The John Smith Public Service Award is a two-year professional development programme offered in partnership with The Robertson Trust.

The Award is open to Robertson Scholars and promotes the value of a public service vocation through a two-year programme of activities.

This includes:

  • A 10-week internship with an MSP in Scotland.
  • A full-time, 3-week placement with an MP, part of which is spent at the Houses of Parliament at Westminster.
  • High level networking opportunities.
  • Events organised by our sister organisation, the John Smith Trust, alongside John Smith Trust Fellows.
  • An end of award showcase event.
  • Membership of the John Smith Centre Alumni Network in perpetuity.
  • The Awardees are paid above the Real Living Wage for their internships.

Applications are now open for the 2022-2023 John Smith Public Service Award. To be eligible for the Award, you must be a second year Robertson Scholar. To apply, please contact scholars@therobertsontrust.org.uk directly to request an Application Pack. Deadline for applications: 12pm, 8 October 2021.

Request Application Pack

Find out more

Meet the Awardees

Find out more about our John Smith Public Service Awardees.

Awardee Testimonials

Read what some of our Awardees had to say about their time on the John Smith Public Service Award.

Journey to Success

Find out more about The Robertson Trust’s Journey to Success programme.