Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours, Monday to Friday)
Salary: Real Living Wage
Length of Post: 1-year fixed term contract
Location: The Challenging Behaviour Foundation office, Chatham, Kent (5 min walk from train station). Hybrid working considered for the right candidate with a minimum of 3 days a week in the office.
About us: The Challenging Behaviour Foundation (CBF) is a leading learning disability charity. We are the only UK charity specifically focused on people with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges and their families.
About the roles:
- We are recruiting two paid interns to join our team this year – Projects & Events Intern and Policy & Research Intern
- Interns play a crucial role in shaping positive change on behalf of people with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges and their families at the CBF
- The CBF’s internships offer an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in working collaboratively with stakeholders across research, health, education and social care and the charity sector
- Ideal candidates will have a passion for addressing inequalities and possess strong communication and organisational skills
Benefits: Our internship scheme has been running for over a decade and is structured to provide valuable experience and networking opportunities with experts in the field whilst receiving a salary. We offer guidance from experienced managers and operate a flexible working hours policy with a culture that promotes excellent work life balance.
This is an excellent stepping stone into a career within the learning disability field and/or the voluntary or public sector. Previous interns have gone on to:
- Senior Policy and Communications roles in the voluntary and public sector
- Research Associate roles after completing postdoctoral studies
- Practitioner roles such as: social work, learning disability and mental health nursing and special needs teaching
“ Having not previously known very much about severe learning disabilities or behaviours that challenge, meeting and working directly with family carers has been such a privilege for me. I’ve been lucky to have been involved in a range of different policy and project work, and my experiences at the CBF have massively contributed to both my personal and professional development. Highlights include delivering in-person ‘community of practice’ events in different areas of the country, and supporting an open letter campaign which culminated in a Downing Street hand-in. I could not have asked for a friendlier, more nurturing environment for my first full-time role after university.” Holly, Former CBF Intern
“The CBF internship has been a brilliant introduction to working in the charity sector and to the field of learning disability. Right from the start I was given the opportunity to be meaningfully involved in the CBF’s work and I’ve gained really valuable skills, knowledge and experiences. The CBF team are really supportive and their enthusiasm and knowledge is inspiring – I’d recommend this internship to anyone who’s interested in working either in the field of learning disability or in the charity/policy sector more generally.” Daisy, Former CBF Intern
To apply: To apply for the role please email recruitment@thecbf.org.uk with the subject ‘Internship Application’. You should include your CV and a covering letter (maximum of two A4 sides) explaining why you are applying, how you meet the criteria in the person specification, and what in particular you would bring to our charity. Please also complete and return the Equal Opportunities Form (this will be removed before shortlisting).
Please state which role you are applying for at the start of your covering letter (Projects and Events Internship or Policy and Research Internship). If you would like to apply for both roles, please submit a separate covering letter for each role. Please see the role descriptions and person specifications for further information about the roles:
Role Description – Policy and Research Intern
Person Specification – Policy and Research Intern
Role Description – Projects and Events Intern
Person Specification – Projects and Events Intern
These posts are based at The Challenging Behaviour Foundation’s office in Chatham. There are good transport links, and we are within easy walking distance of the bus and train stations.
Closing Date for applications:
Applications will be shortlisted, and interviews held on a rolling basis. We recommend applying by 9am on Monday 8th June for interviews on Monday 15th (Policy & Research) and Wednesday 17th June (Projects & Events).
Start Date:1st September 2026 (with the option of an earlier start date and longer contract)
We politely request no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales.
Additional information:
This role requires a Basic Disclosure Check
This role requires proof of the right to work in the UK. This role is NOT open to applications from those who require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.