The Policy and Public Affairs Intern will provide a wide range of policy, communications and administrative support for the RCPCH Scotland team, and periodically provide administrative support for the broader Devolved Nations function within which the Scotland Team sits.
The Devolved Nations Team sits in the Membership, Policy and External Affairs Division. The post holder will work directly with the Scotland Team and closely with colleagues across the broader Devolved Nations Team and College Divisions to discharge their duties. The post holder will have responsibilities across three main areas:
- To support RCPCH Scotland’s advocacy activities by:
- Undertaking research and analysing relevant policy
- Monitoring media, policy and parliamentary activity
- Draft briefings and position statements
- Social media and website support.
- Related administrative activities.
- Help produce policy and communications content to support engagement with stakeholders in government, policy and health circles in Scotland. There will also be opportunities to assist similar work in Northern Ireland and Wales.
- Provide support to enable the work of the Scottish Executive Committee and the Scottish Child Protection Subcommittee.
Responsibilities
The ability to learn quickly on the job is highly desirable although you will be given support by more senior colleagues who will provide you with regular feedback and guidance.
- Support the development of policy positions unique to Scotland, and work to ensure College-wide policy positions are applicable to Scotland.
- Assist in drafting responses to Scottish Government consultations and parliamentary inquiries.
- Provide ad hoc administrative support to the wider the Devolved Nations Team.
- Produce content for blogs, social media, bulk email, web and other digital communications specific to our audiences in Scotland, working with colleagues, College members or Officers as required.
- Support the Policy and Public Affairs Officer in their work with the Scottish Executive Committee, the Scottish Child Protection Subcommittee by drafting agendas, minutes and papers.
About you
Essential
- A recent graduate with an interest in a career in policy, public affairs or strategic communications.
- Passionate about developing skills and gaining experience in policy and public affairs.
- A working knowledge and understanding of policy and political processes in Scotland.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to present complex information in a concise manner.
- Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, working collaboratively with internal and external colleagues
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office, Word and Excel
Information about the organisation for use across multiple jobs.
Desirable skills
- Experience of producing high quality policy and communications outputs such as consultation responses, reports, policy briefings
- Experience of producing high quality content for digital and social media (including websites, bulk email and Twitter (X))
- Knowledge of public health, child health inequalities or health services.
- Administrative experience
Working hours
- 35-hour week (Monday to Friday with one hour for lunch).
- This role is home based with regular travel to Edinburgh and elsewhere in Scotland and occasionally other parts of the UK.
- Interns should not be expected to attend during unsocial hours (weekends and evenings) unless they voluntarily choose to do so.
Employment benefits
- Annual Leave Allowance: 27 days per year (pro rata for part-time and contracted staff).
- Contributory Pension Scheme with an employer’s contribution of up to 10%
- A hardship fund is available for those interns who may be experiencing financial hardship. Any applications should be directed to the Chief Executive.
- Eye care vouchers
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Comprehensive Learning & Development provision - permitted to attend any applicable learning & development interventions the College offers as part of the Learning & Development Directory; this includes accredited programmes.
- Enhanced maternity, adoption, surrogacy and paternity leave
- Enhanced redundancy pay
- 21 hours volunteering leave per annum (pro rata for part-time staff)
- 35 hours protected continuous and professional development time per annum (pro rata for part-time staff)
- SMARTech up to £1000 once the probationary period has been successfully passed
- Cycle2Work up to £1000 once the probationary period has been successfully passed
- Occupational health including counselling and neurodiversity assessments
- Paid IVF Leave
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss leave and pay
The College is expanding and developing the involvement of children in its work. For some roles this may in future mean direct contact with young people. The College therefore may in the future require a Disclosure Barring Service check to be undertaken.
