Hansard Society Scotland

Election Hustings

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:10:00 GMT

The European Movement, the Hansard Society and the English-Speaking Union organised a series of hustings in the lead up to the General Election. These hustings were aimed at raising awareness of the different party policies towards the EU and increasing democratic participation. With significant policy differences both between and within the major parties, these pre-election meetings with senior politicians and parliamentary candidates provided an excellent opportunity to examine their European policies.Details were as follows:

April 21^st,6.30 - 8pm, Deeprose Theatre, Govan Mbeki Building, Glasgow Caledonian University

Chair: Professor John Curtice

Conservative Party: Cameron Buchanan
Liberal Democrats: Robert Brown
Scottish National Party: Gordon Archer
UK Independence Party: Paul Henke

April 28^th, 6.30 - 8pm, Teviot Dining Room in Bristo Square, EH8 9AL

Chair: John Edward

Conservative Party: Cameron Buchanan
Labour Party: Eric Joyce
Liberal Democrats: Euan Robson
Scottish National Party: Alyn Smith
UK Independence Party: Peter Adams

The format for all the hustings was the same: each candidate (in order drawn by lot) had 5 minutes to speak. After all of the candidates had spoken the floor was opened for questions and discussion with the audience.

Please get in touch with Emma Megaughin at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or on 0131 243 2750 if you would like any further information.

The Scottish Parliament 1999-2009: The First Decade (Edited by Charlie Jeffery and James Mitchell)

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:40:00 GMT

The Hansard Society has launched its latest publication The Scottish Parliament 1999-2009: The First Decade (Edited by Charlie Jeffery and James Mitchell). In this edited collection of essays, distinguished commentators, academics and parliamentarians discuss some of the key issues in the development of the Scottish Parliament over the last decade.

12 May 2009 marked the 10-year anniversary of the first inaugural session of the Scottish Parliament. Rarely can such high expectations have been invested in a political institution. The Parliament was to become the fulcrum of a 'new politics'. Expectations were high. As the Parliament moves into its second decade, now is the perfect time to reflect on its role in the Scottish and wider UK political process. What has been learned? What have been the challenges and it achievements? Has it matured into the effective legislative body that so many hoped for?

CONTENTS
Foreword by the Presiding Officer, Alex Fergusson; Introduction: The First Decade in Perspective - Emma Megaughin and Charlie Jeffery; A Dozen Difference of Devolution - Lord Steel of Aikwood; Committees in the Scottish Parliament - Chris Carman and Mark Shepherd; The Legislative Process: The Parliament in Practice - Jim Johnston; The New Scottish Statute Book: The Scottish Parliament’s Legislative Record since 1999 - Michael Keating and Paul Cairney; Access and Participation: Aiming High - Bill Thomson; Travelling the Distance? Equal Opportunities and the Scottish Parliament - Fiona Mackay; Parliamentary Accountability: Aspiration or Reality? - Chris HimsworthThe Principle of Power-Sharing, Ten Years On - Joyce Macmillan; The Scottish Parliament Electoral System: Can Credibility be Restored? - Nicola McEwen; New Parliament, New Elections - James Mitchell and Robert Johns; Do Devolved Elections Work? - John Curtice; Conundrums and Contradictions: What Scotland Wants - David McCronev; New Scottish Parliament, Same Old Interest Group Politics? - Paul Cairney, Darren Halpin and Grant Jordan; Civil Society and the Parliament - Lindsay Paterson; The Media and Parliament - Brian McNair; Centre and Locality in Scottish Politics: From Bi- to Tri-partite Relations - Neil McGarvey; Quangos, Agencies and the Scottish Parliament - Richard Parry; The Scottish Parliament as seen from London - Peter Riddell; Opening Doors: Devolution in Wales and the Scottish Parliament, 1999-2009 - Alan Trench; The evolving unions of the UK - Charlie Jeffery.

For more information, please email Emma Megaughin, Projects Manager, at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or by phone on 0131 243 2750.

This publication can be ordered from Luath Press.

Ten Years of the Scottish Parliament: Achievements and Futures

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:00:00 GMT

The Hansard Society launched its latest publication, The Scottish Parliament 1999-2009: The First Decade (Edited by Charlie Jeffery and James Mitchell), at a Conference in Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, on 12th May. The conference was organised in association with the University of Edinburgh to mark the first decade of the Scottish Parliament. This event brought together key academic figures, politicians, political journalists and policy makers to assess the achievements of the Parliament; to stimulate dialogue on the opportunities and challenges of the next decade; and discuss the futre shape of Scottish self-government.

