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The BES Ministerial Shadowing Scheme

Background

In 2007, Barry Gardiner MP, former Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs invited the BES to select five ecologists to shadow him and senior Defra officials.  The experience gave the selected ecologists a great insight into how environmental policy-making works in the UK. This year we have been very fortunate to secure the participation of the Minister for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Waste, Joan Ruddock MP, and also the involvement of MEPs, Linda McAvan and John Bowis, in Brussels. Dr Ian Bainbridge, Chief Ecological Advisor for Scotland provides a vital link for ecologists in Scotland wishing to find out more about the policy-making process in the devolved administrations.

Participating Ministers, MEPs and Officials for 2008

• Joan Ruddock MP, Minister for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Waste, DEFRA
• Linda McAvan MEP, Labour Spokesperson on the Environment, European Parliament
• John Bowis MEP, Conservative Spokesperson on the Environment, Health and Food Safety, European Parliament
• Dr Ian Bainbridge, Chief Ecological Advisor, Scottish Government

Eight places are available as DEFRA have kindly once more agreed to host five ecologists.

Time and Location

All participating Ministers, MEPs and Officials have agreed to take part in the scheme during June, although each have differing diary commitments within this month. Therefore, the dates for shadowing each participant will be:

Joan Ruddock  - to be agreed between DEFRA and the shadowing ecologists
Linda McAvan - 23 - 25 June
John Bowis - 2-5 or 23- 26 June
Ian Bainbridge - 2 - 6 or 9-13 June

The shadowing experience will be followed by a wrap-up meeting in London. The date of this is yet to be confirmed although it is expected that this will take place in early July.

• Please note that those shadowing John Bowis and Linda McAvan will be based in Brussels for the duration of their shadowing experience.
  
• Please also note that as the BES is keen to foster links between ecologists in Scotland and the Scottish Government, applications to shadow Dr Ian Bainbridge would be most welcome from ecologists working in Scotland.

Expenses

The BES will cover reasonable travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for undertaking the scheme.

Application

If you would like to be considered for the scheme, please send a short CV (2 pages) including names and contact details of two references and a covering letter detailing:

• Why you want this experience and how you will utilise it in your career
• Who you would be interested in shadowing (see above)
• On which dates you would be able to attend (See above)

Please send applications to policy@britishecologicalsociety.org.

This opportunity has now closed. Please check the site later in the year for details of the 2009 scheme.

Please note that it might not be possible to place each successful applicant with their prefered Minister, MEP or Official. The Policy Officer will liaise with the applicant in this case to match them with an alternative participant.

Criteria for selection

Eligibility is limited to ecologists who are:

• Current BES members
• Based at an academic institution or equivalent body
• No more than eight years since completing PhD

Selection will be based on: 

• Experience or willingness to actively communicate ecological research to policymakers
• Strong scientific record for career status
• Intent to share what is learned during the Fellowship with students and colleagues 
• Desire to become active in the BES’s policy work

Related Information:

• BES Bulletin Article on the 2007 Shadowing Scheme (British Ecological Society Vol 38: 2 June 2007)
• BES POST Fellowship
• The Royal Society MP Scientist Pairing Scheme

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