'A Day in the Life' Work Shadow Scheme 2012
What is it?
'A Day in the Life' is a free work shadowing initiative that provides a unique opportunity for staff in government and Civil Society to step into each other's shoes for a day and learn about how the 'other side' operates.
Applications for 2012 are now closed.
Aim
The aim of 'A Day in the Life' is to improve cross-sector understanding of the roles and responsibilities of staff within the public and Civil Society sectors, as well as the operational environments and wider contexts in which they work. By opening up dialogue between staff, this in turn will ensure improved relationships and policy-making.
Government departments taking part in 2012
- Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
- Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
- Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Cabinet Office
- Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC)
- Department for Education (DfE)
- Home Office
How does it work?
Applicants are paired up with a suitable person from the opposite sector. At a convenient time during September - November, both spend up to a day in each other’s organisation. There they have the opportunity to find out more about each other’s work ranging from the day to day responsibilities through to the wider contexts in which they operate and the challenges they face.They also have the opportunity to ask questions, offer and take advice, and share ideas on how civil society and government can work more effectively together.
Feedback from 2011
In 2011 five government departments – the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Cabinet Office – took part with over 520 participants. Feedback was extremely positive:
- 95% of the respondents found the experience ‘worthwhile’ (78% ‘very worthwhile’).
- 80% of respondents said they would share their learning / experience with colleagues.
- 87% of respondents would recommend the scheme to colleagues.
- 80% of public sector respondents felt the scheme had increased their understanding of civil society.
What a typical participant of 'A Day in the Life' 2011 thought of the scheme:
"Taking part was one of the most rewarding things I've done at work for many years." Civil Society participant
"Useful way of providing some development for people at a time when funding’s tight and training budgets are being cut." Government participant
"Excellent. Loved the fact NCVO did all the tricky matching." Civil Society participant
"An excellent opportunity and a fascinating experience. It was exciting to be offered a privileged window in to another organisation, its world, its people, and how they work." Government participant
Find out how 'A Day in the Life' can help fill the vacuum left by cuts to learning and development budgets, along with guest posts from last year's participants by reading Paul's blog.
Read more feedback from 'A Day in the Life' 2011 including an extensive list of participant quotes.
What you will get out of the scheme
The personal nature of the scheme provides a unique opportunity to observe, ask questions and acquire information at first hand - information that cannot be obtained through other more conventional methods of research.
For public sector staff:
- a greater understanding of how Civil Society organisations operate, including the environment they work in and the frontline work they deliver
- a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Civil Society staff and volunteers, including the challenges they face and ways in which they work with the public sector
- a valuable insight into other organsational structures, practices and work cultures.
For civil society staff:
- a greater understanding of decision-making processes within government and how a government department works
- a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities of staff within a government department, including the challenges they face and ways in which they work with Civil Society
- a valuable insight into other organsational structures, practices and work cultures.
Who can apply?
'A Day in the Life' is free to all Civil Society staff in England and staff of participating government departments.
Further questions
If you have any questions about the scheme please have a read of our Frequently Asked Questions or keep an eye on this page for further updates.
Read our guide to planning your shadowing days (PDF, 22KB).
