Brentwood & Onga, 06/06/04
Cornwall North, 29/05/2004
Epping Forest, 14/06/04
Huntingdon, 12/06/04
Sevenoaks, 18/06/04
Tunbridge Wells, 23/06/04
Invitation from the Jonathan Dimbleby Programme
The forthcoming local and European elections on 10 June will provide a rare thermometer test showing the state of British politics and levels of electoral support enjoyed by each of the political parties. With Opposition parties – including minor ones – expected to benefit from a slump in Government support, and Iraq continuing to cast a shadow over his Premiership, the question increasingly being asked is: what future for Tony Blair? Is he still Labour’s best asset? Is it time for a leadership “hand-over” to Gordon Brown? Are the Tories on the way back to power? Have the Liberal Democrats captured the mood of opposition to war? Why are voters so alienated?
The Programme, which will be filmed live on 13 June, would like to invite anyone within your organisation who has interest in our discussion to participate in our audience on Sunday 13th June. Audience members do not need an in depth knowledge of the issues being debated, simply an interest. Although we encourage people to express their opinion, we are equally happy if people wish to come along to just listen to the debate.
Audience members would need to arrive at our studios in central London between 11 and 11.30am on Sunday 13th June. The programme is live from 1pm til 2pm after which you are free to go.
If anyone should be interested please contact Elisabeth Kerr via e mail ([email protected]) or phone (020 7261 3784). In order to reserve you a place we will need people’s full name, telephone number and address.
Compass event
Compass seminar announced: ‘After super Thursday: where now for Labour?’
18:30 – 20:00, Tuesday 15 June, Committee Room 5, Houses of Parliament, London
The seminar will analyse the outcome of this year’s European Parliamentary, London and local elections, as well as examine the direction the government should take, in the run-up to the general election. Chaired by Compass chair Neal Lawson – confirmed speakers include Cabinet Office Minister Douglas Alexander and Guardian columnist Jackie Ashley (further speakers TBC). If you would like to come to this event please email your details to: [email protected] (spaces are limited, so will be allocated on a first come / first served basis).
WANT TO KNOW MORE? go to: http://www.compassonline.org.uk/news.asp#events
Jobs
TRAINEESHIP (STAGE) IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT -PARTY OF EUROPEAN SOCIALISTS PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
A traineeship will be available for five months from September 2004 to February 2005 in the Parliamentary Group of the Party of European Socialists (www.socialistgroup.org) in the European Parliament (Brussels).
Applicants must be a Member of the Labour Party or of a sister party within the PES, be fluent in a language of one of the other EU countries as well as English (knowledge of a third language would also be helpful), be graduates or have completed a degree or equivalent higher education course.
An allowance of 1,000 Euros per month (approximately £670) is paid to a trainee during the five months.
Application forms are available from Valerie Power, European Parliamentary Labour Party, 5G202, European Parliament, rue Wiertz, Brussels B1047 (fax +3222846091) or by e-mail from [email protected]. No telephone applications.
The deadline for applications is Monday 7 June 2004 and interviews will take place in London week commencing Monday 28 June 2004 and Brussels, week commencing Monday 5 July 2004
PARLIAMENTARY ASSISTANT FOR TONY MCWALTER MP
Salary: £16,500 for a post which can be 0.6 to 1.0
Tony is the Labour and Cooperative MP for Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire. He is a member of the Science and Technology Select Committee, and of the Procedure Select Committee. He has a specific role in making the case for mathematics and computer science research, and he is currently doing a lot of work on how to improve the engineering and science service for the developing world.
Tony has no income other than his Parliamentary salary, but he has three unremunerated posts. He is on the Executive of the British Philosophical Association, on the Board of CESAGEN (the Council for social aspects of genomics), and he is a member of the External Advisory Board to the Philosophy faculty at Oxford University.
The role is based primarily in Westminster, with a variable element of the work taking place in the constituency. The work in Westminster includes: – Carrying out research work for cases and other parliamentary activities e.g. debates in parliament; – Ensuring that the CaseWorker software is used effectively in both Westminster and in the constituency; – Attending meetings with or on behalf of Tony; – Ensuring that all contact with constituents via phone, email, fax and letter is entered into the CaseWorker system; – Produce reports from CaseWorker to determine daily case work; – Liaising with staff in Westminster and the constituency to ensure Tony receives messages and latest information; – Handling specific cases as determined following discussion with Tony; – Supervising volunteer staff; – Assisting with work which arises in connection with party departmental groups and with all-party groups.
Work in the constituency includes: – Organisation of coffee mornings, which are one every four weeks (approximately), ensure appropriate follow-up;
– Coordination with Media Officer and local media;
- Attend constituency surgery (approximately three per month) and enter details from these cases into the CaseWorker system, ensure follow up actions occur both for these surgeries and for Tony‚s home visits;
– Liaise with office staff regarding Tony’s diary;
– Attend local meetings in the constituency as required.
It is expected that the role would be a 0.6 (three days per week) of which at least two days should be in Westminster when parliament is sitting. The hours are to be determined but may incorporate some flexibility e.g. it is often very useful for the day to run from 11.00am/12.00pm to 7.00/8.00pm to fit in with Tony’s availability. It is in the nature of the post that considerable adaptation to different problems is required. Such flexibility may allow for accommodating childcare needs. The adaptability is deemed to be for the benefit of both employee and employer; for instance, a later start can mean that the employee can use off-peak rail tickets. Precise arrangements would result from discussion and negotiation.
