Cookies — it's your choice

At Bright Network we use cookies and similar technologies to help deliver you the best possible experience. Some are necessary to help our website work properly and can't be switched off, and some are optional but support Bright Network in building and running the service that we provide to you.

You can find out more in our privacy policy at any time by going to the link in our footer.

Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Internships
  3. Public Sector & Charity
  4. Summer Internship Programme 2026
Lock Applications for this job are now closed

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. Two months 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 2026 Summer Internship Programme, and then apply for Fast Stream within 12 months, you’ll be fast-tracked past the initial online selection stages.

Entry requirements

  • 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.
  • 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.

Applying for the Summer Internship Programme

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

What you’ll experience

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

The support you get includes

  • 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 skills involving inspirational speakers sessions
  • A corporate welcome reception in early July
  • Access to ‘Fast Pass’ which can potentially allow you to be fast-tracked to the final stages of the Fast Stream selection process.
  • A minimum of 6 weeks is required in your placement in order to be considered for a ‘Fast Pass’
  • You cannot apply for the SIP and a Fast Stream scheme in the same year.
  • You can only participate in the Summer Internship Programme once.