The IPT arranges attachments of parliamentarians to companies for an agreed period, after full consultation between the various parties involved. These are known as Fellowships and are open to all MPs, peers, UK MEPs and senior staff of the Houses of Parliament.
An IPT Fellowship offers the parliamentarian a unique opportunity to spend time within a company, or a number of companies, over a period of up to 18 months. He or she engages in a series of activities that are arranged to suit both the parliamentary timetable and also the parliamentarian's individual needs and responsibilities. The Fellowship covers critical areas concerning management and leadership and, through working closely with senior business leaders, provides a real insight for the parliamentarian into how business strategy is formulated and implemented.
Through experiencing life outside Westminster or Brussels, parliamentarians are able to acquire a greater understanding of commerce and industry, together with an enhanced appreciation of the impact of legislation on business generally and on a particular sector.
Current Fellows include in their number ministers, privy councillors and senior members from across all political parties, as well as the Speaker of the House of Commons. A full list of Fellows is available online. All three main party leaders endorse early participation and advocate the ongoing need to build stronger links between business and Parliament.
The following range of Fellowships is available, all for 18 days over a 12-18 month period:
For MEPs, the European Parliament also runs its own European Business and Parliament Scheme (chaired by Alejo Vidal Quadras Roca MEP), which provides programmes for all 732 members and officials of the House.
This is in addition to those schemes provided by the six national members of the International Association of Business and Parliament (IABP) who provide scheme to their national representatives in the European Parliament.
At the end of an attachment, a parliamentarian is awarded the status of Fellow of the Industry and Parliament Trust. By completing a Fellowship, parliamentarians often develop an enduring relationship with their host company/companies.
Existing Fellows are eligible to undertake a postgraduate Fellowships to broaden their knowledge of a particular field, or to focus on a different area.
By completing a Fellowship, parliamentarians benefit from:
- gaining a clear overview of a company or organisation's structural framework, its objectives and long-term strategy;
- a practical appreciation of an organisation's operations - ranging from grassroots activities to senior management, employer/employee relations and its relationship with investors and suppliers;
- understanding the decision-making process, planning, budgeting, investment appraisal, and growth prospects at home or abroad;
- understanding the impact on business performance of government policies as well as UK and European legislaation.
To apply for a Fellowship please complete the application form and return it to the Industry and Parliament Trust, or contact Nick Lee, Fellowship Co-ordinator, on 020 7 839 9400, for more details.