This edited collection of essays from distinguished commentators, academics and parliamentarians discuss some of the key issues in the development of the Scottish Parliament over the past decade. Speakers at the conference included:

Alex Fergusson (Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament)
Annabel Goldie (Leader of the Scottish Conservatives)
Iain Gray (Leader of the Scottish Labour Party)
Tavish Scott (Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats)
Bruce Crawford (Minister for Parliamentary Business)
Fiona Mackay (Edinburgh University, Hansard Society Scotland Working Group)
George Kerevan (The Scotsman)
Henry McLeish (former First Minister of Scotland)
Joyce McMillan (The Scotsman, Chair of the Hansard Society Scotland Working Group)
John Curtice (University of Strathclyde)
Tam Dalyell (former MP)

The publication can be ordered from Luath Press.

For more information, please email Emma Megaughin, Projects Manager, at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or by phone on 0131 243 2750.

What lessons should Westminster learn from Holyrood?

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:16:00 GMT

The Hansard Society Democracy Forum, What lessons should Westminster learn from Holyrood? marked the London launch of the Hansard Society Scotland publication The Scottish Parliament 1999-2009: The first Decade .The event took place in Westminster on the May 19 with a packed room and lively debate. The Democracy Forum brought together key political and legal experts on the Scottish Parliament to discuss what the UK Parliament could learn from the last 10 years of the Scottish Parliament. The speakers were Joyce McMillan (Chair, Hansard Society Scotland Working Group), Lord Wallace of Tankerness (former Leader, Scottish Liberal Democrats); Peter Wishart (SNP Constitutional Affairs Spokesperson) and Michael Clancy OBE (Director, Law Reform The Law Society of Scotland).

The event was on Today in Parliament on Radio Four.The speakers talked of the achievements of the young Parliament such as the renovation and modernisation of many areas of Scots law and the ability of the Parliament to pass through large amounts of effective legislation. It was suggested that Westminster could learn from a number of innovative ideas such as: the novel combined committee structure of the Scottish Parliament, their robust freedom of information system, the transparency of the Scottish expenses system with quarterly publication of MSPs' expenses, the e-petition system, and the high proportion of female MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.

Although many challenges lie ahead the Scottish Parliament has seen through a very successful first decade.

For more information about this event, please email Emma Megaughin, Projects Manager, at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or by phone on 0131 243 2750.

Why Vote? - Hansard Society Scotland Hustings Series

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:10:00 GMT

The Hansard Society organised a series of Why Vote? debates and hustings in Scotland in the lead up to the European elections in June, in partnership with the European Movement and the CSPP The events in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and two in Glasgow were well attended and there was excellent debate. See below for a list of who spoke at each event.

Edinburgh, George Square Theatre (29th April)

Chair: Iain Macwhirter (The Sunday Herald)
Speakers: Belinda Don (Scottish Conservative Party); Peter McColl (Scottish Green Party); Kirsty Connell (Scottish Labour Party); George Lyon (Scottish Liberal Democrats); Alyn Smith (Scottish National Party); Peter Adams (UK Independence Party).

Glasgow, Atlantic Quay (11th May)

Chair: Joyce McMillan (The Scotsman and Chair of the Hansard Society Scotland Working Group)
Speakers: John Edward (Head, European Parliament Office in Scotland); Neil Mitchison (Head, European Commission Office in Scotland).

Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian University (12th May)

Chair: Professor John Curtice (University of Strathclyde)
Speakers: Struan Stevenson (Scottish Conservative Party); Elaine Morrison (Scottish Green Party); David Martin (Scottish Labour Party); George Lyon (Scottish Liberal Democrats); Alyn Smith (Scottish National Party); Peter Adams (UK Independence Party). Aberdeen, Kings College, University of Aberdeen (14th May)

Chair: Professor Trevor Salmon, University of Aberdeen.
Speakers: Struan Stevenson (Scottish Conservative Party); Elaine Morrison (Scottish Green Party); David Martin (Scottish Labour Party); George Lyon (Scottish Liberal Democrats); Ian Hudghton (Scottish National Party); Peter Adams (UK Independence Party).

For more information about this series of events, please email Emma Megaughin, Projects Manager ,at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or by phone on 0131 243 2750.

University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Certificate in Government & Public Policy

admin — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:35:00 GMT

If you're interested in doing a unique political internship in Edinburgh and studying British politics at the world famous University of Edinburgh, the Autumn 2010 Postgraduate Certificate in Government & Public Policy will begin in September, just after Edinburgh's famous International Festival.

