Policy, Project, and Research Internships
An exciting opportunity to work in the charity sector using your talent, skills and knowledge to improve the lives of people with severe learning disabilities and their families.
Hours: 5 days per week (37.5 hours, Monday to Friday)
Salary: Real Living Wage (Currently £12.60ph – £24,570 FTE)
Length of post: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract
Location: Chatham, Kent (Hybrid working considered).
The Role:
- We are recruiting two Interns to join our team this year.
- 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.
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
You will:
- The Policy & Research Intern will support policy, research co-production, and project delivery aimed at improving the lives of individuals with severe learning disabilities and their families.
- The Policy & Project Intern will support the delivery of the National Lottery-funded ‘Forward Together’ project, including coordinating Communities of Practice to improve local services for people with severe learning disabilities.
The role descriptions and person specifications are available to download here:
Policy and Research Internship – Job Description
Policy and Research Internship – Person Specification
Policy & Projects Internship – Job Description
Policy and Projects Internship – Person Specification
These posts are based at the Challenging Behaviour Foundation (CBF) office in Chatham. There are good transport links, and we are within easy walking distance of the bus and train stations.
How 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 in the covering letter if you are applying for both roles or you only wish to be considered for either the Research and Policy Internship or the Policy and Projects Internship (stating which one). Please see the job descriptions for further information about the roles.
Closing Date for applications: 9am Tuesday 1st July*.
*Applications will be shortlisted, and interviews held on a rolling basis. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Start Date: 1stSeptember 2025
We politely request no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales.
Additional information:
This role requires a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 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.