Deadline: June 26, 2026
Applications are open for the Policy Futures Programme Trainee Researcher 2026. The people and organisations who shape policy in Britain should be representative of the country. The Policy Futures Programme aims to contribute to this by opening up a new, accessible pathway to careers in policy research.
As a participant in the Policy Futures Programme, you join one of the participating think tanks, Demos, The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), or The Social Market Foundation (SMF).
Your day-to-day might involve:
- Research: Reviewing academic and expert reports, supporting the design of surveys, helping interview focus groups, and collecting data from a wide range of sources for on-going research projects.
- Data analysis: Reviewing qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends relating to one of the issues your think tank focuses on.
- Developing policy ideas: Working with your peers to come up with policy solutions to regional and national issues based on the research and data available to you.
- Communications & report-writing: Presenting data and policy ideas in clear ways for stakeholders, government and the general public, and preparing to talk about your conclusions within your think tank and to an external audience.
- Supporting the delivery of events: Helping organise and prepare for roundtables, presentations, and networking events promoting the work of your host think tank.
Benefits
- A £30,000 salary, plus a range of benefits from your host organisation.
- A structured training programme enabling you to develop key skills for a future career involving research, policy, and stakeholder engagement.
Eligibility
To apply to the programme, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have come from a low-income or lower socio-economic background;
- Are/were the first in your family to attend university;
- Were eligible for free school meals at any point in your school years;
They also particularly welcome applications from candidates from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds. You must also have the unrestricted right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme (from August 2026 to September 2027). Unfortunately, host organisations can generally not support employment visa sponsorship for applicants without the permanent right to work in the UK.
Application
Complete the online application form. Upload a CV and short answer to the following questions (in no more than 200 words each):
- Why are you interested in the Policy Futures Programme?
- What is one part of your education, work experience, or extracurricular activity that prepares you to be successful in this programme?
- What is a current issue facing the UK that you would like to see a think tank focus on?
For more information, visit Policy Futures Programme Trainee Researcher.
