Applications for the 2024 Party Conference Programme are now closed. The deadline to apply was 9am, Wednesday 31st July. No late submissions will be accepted.

During Autumn every year, all British political parties hold Party Conferences across the country, which are attended by thousands of people working and engaging with politics.

These Conferences enable elected representatives and party members to discuss and vote on party issues. Away from the Conference, there are several fringe events where small discussions and debates take place.

Attending Conference can be a daunting prospect for some, with thousands of people in one space, including Party members, politicians, journalists, business representatives and other external organisations. At Patchwork, we use the different Conferences as an opportunity to reduce the barriers for young people from underrepresented communities and teach them how they can be involved and active members of our democracy.

Through our programme we provide delegates with a bespoke experience of Conference, including free tickets to one of the main Party Conferences, Roundtable discussions with Senior Party officials, an opportunity to be present for the leader’s speech and special preparation with relevant information to provide the best experience possible, helping to make politics accessible to all. Read about Muhammad’s party conference experience here.

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Are aged between 18-30 years old for the duration of the Conference programme and residing in the UK.
  • Identify as a young person who, for economic, social, cultural, geographical or health reasons, faces obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to politics and broader opportunities.
  • Has not attended an in-party Party Conference before, whether part of the Patchwork Conference programme or not.
  • Able to give attend the entire duration to one of the Patchwork Conference Programme* and complete all pre and post-programme tasks
  • Are proactive and committed to making the most out of the whole conference programme.
  • Have an interest in British Politics or Civil Society, such as: engagement in party politics, law, climate initiatives, grassroots campaigning etc.
  • Willing to engage in open discourse and remain respectful towards other participants, the organisation and speakers.

*The Patchwork programme takes place on the final 2-3 days of each Conference. You can find exact details on the dates below. As a reminder, if successful accepted onto the programme your delegate pass will allow you to attend the entire Conference.

Patchwork Conference dates:

  • Liberal Democrats Party Conference: Brighton, 16-17th September
  • Labour Party Conference:Liverpool, 23rd-25th September
  • Conservative Party Conference: Birmingham, 30th-2nd October

Applications for the 2024 Party Conference Programme opened on Friday 12th July and closed 9am, Wednesday 31st July 2024. All applicants will receive a confirmation email after the deadline, and an additional email regarding the outcome of their application. Applications will be sifted and, depending on the volume of applications, a shortlist of applicants may be invited to a short interview with the Patchwork team. No late submissions will be accepted.

All candidates will hear back regarding the outcome of their application.

Interview dates:

If selected to proceed to interview stage, these will take place online on 5-6th August 2024. You will select your own interview slot dependent on your availability. 

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or can no longer be considered for the Programme.

FAQs:

  • The eligibility criteria and exact dates of the Patchwork Programme can be found on our website here. Please note that if successful in your application, your delegate pass will give you access to the full dates of the one Conference you are attending, whilst the Patchwork programme will start on the dates highlighted on our website. You can search up the full Party Conference dates on their respective websites.
  • No exceptions can be made to our eligibility criteria, including the age requirements regardless of your circumstances. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, we encourage you to apply regardless and can get back to you regarding eligibility after the application deadline.
  • Expressing your interest in the #GetInvolved bursary will not affect your application. However, this is the only opportunity to initially apply for the bursary, and late requests will not be considered.
  • The #GetInvolved bursary is a discretionary, means-tested fund and is intended for those who would not otherwise be able to engage with the programme. Unless you are a recipient of this bursary and have outlined the relevant criteria, this programme does not cover accommodation, travel or other relevant costs for delegates.
  • The deadline to apply is 9am BST, Wednesday 31st July. No late submissions will be accepted, regardless of what circumstances may result in a late submission. If you have any issues submitting, we recommend you clear your cache, try an alternative browser, use another device or try a VPN or different connection. If none of these solutions work, you can submit your application via email with a copy of all your answers but you must email us before the deadline with an answer to all the required questions.
  • A Roundtable Tutor is anyone from the world of politics you would be interested in hearing from about their career or experience. There is not a ‘correct answer’ or ‘list of tutors’ to select from – we are interested in hearing about the one individual you would like to learn from.
  • Depending on the volume of applications, a shortlist of applicants may be invited to a phone interview. These interviews will be conducted in the afternoon and early evenings of 5/6th August. If you are unavailable for interview at that time, we encourage you to apply anyway and can look into alternative slots if required.
  • This programme is designed for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend party conference. If you have or are going to attend in a personal, professional or other capacity, this may not be a suitable programme for you.