The FCO does not recruit election monitors directly, but contracts one of three Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) who, in turn, select the necessary monitors from their own databases. The UK supports the Organisation for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights by aiming to provide 10 per cent of all observers. For each election which the UK sends observers to, the relevant NGO organises the entire mission, including selection of observers, insurance, flights etc.

To attend a mission, you must first check the criteria for selection and if you think you are suitable, you should register with the relevant NGO. Monitors must be British, have a good understanding of the region, maybe speak the language, be in good health, have election / democracy experience and be fluent in English.

For further details on the OSCE, its field operations, future missions and working as a UK election observer or UK secondee, please visit the Working for the UK in the OSCE website.

The NGO contact details:

Elections Team
Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS)
6 Chancel St
Blackfriars
London SE1 OUU
eom@eris.org.uk
www.eris.org.uk

David Kidger
Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE)
Off Southgate
Pontefract
West Yorkshire
WF8 1NT
www.solace.org.uk

The British East West Centre/The Britain Russia Centre
Wilcox House
42 Southwark Street
London SE1 1UN
mail@briteastwest.org.uk
www.bewc.org