The Certificate is fully-accredited by the University of Edinburgh, and is jointly run by the Hansard Society and the University. It offers an outstanding opportunity for postgraduate students and professionals to develop applied knowledge of structures of government and policy processes in the UK, with a particular emphasis on Scotland, and gain invaluable experience at the heart of the British political system.

This really is a fascinating time to be involved in politics in Scotland. Ten years on from the passage of the Scotland Act - the founding statute for the Scottish Parliament - the debate is heating up about the workings of devolution in Scotland. Operating as a minority government, the Scottish National Party is campaigning for Scottish independence. At the same time, the Scottish Labour Party has allied itself with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in pressing for more powers for the Scottish Parliament.

The Parliament, now in its third session, has built up a solid track record as a legislature and debating forum, and established itself at the heart of Scottish political life. All eyes in Westminster, Cardiff and Belfast are now on Scotland to see what the future will bring.

We are now accepting applications for Autumn 2010. For more information please click here.

Engaging online: Getting citizens back to the centre of democracy

admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:21:00 GMT

On October 29 2008, the Hansard Society held a seminar in the Scottish Parliament to explore the different characteristics of online engagement. Organised in collaboration with Microsoft, the session focused not simply on the technology but also on the impact of organisational culture and the broader context of citizen disenfranchisement.

The panel comprised: Navraj Singh Ghaleigh (Lecturer in Public Law, University of Edinburgh), Aileen Campbell MSP (Scottish National Party MSP for South of Scotland) and Fergus Cochrane (Clerk to the Public Petitions Committee, Scottish Parliament) . Joyce McMillan columnist of The Scotsman and Chair of the Hansard Society Scotland Working Group chaired the session.

For more information about this event, please email Emma Megaughin at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or phone 0131 243 2750.

Hansard Society at 2008 SNP Conference

admin — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:57:00 GMT

People Like Us: Is Scottish Society fairly reflected in Holyrood?

The Hansard Society collaborated with Channel 4 for this year's fringe meeting at the SNP Conference.

The event, entitled "Is Scottish Society Fairly Reflected in Holyrood?", was chaired by Joyce McMillan and the panelists were Michael Russell MSP (SNP Minister for Environment), Emily Wilson (Channel 4 News) Humza Yousaf (Convenor of Young Asian Scots for Independence) and Angela O'Hagen (Equalities and Human Rights Commission).

The National Conversation

admin — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:09:00 GMT

The National Conversation is galvanising debate across Scotland. After 10 years, it is only right to look again at the devolution settlement. The political ground in Scotland has shifted, starting a process that will change the United Kingdom forever.

Professor Sir Kenneth Calman, one of the country's senior academics, has been unveiled as the chairman of a new cross-party, cross-border commission to revise the devolution settlement. Sir Kenneth is a devolutionist and a unionist, so it is safe to say that independence will not be considered a viable option. The commission has a huge remit, it can examine any and all parts of the devolution settlement and recommend any changes - as long as Scotland stays within the UK.

His recommendations will be considered by the main unionist parties but any changes to the devolution settlement will need to be enacted by Westminster, which would need to change the Scotland Act. Yet again, Scotland's future rests in the hands of Westminster.

The Scottish National Party's first choice is to have a for or against referendum on independence in 2010, aware that if the opposition parties vote the plan out, the SNP will be able to go into the 2011 election accusing its opponents of denying the public its right to decide Scotland's future.

First Minister Alex Salmond has been criticised for suggesting that the referendum be held under the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, under which voters mark down their preferences, rather than voting for or against. But using STV to determine Scotland's future within the UK is controversial - under STV, the SNP could win independence with less than 50 per cent of people backing that as their first choice for the country.

Labour, Tory, and Lib Dem leaders are therefore also looking at ways to gain more powers for the Scottish Parliament, as part of the UK. Together, they command 78 out of the 129 MSPs in the Parliament, more than enough to drive through their plans in this or any other Parliament.

If the SNP believe their own spin, they could call a referendum on independence immediately. But mainstream opinion in Scotland appears to want devolution to work better and for Scotland to be secure in a stronger UK. If the Nationalists lose, it will surely turn into a "neverendum".

Emma Megaughin

Programmes Coordinator, Hansard Society Scotland

hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk

MPs in Schools Scotland resource packs

admin — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:58:00 GMT

Helping schools to develop better links with their elected representatives

The MPs in Schools Scotland packs help schools to develop better links with their local representatives by supporting teachers and students in organising an interactive visit from their local MPs.

