The John Smith Fellowship is an intensive, five-week programme on good governance, democracy and social justice. The Programme combines a seminar series, placements and visits designed to give an insight into democratic practice. Core themes include good governance, the rule of law, social justice, tolerance and the democratic accountability.
The primary objectives of the John Smith Fellowship Programme are to
Bring together influential young civil society and political leaders to exchange views and receive training and information on democratic practices and the promotion of good government.
Deepen awareness of how a mature democracy supports and develops good governance, the Rule of Law, human rights, and social justice, and encourages democratic access and accountability.
Promote a dialogue between Fellows within and outside their home countries, and create and maintain links with young leaders and those working in similar fields in the U.K.
The Programme lasts for five weeks in the UK and is made up as follows:
An introductory week in Edinburgh, Scotland.
An intensive, two-week Seminar Series on the political process in a mature democracy: A series of discussions and meetings with senior academics and practitioners combined with visits to illustrate how public policy is made and developed.
Planning and preparation of “individual action plans” setting out how insights gained in the UK can be turned into concrete developments applied at home.
A weekend conference on the role of the media in a democracy; providing an opportunity to explore issues of mutual interest and concern with invited guests from the UK
Two weeks of individual attachments to suitable organisations – for example, working with an NGO, “shadowing” a politician, a placement in central government, local administration or the media.
A final week in London with visits to Parliament and other institutions, and opportunities to analyse collective experience.
A concluding seminar during which Fellows present their projects to representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the John Smith Memorial Trust and the British Council.
Fellows are expected to produce a personal plan of action to be carried out when they return home. In the following year a Follow-Up Conference in one of the Fellowship countries brings all Fellows together to report on their activities and compare progress. The value of networking after the Fellow returns home and seeks to put into practice what he/she has learned is of great importance. The Fellowship Programme covers the following broad subject areas.
representative government in a democracy;
citizenship, law and rights;
civil society and the popular voice;
business and public life; and
international institutions.
The Programme is designed to offer opportunities for comparison and contrast and explore issues most relevant to Fellows’ countries. Fellows are encouraged to think constructively about what they learn while in the UK, what they might see that is of use to them in their work, and how they can turn these insights into concrete developments to take back to their workplaces. At the conclusion of the fellowship, individual and collective action plans are drawn up to aid follow-up activities.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland)
Registered in Singapore as a branch (T09FC0012J) and as a charity (No 0768).
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