2027 intake · applications open
Apply.
If you like what you've read and want to apply, fill out our quick application form here when applications next open! It should take around 20-30 minutes to fill out, including written responses.
applications open
May 2027
Applications are now closed for the 2026 cohort of the Policy Futures Programme.
Interested in joining us next year? We'll be re-opening applications in May 2027 for the next cohort. In the meantime, follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date with the latest news and developments about the programme!
- Showcase your skills. Highlight all your transferable skills – remember, these could come from formal or informal settings!
- Steer clear of AI. AI-written applications make it impossible for us to see your genuine interest and will not be scored.
- Do your research. Read this information and review the websites of our host think tanks carefully before you apply.
You will be based in one of the offices of our participating think tanks. This year, these organisations are Demos, The Social Market Foundation, and The Institute for Public Policy Research. All three organisations are based in Westminster and have a hybrid working model, so you should anticipate having to spend at least several days every week in-office in central London.
If you successfully pass the interview and written task stages, representatives from the programme will assign your application to one of the participating think tanks. This will be based on your experience, interests, and application form responses. This think tank will then reach out to schedule a final interview.
Successful candidates will start at the end of August/early September each year, and the programme will run through the end of August of the following year (12 months in total).
We anticipate receiving a high volume of applications – while we’d love to speak with everyone who applies, unfortunately not every applicant will be invited to an interview or receive individualised feedback. We will aim to review applications and provide feedback as soon as we can.
Thorough preparation is key. We suggest setting aside time to research the think tank sector, IPPR, Demos, the SMF, and the issues that each organisation covers.
Think about times you have demonstrated the key skills listed in the job description. Keep in mind that this doesn’t necessarily have to be in a full-time work environment. For example, you could have conducted research as part of a role for a university society, or honed your communication skills in a part-time job.
Once you have done this, practice speaking about your experience, motivations and research in a clear, structured way. There’s no ‘right’ format, as long as you can clearly outline your skills and achievements. A good place to start is the STAR method.
A key goal of this programme is to increase opportunities for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds to enter the policy & politics space, as this group is significantly underrepresented in the sector. To apply, you must come from a lower socio-economic background. However, we recognise that no social mobility journey is the same – the questions in the application form were created by the UK government's social mobility commission to assess this as fairly as possible, and you can always get in touch if any clarification is needed.
No, not at all. The aim of the Policy Futures Programme is to create pathways for those from underrepresented backgrounds and limited experience in policy research to enter this sector.