Available in English and Gaelic, the free resource packs provide teachers with materials they can use to prepare their students for a visit - ensuring that students get the most of out of a visit from their elected representatives.

The Hansard Society's Elected Representatives In Schools resources have been used by over 3,000 teachers across the UK to organise visits to schools from Members of the Scottish Parliament, Members of Parliament, Members of the National Assembly for Wales and Members of the European Parliament.

"Pupils gained knowledge and confidence – especially from the role play – and were able to give the MP a real grilling." (Teacher)

An Elected Representatives in Schools day provides students with the opportunity to explore issues around representation and ask questions about what really matters to them. It also gives students the opportunity to demonstrate that they are the active citizens of today and voters of the future.

To order a copy of the pack, please contact the Hansard Society Scotland at: hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or on 0131 243 2750.

The MPs in Schools Scotland project was piloted and produced with the support of The Scotland Office, The Electoral Commission, Learning and Teaching Scotland and the Parliamentary Education Service.

The resource is sponsored by Standard Life.

Developments in Scottish Politics: The English View

admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:24:00 GMT

November 27th 2007 saw the fourth seminar in the Institute of Governance's series on Identity and Governance in England.

Speaker: Peter Riddell - Chief Political Commentator and Assistant Editor, The Times, and Chair, Hansard Society.

Respondent: Joyce McMillan - Columnist and Chief Theatre Critic of The Scotsman, Visiting Professor of Creative Industries at Queen Margaret University and Council Member, Hansard Society.

Chair: Charlie Jeffery - Co-Director of Institute of Governance, Professor of Politics at the University of Edinburgh, and Vice-Chair, Hansard Society Scotland Working Group.

For further details on the event, please contact: hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Hansard Society Scotland at 2007 SNP Conference

admin — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:02:00 GMT

Transforming Government Services: Is ICT the answer?

In 2007, the Hansard Society again collaborated with BT Scotland on its event at the Scottish National Party Conference.

The discussion ranged over the opportunities for elected representatives, parliaments and local councils to engage with the public using new technology.

The speakers were Alasdair Allan, MSP for the Western Isles, Dr Laura Miller, Hansard Society eDemocracy Programme, Owen Evans, Head of Strategic Relations (Devolved Government) for BT Global Services, and Cllr. Jean Urquhart, Deputy Leader, Highland Council, and it was chaired by Joyce McMillan of The Scotsman.

For more information on this event, please contact the Hansard Society Scotland at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or on 0131 243 2750.

Postgraduate Certificate in Government & Public Policy

admin — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:51:00 GMT

If you’re interested in learning first-hand about the fascinating world of Scottish politics and studying British politics at the world-famous Edinburgh University, the Postgraduate Certificate in Government & Public Policy is what you're after!

The Certificate, fully-accredited by the University of Edinburgh, offers an outstanding opportunity for postgraduate students and professionals to develop applied knowledge of structures of government and policy processes in the UK, with a particular emphasis on Scotland, and gain invaluable practical experience at the heart of the British political system.

As a Hansard Research Scholar, you will be part of the Hansard Society, an organisation with an unparallelled reputation in the political world, developed over 65 years. Based in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, you will study Government & Public Policy at its world-renowned University, and enjoy an internship which corresponds with your research interests.

You might be based at the sharp end of representative government at party headquarters, or in the office of a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). You might be helping to cover political developments as they emerge for a newspaper, news agency, or broadcast news channel. You might be in the policy unit of a major pressure group or think tank or NGO, drafting briefings and aiming to make the views of your organisation heard by decision makers in the Scottish Government and beyond.

Internship

"The Hansard Scholars were invaluable in my very small staff. I recall many of the Scholars and their valued contribution; I keep in touch with lots of them.”
Rt. Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen – former NATO Secretary General & former UK Secretary of State for Defence

As part of the Programme, all Hansard Research Scholars undertake an internship which is individually selected by the Hansard Society to match your interests, expertise and career aspirations. Whether you are analysing the work of government for a campaign group, helping to devise media campaigns for a public affairs consultancy or doing research for an MSP, you will get an unparalleled insight into the world of Scottish politics.

Internships are for three days (20 hours) per week and, in the past, have included:

Offices of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)
Offices of Scottish Members of Parliament (MPs)
Scottish Government Departments
Political party HQs
Campaign groups
Lobbying/ Public Affairs Organisations
Businesses and Consultancies

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s most prestigious universities and is internationally renowned for its teaching and research. All class take place at the University of Edinburgh where all Hansard Research Scholars are registered as students. Registration includes full use of IT facilities; access to student shops, bars, public lectures and social events; and membership of the Student Union.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be awarded academic credits which can be used towards a Master's degree.

