CONNECT COMMUNICATIONS ● GRADUATE PROGRAMME
ABOUT CONNECT
We connect people to politics. As one of the longest established independent public affairs
agencies operating in the UK, we help our clients to influence the policy agenda, change legislation
and achieve the change they want.
We have an exciting client base spanning charities, business, local government, trade unions and
property clients with an interest in a wide range of policy areas from housing, to apprenticeships,
to public services and utilities.
We have an exciting growth plan for the future and are on track to achieve 15% growth year on
year. Our continued growth and future expansion means that we are able to offer our staff an
excellent package, and our independence means that staff benefit directly from our success
through a strong bonus scheme.
We know that our clients enjoy working with us, in a recent survey 97% said that we provided
‘good’ or ‘excellent’ services. Our success has been recognised by the industry, in 2013 we were
the only agency shortlisted by Public Affairs News for three awards, and we won Best Consultant
and Best Party Conferences Event or Activity.
Connect is a founding member of the Association of Professional Political Consultants which
means that we support a strong ethical code and as a company, we have played an important role
in improving transparency within the industry.
THE CONNECT GRADUATE PROGRAMME
Connect has been at the forefront of graduate recruitment within the public affairs industry, and
have operated a Graduate Programme since 2005. To support our growth, and our recent wins,
we are looking for candidates with the potential to become excellent consultants to join our
graduate programme.
We are delighted that so many of our previous graduates have gone on to be leaders in the sector,
working for organisations such as the British Medical Association, Guide Dogs, Macmillan Cancer
Support, Heathrow Airport, G4S, EEF, the LGiU, Department of Health, the European Labour Party,
Secret Escapes and the Rail Delivery Group. We are particularly proud that one of our graduates is
now on the board of the company, and seven of our team began their careers on our graduate
scheme.
As an Investor In People (Gold Standard) we are committed to developing the skills of our staff,
and see our Graduates as our future leaders. Our ambition is for our graduates to develop their
careers at Connect, and we are now looking for an outstanding graduate to join us.
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CONNECT COMMUNICATIONS ● GRADUATE PROGRAMME
You will be working with a cross party, dynamic team with experiences in Parliament, the political
parties, trades unions, charities, local government and business across a range of policy areas.
OUR PROGRAMME
We are a ‘hands-on’ consultancy and our fast-track programme makes sure that our graduates
quickly learn about the people, policies and processes they will need to kick-start their careers.
You will be a core member of our client services team from day one and quickly gather a detailed
understanding of client and project management, business and financial systems, as well as
developing detailed policy and political knowledge.
Drawing on external and internal resources, you will gain experience across each of our service
areas:
Connect Communications
Connect
Intelligence
Connect Public
Affairs
Connect Training
Connect
Conferences
Property &
Planning
Our programme is designed to support our graduates’ professional and personal development,
them the tools to become successful political consultants. Our graduates are mentored and
coached by our talented and experienced consultants, many of whom are former graduate
trainees. Our Graduates also benefit from our own training arm, Connect Training, which offers a
range of training courses both to external audiences and our in-house team.
During the programme, Connect Graduates will:
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Develop a strong understanding of the workings of Westminster and Whitehall
Become a core part of our Connect Intelligence team to provide political monitoring
services to clients
Provide research and support across our client base
Take responsibility for delivering a major policy event working with the Connect
Conferences team
Support a planning application with local engagement, consultation, exhibitions and liaison
with local press
Regularly blog and contribute to Connect’s social media presence
Attend Select Committees and think tank events providing reportage for clients
Learn how to network and establish new contacts
Learn how to identify, develop and secure new business for Connect
Undertake a number of internal and external training courses including parliamentary
processes, introduction to public affairs and presentation skills.
CONNECT COMMUNICATIONS ● GRADUATE PROGRAMME
WHO DO WE WANT?
Connect only employ the best candidates and we are looking for people with a passion for politics
and for people.
We are looking for someone who can show evidence of:
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at least a 2:1 degree;
a passion for politics, policy making and current affairs;
exceptional written, presentational and interpersonal skills;
the ability to assimilate, analyse and summarise written material quickly;
excellent listening skills, as well as the ability to take an impartial view;
the ability to inspire trust and confidence in clients;
a team player;
commercial awareness and good business sense;
enthusiasm and self-motivation.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
We believe in nurturing our talent and in
2013, we were shortlisted by Public Affairs
News as ‘Best Agency to Work For’ in their
annual awards.
Graduates join the company as Graduate Trainees on a starting salary of £19,000 (+ bonus) with
the potential for a pay rise after six months. You will receive benefits including:
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25 days paid holiday per year (in addition to public holidays)
Full training programme
Employer pension scheme (after six months)
Private healthcare scheme
Annual season ticket loan (interest free)
Company mobile phone (after six months)
Opportunity to attend networking events on a weekly basis
Annual company away day (previous destinations have included Amsterdam, Barcelona,
Budapest, Prague, Porto, Champagne, and Brussels)
Regular staff parties including Christmas and summer party
Regular staff socials including ‘curry club’ every two months
Drinks trolley on a Friday and regular social events
Ad hoc charity and company team building events
Fresh fruit provided weekly
CONNECT COMMUNICATIONS ● GRADUATE PROGRAMME
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should complete the application form by 29 May 2015 and send it to Lora Burt,
Company Secretary at [email protected]
Successful applicants will be invited to take part in an assessment day at our Millbank Tower
offices on either 8 June or 12 June 2015.
The assessment day will include:
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Coffee and chat with current and former Graduate Trainees
A group discussion with other candidates on current political issues
Candidate presentations (topic will be assigned along with invitation to assessment day)
A written assessment
Psychometric testing
Interview