Audit of Political Engagement 9, Part One

Disgruntled, disillusioned and disengaged. New Hansard Society research shows people are turning away from national politics

The 2012 Hansard Society annual Audit of Political Engagement, published on April 25, shows that the public’s growing sense of indifference to politics as highlighted in last year’s Audit has hardened into something more serious as public attitudes become more negative.

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Next HeadsUp debate on You and Society starts next week - April 23

You and Society: What Makes Society Work Well?

11-18 year-olds to have their say on the Big Society,
 Britishness and Societal Breakdown

30 April - 18 May 2012

HeadsUp.org.uk

What do young people think about the society they live in? Do they feel included? How can they help to improve their local communities? From 30 April, under-18s will be debating all aspects of British society with decision-makers online.

Hansard Society does not charge for internships

Hansard Society does not receive donations from House of Lords, House of Commons, the Speaker, BBC Parliament or any government department
 
Statement from Fiona Booth, Chief Executive of the Hansard Society - April 14, 2012
 
‘Incorrect information on social media sites today alleges that the Hansard Society charges £8,000 for work experience internships. This is incorrect. For 20 years we have run an academic study programme aimed at understanding of the British political system. Hundreds of undergraduates and post-graduate students from around the world have participated in our Hansard Scholars Programme, which involves a study course in association with a leading university and internships with relevant NGOs, Parliament and other organisations. Interns do not work at the Hansard Society.
 
The cost for this 11-week academic programme includes all academic tuition and student fees, accommodation in central London and unlimited travel by tube and bus in central London, plus visits to the devolved legislatures and many other activities. The Hansard Society is accredited by the British Accreditation Council and is a member of StudyUK. Further information about this programme is available on our website (www.hansardsociety.org.uk)
 
The Hansard Society does not receive donations from the House of Lords, the House of Commons, the Speaker, BBC Parliament or any government department. We have funded project work – full details of which can be found in our audited accounts available on our website.’
 
For further information, contact comms@hansardsociety.org.uk or 07812 765 552

Give children a voice in adoption, say young people - April 3, 2012

Young People (11-18 year olds) taking part in the first HeadsUp forum of 2012, What makes a good family?  firmly believed that when it comes to adoption, the wishes of the child should be taken into account where possible.

The What makes a good family? debate ran from 5 -23 March and attracted the fourth highest number of students since the site began in 2004, with the highest number of this school year.  The forum covered a wide range of issues from who should be allowed to adopt and gay marriage to the level of help families should expect to get from the government and changes to the Child Support Agency.  You can read the full report of the forum here.