The programme · 1 year · fully paid
What the year actually
looks like.
As a participant in the Policy Futures Programme, you spend a 12-month placement at one of our participating think tanks, Demos, The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), or The Social Market Foundation (SMF).
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Programme structure
From introduction to impact.
During your 12 month placement, you will make a clear impact on an area that your host think tank focuses on, and develop skills that will allow you to start a career contributing to meaningful policy change – either in a think tank or elsewhere in the public, private, or third sectors.
Onboarding & induction
Meet your cohort, settle into your host think tank, and receive a formal induction.
Rotation one
Start your first rotation at your home organisation, and receive foundational training in qualitative & quantitative research.
Rotation two
Spend 4-6 weeks inside another participating think tank on a different project, while starting to build on the learnings from your trainings.
Rotation three
Return to your home organisation for the remainder of the programme, and start working on longer-term projects.
External exposure
Continue to build on what you've learned and receive more training, whilst starting to get exposure to the wider policy ecosystem.
Programme end
Attend your final trainings, covering employability & networking, and start planning your next steps after the programme ends.
Your day-to-day
The work, in brief.
As a trainee researcher, your day-to-day won't just be spent reading reports – over time, you'll pick up a wide range of responsibilities crucial to the work of your host organisation. This can include:
01
Research
Reviewing academic and expert reports, supporting the design of surveys, helping interview focus groups, and collecting data from a wide range of sources for on-going research projects.
02
Data analysis
Reviewing qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends relating to one of the issues your think tank focuses on.
03
Policy ideas
- Working with your peers to come up with policy solutions to regional and national issues based on the research and data available to you.
04
Comms & report-writing
- Presenting data and policy ideas in clear ways for stakeholders, government and the general public, and preparing to talk about your conclusions within your think tank and to an external audience.
05
Supporting event delivery
- Helping organise and prepare for roundtables, presentations, and networking events promoting the work of your host think tank.
Skills you'll build
You'll get the toolkit.
Over one year, you will receive training to develop key skills in research methods, policy development, communication and stakeholder engagement: tools that will allow you to kick-start a career in the policy research space.
01
Qualitative & Quantitative Research
The foundations of research design, data collection, and analysis to support evidence-based policy work.
02
Approaches to Policy Skills
How to develop, assess and communicate policy ideas using practical tools and real-world examples.
03
Presenting & Public Speaking
Building confidence in delivering ideas effectively through engaging presentations and clear verbal communication.
04
Introduction to Networking
Develop practical strategies for building professional relationships and expanding your policy network with confidence.
Two external placements
You won't see just one corner.
Two think tank placements, with opportunities for further exposure to the policy, politics & advocacy space.
Placement 01
Your host think tank.
Placement 02
Another participating organisation.
"The programme has given me the confidence to step into the next chapter of my career knowing I've gained the skills to thrive. We had sessions on identifying our employable strengths, writing for a policy audience, and building confidence - alongside plenty of chances to network."
Tyreese · 2025 cohort · Demos
Eligibility · quick check
Ready? Apply.
Applications open in May 2027. Take a look at our eligibility & entry criteria first.
We look for:
- Current students or recent graduates
- Recent apprenticeship finishers
- School leavers
- Current right to work in the UK from 2027 onwards
Your host org
You'll join one of three.
You'll be based at one think tank for the year, with one external placements elsewhere. All three shape policy in their own way – here's a quick look at each.
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