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 within 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 has recently been appointed to the board of the company, and seven of our team began their careers on our Graduate Programme.

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 outstanding graduates to join us in 2014.

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.

CONNECT COMMUNICATIONS GRADUATE PROGRAMME

“Connect really invests in staff and cares about their individual

development. We want all of our grads to become great consultants,

and work with them on a one-to-one basis to achieve this.”Laura Blake, Director

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:

Our programme is designed to support our graduates’ professional and personal development, giving 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:

• 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 services 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.

intelligenceplanning and property

London to Brighton

“The Connect grad scheme gives you all the tools you need to succeed in public affairs, learning the ins and outs of Westminster, and all the tricks of the trade

from our great team of consultants.” David Button, Account Manager

“The hands-on nature of the grad scheme has given me the opportunity to get involved with clients and take responsibility for my own

work from the first day.” Melanie Pope, Graduate Trainee

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:• 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;• being 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:

• 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, Brussels and Munich)

• Regular staff parties including Christmas and summer party

• Regular staff socials including ‘curry club’ every two months

• Ad hoc charity events and company team building • Fresh fruit provided weekly

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should complete the application form by 21 November 2014 and send it to: Lora Burt, Company Secretary l.burt@connectpa.co.uk

Successful applicants will be invited to take part in an assessment day at our Millbank Tower offices on 11 December 2014. The date of the assessment day is fixed and we are unfortunately unable to offer alternative arrangements.

The assessment day will include: • 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

“Getting to go out and network is a crucial part of public affairs and at Connect we’re

really encouraged to go out and meet other people – be it at events, conferences or

even over a glass of wine at an industry gathering.”

Matthew Palutikof, Account Executive

“One of the best things about Connect is the people – everyone is really friendly and it’s

great to work with people who you can learn loads from but also have a drink with after

work!” Leonie Blakeway, Graduate Trainee