Week in Westminster
Dr Judith Sleeman and Jim McGovern MP
The Pairing Scheme starts with the ‘Week in Westminster’; a programme of activities for the scientists including seminars, workshops, shadowing opportunities and a tour of Westminster. This ‘week’ aims to give the scientist a taste not only of the approach to science policy but of Parliament and the Civil Service in general.
The ‘week’ takes place in October or November each year. During the ‘week’ MPs or civil servants will spend a day with their scientist to give further insight to their working life.
Scientists will also attend seminars, lectures and tailored workshops relating to science in Parliament and Government. There will also be opportunity to tour the Houses of Parliament and attend Select Committee meetings. Other activities may include attending Prime Minister’s Question Time and debates in the House of Commons, observing meetings with ministers, following the MP to press interviews, visiting Government offices and attending policy meetings.