After six months working at Legislative Buildings Anna Hardman is firmly of the belief that ‘a Tynwald internship is like no other’.

Pictured: Erynn Rainey, Anya Dawson and Anna Hardman

In September 2022 Anna, 21, joined Anya Dawson, 21 and Erynn Rainey, 18, on the one-year internship scheme delivered each year through the Clerk of Tynwald’s Office.

Manx-born Anna, a former QEII High School student and University of Northumbria history and politics graduate, is assigned to Tynwald’s Research and Scrutiny Support services; Anya, who is from St Albans, is a University of York history graduate assigned to Tynwald’s Table and Publications services, while Manx-born former QEII High School student Erynn is working with the Corporate and Engagement services team.

‘The work’s not only enjoyable but also meaningful,’ said Anna. ‘There’s a fair amount of “behind-the-scenes” work involved and doing research for Members is very interesting. What’s great about a Tynwald internship is that you’re “in the thick of it”. Right from day one you’re a valued member of the team and given a level of responsibility I’d never imagined, such as the opportunity to write committee reports. We also get the chance to visit government departments, such as External Relations, for example.’

Anya said: ‘I did work experience at Tynwald in 2018, so had an idea of what to expect. All of us are treated as equals and we’re encouraged to spend time in areas other than our own, which gives you a fuller understanding of how the Clerk of Tynwald’s Office functions.

‘I’m finding sitting days especially interesting. I’ve also taken minutes, worked on Tynwald’s Instagram account, and helped with the tours of Chambers and mock debates for visiting primary school groups. I’ve found that so few of the children know anything about Tynwald, so it’s great to be able to give them at least some insight into our parliament at a young age.’

Erynn came to Tynwald for work experience in 2019. She said: ‘I’ve always been interested in politics so to be a Tynwald intern and have the opportunity to see politics in action is a unique experience; it’s not what most people of our age get to do. It was only a few weeks into our internship when The Queen died and we had the privilege to be involved in the work that went into the proclamation proceedings - to be part of history, as it were.  And, like Anya and Anna, I feel part of the team and everyone – Members and officers alike – have been very welcoming and supportive.’

‘I didn’t do work experience, so these past six months have really opened my eyes to the amount of work that’s done by such a small team,’ said Anna, ‘And all of us have been surprised to learn just how respected Tynwald is by other countries who look to Tynwald for advice, support and capacity-building study programmes.  Also, none of us realised previously that Tynwald provides Hansard services to other jurisdictions.’

Anna has served as an assistant clerk to the Built Heritage Committee. ‘I’m learning so much about Manx history and culture – and about the Legislative Buildings as well – so now I’m tending to look at buildings around the Island more closely.’ Anya agreed. ‘I really enjoy doing committee work; it’s learning on the job. And working here you feel more connected to where you are and appreciate the Isle of Man more.’

Erynn said: ‘Coming to work here is never a chore. I’ve been considering reading history at Leicester University, but working at Tynwald has changed my perspective on life and now I’m thinking about staying in the Isle of Man and seeing what careers might be available to me here.’

Anya is considering studying for a Master’s degree in history after she completes her internship, while Anna, who plans to go travelling after September 2023 before entering the jobs market, said: ‘The Tynwald internship is a great way to transition into employment. The skills we’ve learned have been invaluable.’ Anya added: ‘Now, when I look at job vacancies, I have the confidence and experience to consider working in areas I’d never given any thought to previously.’

‘One of my friends asked me about the Tynwald internship programme,’ said Erynn. ‘I said it was really enjoyable and urged her to apply because no two days are ever the same. I also told her that one of the perks of the job is that you get to observe Tynwald sittings. Being an intern here a brilliant springboard for learning all kinds of new skills - especially interpersonal skills - and for starting out on the career ladder.’

Anya said: ‘One of the things I’ll take away from my experience as a Tynwald intern is that the Hansard transcripts I’ve worked on will have become part of a permanent record of Tynwald business,’ and she went to speak for her fellow interns when she said: ‘Once you’ve been a Tynwald intern, the unknown is never going to be daunting.’

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Additional Information:

The one-year intern position in the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald is an initiative developed to provide the opportunity to gain experience of the full range of activities and services undertaken in a small modern parliament.

The advertisement for the next parliamentary internship will be announced in May 2023 with a start date of September 2023.

For further information contact:

Ruth Donnelly
Head of Corporate and Engagement Services
Office of the Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 686303
R.Donnelly@tynwald.org.im