Event Details

Are you a problem solver? Can you think big to solve important issues? Are you interested in making the world a better place? Applications are open for 20 undergraduate students from all disciplines to participate in the Cabinet Office’s Policy School in Michaelmas term.

Background information

Are you a problem solver? Can you think big to solve important issues?Are you interested in making the world a better place?

This opportunity would suit: creative thinkers across all undergraduate degree programmes, those interested in continuing to postgraduate study, a career in the public sector, civil service or third sector.

The Policy School is an opportunity to engage with policy makers in government to present recommendations based on research carried out as part of the programme. This will give you valuable experience for the world of work or further study and will be excellent for those who might be interested in contributing to public policy debates now or in the future.

Outline of Activity

• Join a team of students from across campus to complete initial research on a high profile and current policy area.
• Receive training and guidance from our Policy School Tutors.
• Attend the Policy School at the Treasury in London on 2^nd November 2018 (expenses covered by us!) where you’ll work with government officials on workshops and discussions on the Industrial Strategy.
• As a team you’ll produce a final report that will be submitted to the Cabinet Office (before the end of Michaelmas term).

Working patterns

This opportunity will take a few hours of your time a week to: work with your team,complete research in your own time and receive training from our Policy School Tutors. The Policy School will be an exciting all-day event down in London.

How to apply

If you would like to considered for the Policy School Student Research Team Member role, please submit your application via email to Sarah O’Hanlon (Policy and Projects Officer,Vice-Chancellor’s Office) at s.ohanlon@lancaster.ac.uk which contains the following information:

• Your full name
• Your degree course title
• Your year of study

• 1-2 brief paragraphs outlining your interest in and suitability for the role.

 ***The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 15^th October.***

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of my time will this take?

This opportunity will take a few hours of your time a week to: work with your team, complete research in your own time and receive training from our Policy School Tutors.

What are the teams like?

You’ll be working as a team (5 members of the team led by your Policy School Tutor) throughout so you’ll be able to divide the workload up. The teams are varied by design to provide multiple perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.

What will be the final report look like?

Each team will produce a short briefing (2-3 pages) or slide pack (5 PowerPoint slides with concise text) for senior civil servants and Ministers outlining one or more proposals for policy initiatives.

Who will review the final report?

You will formulate ideas alongside your team with input from government officials then work with your group and tutor to finalise work. University staff will do a final review of the report before this is submitted to government.

When will the project run until?

As a group you will submit a short briefing or slide pack on 16^th November which will mark the end of the project. An internal prize-giving event will take place at the end of Michaelmas term to celebrate participants’achievements.

How should I prepare for the 2^nd November?

Take direction from your Policy School Tutor on what to prepare, there will also be an ‘Introduction to policy making in government and parliament’training event on the 31^st October which will also be invaluable in preparing for the Policy School. Ongoing familiarisation with the policy topic would be useful also.

What will the Policy School event be like?

The Policy School will be an exciting all-day event down in London on 2^nd November. It is likely we will be on a 7.30 train down to London returning to Lancaster around 20.30. The Policy School will be a mix of workshops, short talks and break out discussions on ideas on the policy topic, which will help shape your thinking to inform a final report or slide pack.