Interns Network

Who are we?

The Transport and General Workers Union Interns' Network (TGWU) is a non-partisan network to help both people already interning in Parliament, and those who want to.

Want to get involved or learn more? Contact Adam at leedera@parliament.uk to sign up for our mailing list.

Whilst you do not have to be a member of the TGWU to join the Interns' Network, you can join the TGWU Parliamentary Branch as an Intern for the reduced rate of £1.07 per week either by contacting freedmanm@parliament.uk or online at http://www.tgwu.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=89716.

What we do?

Advice:

Your first few days (or even weeks) can be a daunting experience – it is in these nervous and doubtful moments that the TGWU Interns' Network is here to help.

How do you find the Table Office? What should go in a briefing note? Why do Members frown at you when you constantly stop the lift during a Division…?

To answer these questions, and countless others, the TGWU Interns' Network gives you the opportunity to make friends with other interns and full-time staff with whom you will be able to share tips and best practice.

You can also contact the Interns' Network officers: Adam (leedera@parliament.uk) or James (greenjam@parliament.uk).

Meanwhile, have a look at the W4MP guide 'Your First 10 Days.' It might help you to survive those bewildering first few weeks

Events:

Putting the 'network' into Interns' Network, the TGWU will frequently hold events where interns can meet each other and full-time Parliamentary staff to learn, ask questions, find out about opportunities and get to know people in the same boat as you.

The social life of working in Parliament is one of its many attractions. Come along to a TGWU Interns Network event; meet with like-minded (and not so like-minded) people; and enjoy the odd drink (or two). You can not only get a full picture of Parliamentary life, but also possibly find an unexpected springboard into full-time employment.

To hear about upcoming events, get on the mailing list by contacting Adam at leedera@parliament.uk.

Check out some of the sporting and social groups you can join here: http://www.w4mp.org/html/personnel/groups.asp.

Advocacy and Assistance:

Let's be clear – most MPs treat their Interns perfectly well. But that does not mean there isn't still some room for improvement.

Here the TGWU Interns' Network can offer the chance to discuss any concerns you have about your employment practices in confidence. The TGWU can provide an opportunity to highlight both good and bad practice when employing Interns, with the hope of working with MPs towards more enjoyable, stimulating, and substantive internships, which benefit both the Member and the Intern.

The TGWU Interns' Network will strive to provide some clarity of what is expected of your employer, but also what is expected of you during the course of your internship.

Mentoring:

We'll also be setting up a mentoring scheme for new members of staff. Mentoring is a great way to build up new contacts, and to help you feel more welcome when you first start work at Parliament.

You will be matched with an experienced Parliamentary researcher or assistant, who will try to answer any questions you may have, help you navigate your way around the Westminster maze, and generally be a friendly face and point of contact when you arrive. It can also be nice to have someone to speak to who works for a different MP to you, in order to get a broader view of how things differ from office to office!

The minimum requirement we ask is one hour a month, but it will be up to the mentor and mentee to agree a contact programme that is mutually convenient. Contact Stacey Vickers on 020 72196377 or vickerss@parliament.uk for an application form or further information.

Facebook:

There's now a TGWU Parliamentary Branch Interns Network facebook page which you can visit at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25973496065.

Good luck, be in touch, and we look forward to meeting you soon…