At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with research, communications, and administration in a busy MSP's office.
- Company: Join the Scottish National Party and make a difference in politics.
- Benefits: Earn £14 per hour while gaining invaluable experience at the Scottish Parliament.
- Other info: Flexible one-day-a-week role during parliamentary sessions with great networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in politics and contribute to your community.
- Qualifications: Must be a university student with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14 £ per hour.
Lloyd Melville MSP is looking for a Parliamentary Intern to join his Holyrood office for the 2026–27 parliamentary session. This role offers a university student the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience of the Scottish Parliament and the day-to-day operation of a busy MSP’s office. The successful candidate will assist with parliamentary research, communications and general administration while supporting Lloyd in representing his constituents. The post will operate only during parliamentary sitting periods, amounting to approximately 37 working days over the parliamentary year.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertaking research into policy areas, parliamentary business and local issues.
- Obtaining and compiling relevant research and information from external organisations.
- Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data and statistics.
- Preparing briefings, updates and other written materials.
- Monitoring parliamentary proceedings, current affairs and media developments.
- Assisting with the production of speeches, presentations, press materials and parliamentary questions and motions.
- Corresponding with constituents, stakeholders and community organisations.
- Responding to incoming correspondence and enquiries within agreed timescales.
- Coordinating, tracking and monitoring enquiries to ensure that they are handled promptly and professionally.
- Providing general administrative and secretarial support.
- Maintaining accurate filing systems and office records.
- Ensuring that information is handled in accordance with data protection legislation and UK GDPR requirements.
This description is indicative of the nature and level of responsibility associated with this position. It is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may be required to undertake other reasonable duties as required.
Skills and Experience (E is Essential, D is Desirable)
- Currently studying at a university or other higher education institution (E)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills (E)
- Strong IT skills and accurate attention to detail (E)
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills (E)
- Ability to prioritise competing tasks and complete work within agreed timescales (E)
- Ability to research, analyse and interpret information accurately (E)
- Flexible and adaptable approach, with the ability to exercise good judgement and use initiative (E)
- Professional, reliable and proactive approach to work (E)
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people and organisations (E)
- Knowledge and understanding of current affairs and the Scottish political landscape (D)
- Knowledge of parliamentary processes and the work of the Scottish Parliament (D)
- Experience of Microsoft Office applications (D)
- Experience of research, administration, communications or public-facing work (D)
Work Location: In person at the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, Edinburgh Constituency Office Scottish Parliament Building Horse Wynd Edinburgh, EH99 1SP
Parliamentary Intern – Lloyd Melville MSP employer: Fossepark
OCS is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where every team member plays a vital role in maintaining clean and safe public spaces. With full on-site training provided, employees have ample opportunities for growth and development, making it a rewarding place to work in Swadlincote.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parliamentary Intern – Lloyd Melville MSP
✨Connect with Your Uni’s Career Service
Your university’s career service is your best mate when it comes to finding a placement in the public sector. They usually have insights into upcoming opportunities and can connect you with employers who specifically look for fresh talent from your uni. Don't miss out on info sessions or workshops they might organise!
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
Public sector jobs often value community-minded individuals, so why not jump in with local initiatives? Volunteering in community projects can give you a foot in the door and help you build a network that’s crucial when looking for placements with organisations like local councils or NGOs.
✨Follow Relevant Government Social Media Channels
Stay in the loop by following the social media accounts of government departments and local councils. They often post about placement opportunities, events, and deadlines. Keeping an eye on these channels can give you that inside edge, and make sure you're not missing any chances!
✨Tailor Your Approach to Specific Roles
When you find a placement opportunity with a specific organisation like Fossepark, take the time to align your skills and experiences with their values and mission. Public sector roles often have a strong focus on community service and leadership, so highlight any relevant experiences when you apply through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Parliamentary Intern – Lloyd Melville MSP
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Public Service:When applying for a role in the government public sector, it’s vital to showcase your genuine interest in making a difference. Use your cover letter to highlight any volunteer work, projects, or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to serving the community. This passion is often a deciding factor for public sector roles!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Be sure to include any skills or experiences relevant to government work in your CV. This could be anything from strong communication skills to research abilities, particularly if you've done any projects related to public policy or social issues. Tailor your CV to reflect these and back them up with concrete examples from your studies or previous work.
Emphasise Your Learning Agility:Since this is a placement, it’s important to convey your eagerness to learn and grow. In your application, mention specific instances where you've quickly picked up new skills or adapted to new environments. Public sector work can be dynamic, and showcasing your adaptability can really make you stand out!
Check Out Your Digital Presence:While most people think about their CV and cover letter, don’t forget your online presence! If you've written about public affairs or engaged in discussions on social media, mention it in your application. This can reinforce your passion for the sector and give the hiring team at Fossepark a sense of your engagement with current issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fossepark
✨Understand Current Policies
Being in the government and public sector means you should be up-to-date on current policies, initiatives, and issues relevant to Fossepark. Familiarise yourself with local or national government projects—this knowledge will show you’re engaged and serious about the role.
✨Highlight Your Service Mindset
In the public sector, it’s all about serving the community. During your interview, focus on past experiences where you've demonstrated a commitment to public service, teamwork, and ethics. Even if your background is different, think about how your skills or volunteer work align with the values of Fossepark.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect behavioural interview questions that ask how you've handled situations in the past, particularly related to teamwork and problem-solving. Brush up on the STAR method to structure your responses—this will help you shine in your answers and relate them back to the skills that are crucial in the public sector.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As a placement candidate, they want to see your eagerness to learn and adapt. Don’t be afraid to express what you're hoping to gain from the experience at Fossepark. Talk about your academic achievements and how they can translate into real-world applications during your time with them.
