The internship role is to provide an opportunity for a candidate to develop their employability skills. The internship aims to give candidates an insight into the workings of an MP’s office, their constituency and Parliament. There are four departments in which the candidate will be placed dependent on skills and suitability:

• Casework
• Research and Media
• Field Organising
• Diary, E-communications and Fundraising

The candidate will be supporting the work of the Head of Department, local councillors, other volunteers and John Leech MP.

John Leech MP has a strong role to play in championing the constituents of South Manchester. He is also a committee member and party spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport, as well as being active on a number of all party parliamentary groups, and working hard to represent his constituents in Parliament. He was recently awarded Lib Dem MP of the Year for his work with minority communities and promoting equality.

This constituency and parliamentary work gives the successful candidate an opportunity to develop skills such as:

• Parliamentary procedure
• Researching issues
• Speech writing
• Legislation
• Recruit, train and liaising with volunteers
• Organising phone banks, clerical sessions and doorstep sessions
• The writing, artworking and printing of political literature
• Volunteer development
• Training and co-ordination
• Events organisation
• House of Commons Training
• Advocacy
• Working with people in stressful situations
• Supporting the public
• Administration
• Problem resolution
• Keeping and managing the MP's diary
• Fundraising and E Communication
• Copy, Media and Press work

Which are used to deliver positive outcomes for his constituents, to raise the profile of important issues and perform his role as an MP.

Therefore the successful candidate would be able to develop a broader range of skills from the internship if they choose to undertake it for an equivalent of 3 months full-time. This is usually 6 months part time, but can be up to 12 months. We would welcome applications from those unable to work full-time.

Applicants will need to demonstrate team working, computer, and writing skills and an understanding of confidentiality. We expect an excellent standard of written and verbal communication along with an energetic can-do attitude. Excellent interpersonal skills and a sense of humour are also desired.