Parliamentary Policy Research Internship

I have been undertaking a policy parliamentary internship at the Welsh Parliament, which has been a fantastic and invaluable experience. During my time here, I have worked on a wide range of tasks, including responding to enquiries, writing research briefs, petition briefs, policy guides, committee briefs, and research articles. I have been welcomed and treated as a full member of staff, with opportunities to be involved in all aspects of Senedd Research’s work. I have even been able to undertake Welsh lessons, which are offered to permanent staff.

Coming into this internship, I thought I had a solid understanding of how policy and politics worked. However, being immersed in the Senedd has shown me just how complex devolved policymaking truly is. I now have a much deeper appreciation of how the UK’s different parliaments operate, where their powers align or diverge, and how they interact with one another in practice.

One of the most valuable aspects of this internship has been gaining a clearer understanding of how policy and research intersect. I have learned how evidence is gathered, shaped, and translated into practical, impactful policy work. This experience has also helped me develop confidence in identifying areas I believe are important for the future and understanding how to bring those issues forward in a meaningful and constructive way.

The Senedd Research team has been one of the most welcoming, supportive, and knowledgeable groups I have had the pleasure of working with. I was able to take up this internship through the UKRI Policy Internships Scheme, which offers around 125 placements each year across a range of host organisations, including professional societies, government departments, and parliamentary offices across the UK.