A placement in the office of an elected Member, in Westminster, Edinburgh or Brussels, offers a wide variety of experiences. Interns have acted as political researchers, undertaking office administration, dealing with constituents’ queries, researching ‘hot issues’, drafting press releases and speeches; also representing their Member at meetings or receptions. In the past, Interns have found it useful to have basic research, analytical and administrative abilities, as well as IT proficiency, political awareness, and an ability to take initiative. They have possessed excellent interpersonal skills and enthusiasm and, above all, a willingness to serve.

In all the parliamentary placements, the opportunities to get involved with different groups are unending! All three parliaments offer several restaurants and bars where researchers, Members and staff can relax, catch up on business, meet people and get to know others. There is also ample opportunity to get involved in extra-placement activities with Christian or other groups in the parliament.

CARE has enjoyed excellent placement partnerships with a large number of political representatives over the years. Demand for our Interns constantly outstrips our ability to supply them. One of the strengths of the Programme is its cross-party nature. Members from Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, Scottish Nationalist and Ulster Unionist parties have all been served and Interns from all political persuasions are given placements. This allows for a greater appreciation of one another’s perspectives and an enjoyment of diversity. Wherever possible, Interns are placed with MPs who not only share the political views of the Intern, but who also have similar interests.

"I have an entirely positive experience of the CARE
Intern Programme. Candidates of high calibre have
been entrusted to the highly demanding office of a
member of the Shadow Cabinet with mutual benefit
all round. "

(Caroline Spelman MP)

"The Intern Programme has made a very important
contribution to my work at Westminster. I have had
the privilege of working with several high calibre
CARE Interns who have made a major contribution to
my work. I warmly commend the Programme."

(Steve Webb MP)

‘The CARE Intern Programme was certainly a
launch pad for me in terms of deciding seriously
to begin a career in politics. It totally gave me
the bug…I loved my year working there.

(Stephen Crabb MP, Preseli Pembrokeshire,
CARE Intern, 1995-1996)