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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. In 2008, we were 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

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)

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

The 2008 scheme has now closed. Check here later in the year for details of the 2009 Ministerial Shadowing Scheme.

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

Copyright 2008 British Ecological Society. All Rights Reserved