Research Project

Each Research Scholar will work on an individually designed research project with the aim of bringing scholarly analysis to bear on a policy issue. A subject and a plan of action will be chosen together with the course leader, and designed where possible to allow cross-fertilisation with the subject matter of the internship. A project supervisor will be allocated, and a project of 8-10,000 words must be submitted. This will account for the final 60% of the final assessment.

Academic Programme

Research Scholars will attend a weekly seminar in Government & Public Policy given by Edinburgh academics with a track record of bridging scholarship and practice.

Many, though not necessarily all the sessions will focus on questions of government and public policy of particular relevance in Scotland. Sessions will be attuned where possible to the interests of each particular group of Research Scholars, to encourage them to make connections between academic analysis and their experiences, and may vary from semester to semester. All classes will be held at the University of Edinburgh.

Research Scholars will be expected to prepare for and contribute to seminar discussion, and will be assessed through a short course essay and a one-hour examination. Essay and examination will each count for 20% of the final assessment.

In addition, Research Scholars will be required to attend one seminar weekly among the wide range of research and visiting speaker seminars offered by the School of Social and Political Studies or other Schools with relevant interests, including Management and Law.

Study Visits & Cultural Events

Research Scholars will participate in the calendar of visits organised throughout the semester by the Hansard Society. Each semester, the group will spend four days in London where they will visit the Houses of Parliament and meet politicians from the main political parties. The Hansard Society will also organise a political study trip to Glasgow as well as social activities such as theatre trips.

The unique resources at our disposal mean that we are able to offer a programme that combines rigorous academic courses with the practical experience of political internships. In addition to this, Research Scholars are able to gain an ‘insider's view' of current political issues in Britain through the many eminent guest lecturers who play a part in the Programme each semester.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided by the University of Edinburgh in university apartments within central Edinburgh.

Dates

Autumn 2010

September 18th - December 4th, 2010

Who Should Apply?

The PG Certificate in Government & Public Policy is designed for postgraduate students and professionals who wish to pursue a specific political academic interest whilst doing a political study placement in UK.

The Programme assumes no previous knowledge of British politics or any experience of working in politics. More important is that applicants show a genuine interest in particular research area and a commitment to working in a high-level political environment. Research Scholars will often be involved in work of a sensitive nature and so personal integrity – in addition to commitment and enthusiasm – are crucial.

How to Apply?

All applicants must complete an application (see below) and attach the following pieces of documentation:

a short personal statement outlining reasons for applying
a CV/ resume
a sample of written academic work (2,000 words approx.)
two letters of recommendation
university transcript

Applicants whose first language is not English (or whose previous degree was not taught in English) are required to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. The following qualifications are acceptable to the Hansard Society:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with normally a minimum score of 603 in the paper test, 250 in the computer-based test or 100 in the internet based test.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with normally a minimum score of 6.5.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
Other qualifications may be considered.

Please click here to download a copy of the PG Certificate in Government & Public Policy application form (pdf format)

All applications should be sent to:

Attn. Lindsay Adams
PG Certificate in Government & Public Policy
Institute of Governance
Chisholm House
High School Yards
Edinburgh EH1 1LZ
United Kingdom

Fees

Fees include:

All tuition and registration at the University of Edinburgh
Access to University of Edinburgh student services, IT facilities, events, public lectures, restaurants and bars.
A calendar of cultural and social events
Self-catering accommodation in Edinburgh .
An internship in the Scottish Parliament or other prominent political organisation.
All administration and student support services.

Current fees are £6,350 per student with payment being made in instalments as follows:

Non-refundable deposit of £450 to guarantee a place on the Programme
£3,400 payment eight weeks before the start of the Programme
£2,500 (+ £250 returnable accommodation damage deposit) four weeks before the start of the Programme

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

If an applicant withdraws 31 days or more prior to the first day of the Programme, the applicant will receive 100% of the total Programme fee paid less the deposit of £450.
If an applicant withdraws 30 days or less prior to the first day of the Programme, the applicant will receive 50% of the Programme fee paid less the deposit of £450.
If the applicant withdraws on or after the first day of the Programme, the applicant will not receive any refund of Programme fees.

If you have any further questions, please contact Lindsay Adams at lindsay.adams@ed.ac.uk or call her on +44 (0)131 650 2456