'A Day in the Life' work shadowing (VCS staff)
This page is for VCS staff looking to apply for the work shadowing scheme. The page for government staff can be found at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/governmentshadowing.
Note: The deadline for this years applications was Friday 5 August
What is it?
‘A Day in the Life’ is a work shadowing initiative that provides a unique opportunity for staff in government and civil society to step into each others shoes for a day and learn about how the ‘other side’ operates.
In 2010, four government departments – Home Office, DCLG, DEFRA, MoJ – took part with over 400 participants. Feedback was extremely positive:
95% of the respondents found the experience ‘worthwhile’ (70% ‘very worthwhile’).
92% of public sector respondents felt the scheme had increased their understanding of the civil society sector.
87% of respondents would recommend the scheme to colleagues. 
“Excellent idea. I really appreciated being able to see a central government department at close quarters and understand more of the civil servants perspective”
“I found the scheme to be very enlightening - whereas I have been to meetings within Government departments before, I had never seen how they operate on a day to day basis”
How does it work?
After completing a short application form outlining the work that you do and what you'd like to gain from participating in the scheme, you will be paired up with a member of staff from one of the five participating government departments - DCLG, Defra, BIS, MoJ, and Cabinet Office. At a convenient time during September 2011, you will both spend a day in each other's organisation.
What will I get out of it?
The work shadowing scheme will give you the opportunity to find out more about each other's work, ranging from day to day responsibilities through to the wider contexts in which you work and the challenges you face.
The personal contact aspect of the scheme gives you a unique opportunity to observe, ask questions and acquire information at first hand – often information that cannot be obtained through other more conventional methods of research:
“I have met a number of extremely useful contacts and we had the opportunity to enlighten a member of a government department as to the sheer amount of work and services we deliver at community level”
“It was fantastic. It gave me a huge insight into the life of a civil servant, as well as being extremely useful in developing important links between key individuals. This was one of the most valuable experiences in my three years in post”
'A Day in the Life' also provides you with an opportunity to share information with and feed in the importance of the work that your organisation is doing on the ground.
Who can apply?
'A Day in the Life' is open to all voluntary and community sector staff in England. It will be particularly relevant to those who have regular contact with government departments and are looking to improve how they work with, and influence, civil servants.
How do I apply?
You can apply to take part in this year's shadowing scheme by completing a short application form online. If you have any questions about the scheme please contact Paul Winyard by emailing workshadowing@ncvo-vol.org.uk.
The closing date for applications is Friday 5 August 2011.
Further questions
If you have any questions about the scheme please have a read of our Frequently Asked Questions or contact Paul Winyard by emailing workshadowing@ncvo-vol.org.uk.
Read our guide to planning your shadowing days (PDF, 22KB).
See our full range of resources to support your campaigning and influencing work.
