Collaboration
Gef’s 30 Under 30 2024 Winners: Q&A with Erin Duncan
Ten categories. Thirty young visionaries making their mark on the Isle of Man. Introducing the 2024 #Gef30Under30 winners: the next generation of our island’s leaders.
The Collaboration category winners, brought to you by the Manx Wildlife Trust, show us that working together makes everything better.
What is your name and age?
Erin Duncan, age 23.
Job title or role in the community?
Research and Scrutiny Support Executive Officer at the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald.
How did you start your career or role in the community?
I was studying for my undergraduate degree in Criminology and Sociology when I saw an advertisement for a vacancy at the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald in the Research and Scrutiny Team. Within my degree I had undertaken multiple modules regarding political sociology, including carrying out a research project analysing abortion reform on the Isle of Man. This grew my interest in Manx political matters, and I therefore interviewed for my role at Tynwald which I was successful in gaining. I began two weeks after submitting my final assignment in May 2022. Research and scrutiny have both been incredible ways to develop the knowledge and skills I formed through my studies, and to connect with a wide variety of people, whilst expanding my own knowledge.
In one sentence, summarise your journey so far as a young and successful person under 30.
My journey into parliamentary research and scrutiny has been unexpected, but more challenging, exciting, and rewarding than I ever could have expected!
Tell us about your business/industry, is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?
Tynwald Court is the oldest continuous Parliament in the world, formed by the Vikings in the tenth century AD, with its name deriving from the Norse word ‘Thingvöllr’ meaning ‘assembly field’.
The assembly which takes place at St John’s on the 5th July every year serves a very important purpose. If the ‘Promulgation’ of Acts, when they are read in English and in Manx on Tynwald Hill, does not take place within 18 months of enactment, they cease to have effect.
However, Tynwald does not just create laws for the Island. It also determines where public funds are spent, debates current issues affecting the Island, and scrutinises the work of the Isle of Man Government.
Have you experienced any hurdles in your career or community efforts and if so, how did you overcome them?
As a young person entering my first career I think developing self-confidence and independence in the workplace was one of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced. Coming straight into the job fresh out of university, I put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed. However I believe it was that determination to succeed which has gotten me to where I am today, and I am extremely excited to see how far I will grow in the coming years. My team have been amazing in supporting me the whole way, and I learn something new every day which is one of the things I love about my job.
Tell us about why you think you won the category you did?
I won my award in the Collaboration category, which I think reflects the work I have undertaken with various groups and organisations. Through Parliamentary research I regularly collaborate with and serve Members of Tynwald, Government Departments, academics, parliamentary staff, interest groups and members of the public on Tynwald Day. My team provides Tynwald documentation, produces research briefings, and operates a library service, covering any and all Parliamentary and Manx cultural affairs.
Within my scrutiny role I am the Assistant Clerk to a number of Parliamentary Committees including the Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice, Social Affairs Policy Review, and Public Accounts Committee. I am able to collaborate with Tynwald Members, assisting in inquiries across a broad number of subjects including the Constitution of the Isle of Man, suicide, housing, scrutiny of Government accounts, and youth justice.
I have also been lucky enough to Assistant Clerk the newly established Youth Select Committee, whereby a group of young people from the Island are working to scrutinise policy around housing for young people and form recommendations on how improvements or changes could be instigated. Outside of the Island, we have been working with the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands in a virtual learning exchange regarding Committee support which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
For the past two years I have represented the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald at the University College Isle of Man Research Festival to both promote our own services and work, as well as network with fellow researchers, academics, and students who may be interested in political matters within their own studies. I believe that the creation of a research network on and off the Island is an extremely useful way to share ideas and resources to better utilise our individual expertise within our day to day research.
Who are your role models, either on-island or off, in your sector or outside of it?
My grandparents are huge role models in my life. The work ethic and drive I have today is reflective of the values they have shown me, and I’m so grateful to have them as my biggest cheerleaders. Within my research I feel as though I am able to tell stories of the past of Tynwald, and preserve those pieces of the Island’s history. Therefore, many Manx patriots such as Sophia Morrison and Charles Guard, are also great inspirations to me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s a simple one but my mum always tells me ‘just don’t overthink it!’. If I hadn’t listened and not been spontaneous in applying for my job, I wouldn’t be where I am today. If you’re always worrying about the worst outcome then how can you ever know what you could’ve achieved?
What do you wish you knew when you were getting started in your career?
I wish I knew to have more faith in my own abilities and to always throw myself into new opportunities that arise. There have been so many unexpected roles and experiences that have emerged within my time at the OCOT that I wouldn’t have expected but I am so glad I challenged myself. Work is not always going to be easy but having confidence in my own abilities has really pushed me to be better at what I do. I also wish I knew that it’s always worth asking for help or advice rather than struggling out of fear for what others might think. Those around you want the best outcome for you, that’s what a team is for!
What are your plans for the future?
I’m still only a couple of years into my career so my focus for the near future is developing my skills and knowledge even further. Volunteering within the third sector is something I’ve really enjoyed, and I am in the process of restarting.
The continual development of the Youth Select Committee is another passion of mine. It has been so rewarding to work with such amazing young people within the scrutiny role I hold.
What changes do you hope to see in your sector or community in the coming years?
Further engagement with local academics, and the expansion of our network with researchers from other small jurisdictions is something that could be really beneficial within our research department in the future.
What, for you, are the benefits of staying on or moving back to the island for young people under 30?
The ability to form a community around you, whether that’s friends, family, colleagues, or other networks is so important, and I’ve found that to be extremely accessible on the Island. There are so many unexpected careers and organisations on Island who are eager to take young people and develop their skills within the job. For example, the Isle of Man Government runs the Step Programme to provide second or final year university students into project-based placements in the summer holidays. There is also nowhere I have ever felt as safe and peaceful, and I think that’s something you can’t take for granted.
What does being a Gef’s 30 Under 30 winner mean to you?
I am typically someone who is reluctant to be loud and celebrate my own achievements outwardly, so I feel as though becoming a 30 Under 30 winner to me means finally recognising my hard work in a public sphere. It has already been so rewarding and I’ve had a brilliant time meeting new people, and coming out of my shell. I am so grateful to the Clerk of Tynwald team for my nomination, believing in me, and always pushing me to be my best self. I am extremely proud to have been recognised as an upcoming young person within my field, and very excited to see what my future holds.
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