Increasing collaboration and connection between think tanks
Smart Thinking’s Membership Network offers its member think tanks the opportunity to collaborate, be part of a community, access training and share knowledge across the sector. We host multiple training sessions, webinars and networking events throughout the year to help build the think tank community and enable knowledge sharing, pooling of resources and peer-to-peer support throughout the sector.
Our membership enables think tanks to pool resources and provide regular professional development for their staff. All training is specifically tailored to the think tank sector, with trainers who have either worked in, or with, think tanks before. Both our training and events programs have been designed so that there is something for you whether you work in research, communications or operations and whether you are a junior researcher or a think tank Chief Executive.
Pricing is based on the number of full time employees. To find out more about becoming a member, visit our ST Member website or email emily on [email protected]
Benefits
- Monthly expert webinars on topics across research, comms and operations
- In-person intensive training sessions
- Member website and knowledge bank
- Salary benchmarking
- Networking events for all staff including CEO lunch, heads of research meeting, bi-monthly operations and events calls and senior comms breakfast
- 15% off all job adverts on Smart Thinking Jobs
- Buddy system to informally build your professional network
MEMBER ONLY
Upcoming training
The in-person training sessions are the only part of the membership available to both members and non-members however, members have priority booking, receive two complimentary tickets to training in their annual subscription and are entitled to a heavily discounted member-only ticket price after that. Upcoming training includes media training, project management, writing clear policy and many many more.
Media training for think tanks
6 December 2023 9.15am – 2pm
This intensive session is targeted at those working in research and comms. You will learn how to talk to the media effectively and structure your message with practical recorded radio and TV interviews and individual feedback.
Members £250 (+VAT) Non-members £450 (+VAT)
Stepping up to management
24 January 2024 9.30am – 4.30pm
This all day training will provide a foundation in the skills and behaviours required to be an outstanding manager. Aimed at those new to management, first time managers or those who with no formal management training.
Members £250 (+VAT) Non-members £450 (+VAT)
Writing for impact
27 February 2024 9.30am – 4.30pm
This full-day practical workshop focuses on how to write clear and well-organised policy documents that will successfully project your ideas and make a strong impact on your readers, using examples from current projects.
Members £250 (+VAT) Non-members £450 (+VAT)
MEMBER ONLY
Upcoming webinars
Meet the Select Committee
8 December 2023 10am – 11.30am
In this in-person and online event, hosted by the Economic Affairs Select Committee, members will learn how the Committees work and how to effectively engage with them.
Member only (FREE)
An introduction to AI and policy
23 January 2024 3pm – 4.15pm
We have partnered with the UCL Centre for Artificial Intelligence for an overview of what AI might mean for policy, including which policy areas are likely to be most affected.
Member only (FREE)
ST membership curates interesting opportunities to connect, share experiences and learn
“We are very pleased to have joined Smart Thinking. This year it has definitely proved to be the best
value of all our memberships. Think tanks are different to other organisations in many ways and Smart Thinking understands that and curates interesting opportunities to connect, share experiences and learn. All the events we’ve attended have been useful and sharply run. A major plus is the variety. People across the organisation at different levels, from our senior management team to researchers to comms, are benefiting.”
Karen Crane, Head of Communications, Green Alliance
Join our current members and access all the latest think tank training and events
