On 7th June, the Civil Service Summer Diversity Internship Programme will open again. The programme is aimed at students from under-represented groups such as those from black and ethnic minority communities and lower socio-economic backgrounds. 120 interns will take part in the programme this year.
Sir Bob Kerslake, Head of the Civil Service, will open a reception for the successful applicants which will feature a series of talks and Q&A sessions with Senior Civil Servants and Civil Servants on the Fast Stream graduate programme.
Last year’s programme gained the ‘Best Diversity in Work Experience’ award as part of The National Placement & Internship Awards 2012. In addition, it was ‘Highly Commended’ in the NCWE Work Placement of the Year awards 2012 (Public Sector).
The programme gives the interns real life experience in how Government operates, how Government policy is formed and how the work of the Civil Service impacts on the UK and wider world. The placements also provide insights into the opportunities available in the Civil Service graduate programme.
Interns from across the country will take part in a six to nine week full-time work placement across a range of Government Departments. They can expect to be involved in stretching and challenging project related work ranging from research and assisting on policy documents to shadowing senior civil servants and attending critical meetings.
Sir Bob Kerslake, Head of the Civil Service said:
“We are very pleased with the awards that the Summer Diversity Internship Programme received this year. These awards are recognition for the Civil Service’s continued commitment to improving the diversity across the organisation, allowing us to reach out to people who may not have otherwise considered working in Government. The programme helps us to build a diverse workforce, representative of the communities we serve, to continue to deliver the best service at the heart of government.
“As well as providing opportunities for under-represented groups to gain an insight into the work of the Civil Service, I am sure that Government departments will value the fresh ideas and perspectives that the interns will bring”.
Notes:
The Whitehall Internship Programme comprises of three complementary internship schemes designed for graduates and undergraduates, college students and secondary students who come from under-represented groups, including Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities and people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Fast Stream Summer Diversity Internship (undergraduates and graduates): This scheme is designed to help students develop their skills and career prospects and give a taste of the wide ranging opportunities the Civil Service can offer.
- College level (16-17 year olds): This scheme has been designed to offer school leavers two weeks meaningful work experience in the Civil Service.
- Secondary school level (13-14 year olds): This scheme is a day long programme where students come to Whitehall to meet senior figures and build knowledge of the Civil Service and working in a professional environment.
Applications for the 2013 Summer Diversity Internship Programme open 1st November 2012.