UK Government Plans Internship Scheme for Working-Class Students in Civil Service

The UK government is launching a new Summer Internship Programme aimed at increasing social mobility within the Civil Service by specifically targeting students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The scheme, set to begin in summer 2026, will offer roughly 200 paid placements where undergraduates can gain experience in various civil service roles, including planning events, writing ministerial briefings, shadowing senior staff, and conducting policy research. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden emphasized the need for the Civil Service to better represent the broader community to improve government decision-making. This initiative also includes tailored support such as mentorship from current Fast Streamers and skills development sessions, with successful interns prioritized for the Fast Stream graduate programme. Concurrently, the government plans to decentralize thousands of civil service jobs from London to regional campuses across the UK, which is expected to reduce costs significantly and boost local economies. These moves are part of a broader government strategy to reform the state and create a more inclusive and geographically balanced Civil Service.