Help produce conferences that help move forward thinking on some of the most important live policy issues devolved to, and affecting, Scotland.
The successful candidate will be working on conferences that are designed to be important occasions for policy makers in the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government and the other governmental bodies that support their work; for local authorities; a wide range of professionals and businesses in education, health, energy, transport, infrastructure and media, together with their financial, public affairs and legal advisors; for citizens and interest groups; and for academics, journalists and commentators.
This could be the start of a career for a bright graduate, or a new challenge for a quick learner with work experience who can demonstrate both the passion and practical focus to achieve our mission of providing policy makers with the context to make best decisions. Our events are always constructive, inclusive, challenging and strictly impartial. It's demanding but rewarding work in a company that is commercially focused and expanding, but with a strong ethical heart.
The Researcher is part of a small team following latest policy developments and news from the sector; researching issues, possible speakers and potential delegates; drafting agendas and promotional text for the seminars; as well as liaising with speakers and our Parliamentary chairs. This is also a very practical, hands-on role taking in all aspects of event production, including attending and contributing to the smooth operation of our seminars held in Edinburgh. The Researcher may be called to work on preparing conferences for our other forums too.
There's a high degree of fast-paced multi-tasking but support from senior editorial staff and the rest of the 80-strong team is always on hand. The successful candidate will need to have excellent research, communication, organisational and time management skills and will be quick to learn. This is exacting work: the ability to assimilate information quickly, identify key issues from a range of stakeholder viewpoints (in line with our core proposition of impartiality) and to write clearly, effectively and with accuracy is essential. A understanding of Scottish politics, policy issues and governmental systems is a must, as is an active interest in current public policy issues.
The role is based at the company's HQ for producing policy conferences across the UK: a lively, friendly office with convenient rail, road and air links in Bracknell, Berkshire but successful candidates will also attend and assist at conferences and receptions held in Edinburgh.