In launching an intern scheme, we hoped to raise our profile among policy makers of the future, and to increase our brand awareness with them as a campaigning organisation. Ideally, we’d like those who have been interns with us to become ambassadors for Which? in the external policy making environment. 

Steps to implementation

The scheme was initiated and implemented by members of staff who were looking for some development and to enhance their experience of recruitment and line management. They analysed what other charities and organisations similar to ours were offering and put together a proposal to launch a scheme which would be based on ‘best’ rather than ‘good’ practice.

Advertising of the posts was via three main websites, and candidates went through a rigorous selection process, including a half day assessment centre and verbal and numerical tests. This thoroughness ensured that we recruited very high calibre candidates.

• Ask a past NCWE award winner for advice and tips before you begin.
• We kept our advertising for the two intern posts fairly focused to ensure that we weren’t inundated by applications.
• Give the interns real responsibility – they will rise to the Challenge.
• Take time to plan their induction and work plan carefully, and communicate this to all relevant team members.
• Try to establish their areas of particular interest, and try to incorporate at least some of these areas in their work programme. For example, our interns did a video diary of their time at Which? as a feedback mechanism, rather than a PowerPoint presentation.
• Establish a specially tailored performance framework, detailing key result areas and key performance indicators, as well as examples of how they would be able to demonstrate your organisation’s values through their work.