law.

Study Visits & Cultural Events

Research Scholars will participate in the calendar of visits organised throughout the semester by the Hansard Society Scotland. Each semester, the group will spend four days in London where they will visit the Houses of Parliament and meet politicians from the main political parties. The Hansard Society Scotland will also organise a political study trip to Glasgow as well as social activities such as theatre trips.

The unique resources at our disposal mean that we are able to offer a programme that combines rigorous academic courses with the practical experience of political internships. In addition to this, Research Scholars are able to gain an ‘insider's view' of current political issues in Britain through the many eminent guest lecturers who play a part in the Programme each semester.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided by the University of Edinburgh in university apartments within central Edinburgh.

Dates

Spring 2009
January 12th - April 4th, 2009

Who Should Apply?

The Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme is designed for postgraduate students and professionals who wish to pursue a specific political academic interest whilst doing a political study placement in UK.

The Programme assumes no previous knowledge of British politics or any experience of working in politics. More important is that applicants show a genuine interest in particular research area and a commitment to working in a high-level political environment. Research Scholars will often be involved in work of a sensitive nature and so personal integrity – in addition to commitment and enthusiasm – are crucial.

How to Apply?

All applicants must complete an application (see below) and attach the following pieces of documentation:

a short personal statement outlining reasons for applying
a CV/ resume
a sample of written academic work (2,000 words approx.)
two letters of recommendation
university transcript

Applicants whose first language is not English (or whose previous degree was not taught in English) are required to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. The following qualifications are acceptable to the Hansard Society:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with normally a minimum score of 603 in the paper test, 250 in the computer-based test or 100 in the internet based test.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with normally a minimum score of 6.5.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
Other qualifications may be considered.

Please click here to download a copy of the Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme application form (pdf format)

Please click here to download a copy of the Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme application form (Word format)

All applications should be sent to:

Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme
Hansard Society Scotland
Thorn House, 5 Rose Street
Edinburgh E2 2PR
United Kingdom

Fees

Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme fees include:

All tuition and registration at the University of Edinburgh
Access to University of Edinburgh student services, IT facilities, events, public lectures, restaurants and bars.
A calendar of cultural and social events
Self-catering accommodation in Edinburgh .
An internship in the Scottish Parliament or other prominent political organisation.
All administration and student support services.

Current fees are: £6,350 per student with payment being made in instalments as follows:

Non-refundable deposit of £450 to guarantee a place on the Programme
£3,400 payment eight weeks before the start of the Programme
£2,500 (+ £250 returnable accommodation damage deposit) four weeks before the start of the Programme

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

If an applicant withdraws 31 days or more prior to the first day of the Programme, the applicant will receive 100% of the total Programme fee paid less the deposit of £450.
If an applicant withdraws 30 days or less prior to the first day of the Programme, the applicant will receive 50% of the Programme fee paid less the deposit of £450.
If the applicant withdraws on or after the first day of the Programme, the applicant will not receive any refund of Programme fees.

If you have any further questions about the Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme, please email: hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or call +44 131 243 2750