Who the programme is for
No experience necessary.
No prior experience is required for the Policy Futures Programme, and we particularly encourage candidates who are looking for structured support, training and an introduction to the policy research sector to apply.
100%
of our 2025 cohort was hired without any formal paid work experience in policy or politics.
6+
formal training sessions covering foundational skills, including research, networking, and employability.
Eligibility · Education & Experience
No experience needed.
You only need one of the three routes below. They carry equal weight. There's no 'best' way in.
Current students or recent graduates
If you've recently finished your degree in the last 2-3 years, and don't have any relevant work experience, we encourage you to apply.
School leavers
This year, we've expanded our criteria to welcome applications from sixth-form or college students who are expected to finish their studies with any qualification (eg. A-levels, BTECs, or similar). Your qualification should involve some element of essay-style writing.
Recent apprenticeship finishers
If you've completed an apprenticeship recently and are looking for something new, we encourage you to apply.
Right to work in the UK for the full programme (13 months, from August to September).
Unfortunately, our host organisations are unable to sponsor skilled worker visas for this role, and participation in this programme is unlikely to lead to any kind of long-term employment visa sponsorship in the UK.
Eligibility · Your Background
Widening participation in policy.
A key focus of this opportunity is to help those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds start careers in the think tank and wider policy/political sectors - spaces where these backgrounds are significantly underrepresented. To apply for the programme, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Come from a low-income background;
Are/were the first in your family to attend university (if you are a university graduate);
Were eligible for free school meals at any point in your school years.
We also particularly welcome applications from candidates from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds, as these backgrounds are also significantly undereppresented in the UK policy landscape.
Skills we look for
Transferable skills that will set you up for success on the programme.
While no specific experience at all is required to join the Policy Futures Programme, our application and interview process looks for evidence of five key transferable skills that will set you up for success in the role. These can be demonstrated in a variety of ways – think broadly when you're preparing to apply! Your skills could come from your education, full-time or part-time work experience, extracurricular activities, personal life or family responsibilities, or even your hobbies....
01 / 05
Research
The ability to gather, analyse, interpret and review information to reach justified conclusions. You do not need to have carried out formal research projects. Your skills could be demonstrated through qualitative (non-numerical) or quantitative (numerical) research, or a combination of both. For example, this could be as part of your university degree, work experience, or personal projects.
02 / 05
Communication
You should be able to confidently express yourself in written and verbal form, as well as adapt your communication style depending on your audience. You should be willing to engage with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and cultures, and who hold different political beliefs.
03/05
Curiosity
You must be eager to learn more about the policy and research sectors, keen to engage with current policy debates, and willing to take constructive feedback on board.
04 / 05
Diligence
- You will have a keen eye for detail, be very well organised and have strong prioritisation skills.
05 / 05
Impact-driven.
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about seeking solutions to some of the biggest issues facing UK society today. You don't need to be constantly following the news or know what's happening in Westminster to qualify for the programme – instead, we want to see that you've done your research into issues or policy themes you're passionate about!
next steps
Applications
open in May 2027.
£30k salary · 1-year programme · 3 host think tanks · 2 external placements
The programme stood out as a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a think tank and to open doors for people from backgrounds like mine.
Aleisha
2025 Cohort · IPPR