Summer Internship Programme 2027

Job summary

The Fast Stream Summer Internship Programme (SIP) gives people from lower socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to see what a career in the Civil Service is like. It puts talented undergraduates 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 SIP is a great way to prepare for a place on one of our Fast Stream graduate schemes, which could lead to many different career paths at the heart of the UK Government. Eight weeks on the SIP could change your life! You’ll also be invited to undertake the ‘Fast Pass’, which is an accelerated route through Fast Stream selection. The Fast Pass means if you receive a positive appraisal during the 2027 Summer Internship Programme, and then apply for Fast Stream within 12 months, you’ll be fast-tracked past the initial online selection stages.

Job description

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

You’ll need:

• a real interest in pursuing a career in the Civil Service
• to show you can work in a team
• to be innovative and creative
• to be able to work with people at varying levels of ability and responsibility
• to be motivated to help make improvements on major policy issues or on how public services are provided
• to demonstrate the key behaviour we expect from civil servants

Person specification

• in your final 2 years at university with a 2:2 or higher in any degree subject (expected or awarded)
• you must be from a lower socio-economic background, as part of our commitment to improving access and opportunities for underrepresented groups. We assess socio-economic background using the measures set out by theOffice for National Statistics.
• right to work in the UK and meet eligibility requirements under Civil Service Nationality Rules
• all offers are subject to completing relevant departmental security clearances prior to placement commencement. Please note some roles require SC clearance which can take up to 3 months.

Benefits

• access to ‘Fast Pass’ which can potentially allow you to be fast-tracked to the final stages of the Fast Stream selection process if you receive a positive appraisal during your internship. A minimum of 6 weeks is required in your placement in order to be considered for a ‘Fast Pass’
• 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 a Fast Stream Familiarisation session and a Fast Stream panel event.
• a corporate welcome reception in early July

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

You take the same initial online tests as all other applicants to the Fast Stream.

If you pass, you will be invited to an interview during December 2026 and February 2027.

You need to be available for the internship in the summer holiday period from July 2027 to August 2027.

We anticipate being able to offer roles across the UK and you will be able to select one location preference of where you would like to be based. We will offer internships to candidates in merit order in each location. Support with relocation costs or travel expenses are not provided so you should ensure you can base yourself in the location you list.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : faststream.applicationsupport@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
• Email : faststream.applicationsupport@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact Government Recruitment Service at: cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: info@csc.gov.uk.
For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.