Internships

Summer Diversity Internship Programme

Find out about the Fast Stream and the Civil Service by joining the internship that 98% of previous interns would recommend.

Duration

6 to 9 weeks

Salary per week (Paid monthly)

£300−£350

Location

UK-wide

About

The multi-award winning Summer Diversity Internship Programme (SDIP) gives people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to see what a career in the Civil Service is like. It puts talented undergraduates and graduates on a work placement in a government department. As a successful applicant, you’ll get an insight into the broad range of opportunities available across the Civil Service.

The SDIP is a great way to prepare for a place on one of our Fast Stream graduate programmes, which could lead to many different career paths at the heart of the UK Government. Two months on the SDIP could change your life!

You’ll also be invited to undertake Fast Pass, which is a quicker route to Fast Stream selection.The Fast Pass means if you receive a positive appraisal during the 2019 SDIP internship, and then apply for Fast Stream 2020, you’ll be fast-tracked past the initial online selection stages. You’ll also receive coaching to support you. This gives you an excellent chance to succeed on the Fast Stream.

Requirements

You’re in your final 2 years at university with a 2:2 or higher in any degree subject (expected or awarded).- this can include postgraduate studies immediately following your first degree.
You meet the diversity requirements (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), socially or economically. disadvantaged or have a disability). Click the link down below to check if you are eligible.
Right to work in the UK.

What will you experience?

On the internship you’ll do challenging project-related work. You could be:

Conducting research.
Providing project support.
Assisting with the creation of policy documents.
Shadowing senior civil servants.
Attending meetings with senior advisors on major issues.

The support you get includes:

An allocated Fast Stream buddy and a scheme manager to support and oversee you.
An excellent range of central events for you to attend, such as crisis management sessions, school mentoring and parliamentary visits.
A corporate welcome reception in early June and a closing reception in September involving high-profile speakers.
Access to ‘Fast Pass’ which potentially allows you to be fast-tracked to the final stages of the Fast Stream selection process.
The opportunity of a place on a coaching programme designed to increase your chances of successfully passing the Fast Stream selection process.

Check you're eligible for SDIP

What do they say

Your progression through the programme

SUMMARY
FAST PASS
EVENTS

Your internship starts with a welcome reception. You'll get the opportunity to hear from high-profile inspirational speakers and find out how to make the most of your placement.

You'll then spend the next couple of months working within a departmental team immersed in work. This is a great opportunity to get involved in various activities and learn about the Civil Service and Fast Stream.

'Fast Pass' appraisal of your performance throughout the scheme aims to streamline your progression through the Fast Stream selection process. Your Fast Streamer mentor will be there to offer you support and guidance.

Your two months in the department will be spread with a range of exciting centrally run events and the programme is then rounded off with a major closing event.

Bedtime Storyteller.

Financial Forecaster.

Fast Streamer.

Eligibility

You can only apply for SDIP in your final 2 years at university. This can include postgraduate studies immediately following your first degree.

Candidates must also be from one or more of the following backgrounds:

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME).
Socially or economically disadvantaged.
Consider yourself to have a disability

Candidates from these BAME backgrounds can apply:

Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese or any other Asian background.

African, Caribbean or any other black background.
White and Asian, white and black African, white and black Caribbean or any other mixed ethnic background.
Other - Arab.

The programmes are open to UK nationals and Commonwealth and EEA citizens. All successful applicants will be required to pass security checks and your placement will be dependent on this. We assess social and economic background using questions based mainly on family background.

You’ll need:

2.2 degree (expected or awarded).
A real interest in pursuing a career in the Civil Service.
Show you can work in a team.
Be innovative and creative.
Be able to work with people at varying levels of ability and responsibility.
Be motivated to help make improvements on major policy issues or on how public services are provided.
Demonstrate the key competencies we expect from civil servants.
The right to work in the UK

You can apply for the SDIP regardless of whether you’ve applied for a Fast Stream scheme at the same time. However, you’ll have to withdraw your internship application if you’re successful for a Fast Stream scheme in the same competition year.

You can only participate in the SDIP once.

Application process

You take the same initial online tests as all other applicants to the Fast Stream. If you pass, you then complete an online application form. We then draw up a shortlist of candidates and invite you for a telephone interview during November 2018-January 2019.