Surgeries are held on Friday evenings from 3.30pm till 8.30pm (approximately) (including time for follow-up work).
Coffee mornings are held on Saturdays from 10.30am – 12.30pm (approx.) at various community centres in the constituency. Peripatetic surgeries are also on Saturdays from 10.30 a.m.
IT and Website: The appointee would be expected to have, or have the potential to develop, capability to edit and redesign the website; so familiarity with html or Front Page would be an advantage.
Applicant: IT literate, graduate level communications skills both written and oral, with an enthusiasm for responding to the concerns expressed by all constituents.
Salary: The salary available is £16,500. If a senior and experienced person is appointed, it is envisaged that the remuneration would be paid for a 0.6 post. If a less experienced person were appointed, this would be the remuneration for a 0.8 or (in the case of a recent graduate) a full-time post.
Conditions of service: The standard conditions apply. These are negotiated
between the TGWU and the Parliamentary authorities. There is a pension scheme worth one tenth of the salary paid by Parliament.
Shortlisting: It is expected that up to five applicants will be invited for interview at Westminster on Thursday June 24th. Letters to shortlisted and unsuccessful (or reserve) candidates will be dispatched on June 14th. The interview will include a short test to assess capacity to write letters under pressure.
Starting date: September 1st 2004, or by agreement.
Application by email only to: [email protected]
Applicants by email are asked to submit a CV of no more than two sides of A4, and a letter of application covering no more than one side of A4.
Website: http://www.tonymcwaltermp.org.uk
Closing date: June 7th 2004. 12 noon (revised).
PART TIME HOUSING CASEWORKER TO DIANE ABBOTT MP
Salary: £18,747 – 24,638 pro rata
Based in Westminster
Having up-to-date information on all matters relating to housing policy Responding promptly and efficiently to all requests to the MP for help on housing matters
Maintaining an up-to-date filing system of housing casesTo support the MP on housing matters. Following up cases where required
To provide an efficient housing casework service
Provide information, advice and support for individuals on housing and related matters
Liaise with Government agencies, the voluntary sector and others to resolve
problems
Correspond with constituents or meet with them
Develop knowledge on specialist
areas
Analyse patterns of enquiries and produce reports
Keep records of client contact
Assist with office administration as required
Please email [email protected] or call 020 7219 4426
Closing date: 11 June 2004
POLICY ADVISERS AND TEAM ASSISTANTS OF THE PARTY OF EUROPEAN SOCIALISTS
(PES)
The Party of European Socialists (PES), the organisation of 28 socialist and social democratic parties throughout the European Union, wishes to recruit several Policy Advisers and Team Assistants for its new party secretariat in Brussels. He/she will have the unique opportunity to be part of the new team o the fully independent PES.
POLICY ADVISERS DUTIES:
Tasks will include the coordination and the preparation of political statements, the organisation of major political events and representing the PES secretary-general when absent. One of the advisers in particular will be responsible for internal, organisational and staff matters.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Membership of/close to one of the member parties of the PES;
Awareness and understanding of the activities, priorities and
coordination of European social democratic and socialist parties;
Ability to contribute significantly at a strategic level.
Good knowledge of EU policies and institutions;
A high degree of flexibility and motivation, organisational skills and
willingness to work irregular hours when necessary.
Good working knowledge of French and English; knowledge of other
official EU languages is desirable.
University degree or equivalent professional experience;
IT skills
TEAM ASSISTANTS DUTIES:
Tasks will include secretarial and administrative support to the secretary-general and policy advisers, secretarial work for which a minimum of instruction is given, requiring good judgement and a methodical approach; assisting with the coordination and the preparation of political statements as well as the organisation of major political events.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Close to one of the member parties of the PES;
Excellent knowledge of a variety of secretarial skills, including word processing and the use of computer applications (using databases, information management)
Typing and word-processing in several official EU languages;
Awareness and understanding of the activities, priorities and
coordination of European social democratic and socialist parties;
Basic knowledge of EU policies and institutions;
A high degree of flexibility and motivation, organisational skills and willingness to work irregular hours when necessary.
To have successfully completed advanced secondary education and
obtained a final certificate
Good working knowledge of French and English; knowledge of other official EU languages is desirable
The PES promotes equal opportunities for men and women.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATIONS:
Application letters, accompanied by detailed CVs, should be sent in English or French to:
Marina Pöhlmann
Party of European Socialists
Office 04L028BU
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Rue Wiertz 60, B – 1047 BRUSSELS
E-mail: [email protected]
INTERVIEWS: Candidates whose profiles best match the job description will be invited for interview.
SALARY AND DURATION: Negotiable, depending on experience
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Tuesday 15 June 2004 (date of postmark)
The Working for an MP‚ website also carries details of current politically
related job vacancies. It can be found at: www.w4mp.org
The Labour Party website also carries details of Party jobs. These can be seen at www.labour.org.uk/jobs
Vacancies kindly provided by:
Labour Staff Network
The Labour Party
16 Old Queen Street
London
SW1H 9HP
Tel. 020 7802 1610
Fax. 020 7802 1266