Are you passionate about shaping public policy, influencing decision-making, and tackling some of the UK’s biggest social challenges? The Policy Futures Programme 2026–2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring policy professionals to gain hands-on experience, structured training, and a salaried position within some of the United Kingdom’s leading think tanks.
Delivered by The Ladder Group in partnership with IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research), Demos, and the Social Market Foundation (SMF), the programme has been created to make careers in policy research more accessible—particularly for talented individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who have traditionally been underrepresented in the policy sector.
Successful participants will receive a £30,000 annual salary, extensive professional training, practical work experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to influential organizations involved in policy development across the UK.
If you are looking to begin a meaningful career in public policy, research, government, or social impact, this programme provides an outstanding entry point.
About the Policy Futures Programme
The Policy Futures Programme was established with a clear mission: to ensure that the people shaping public policy in Britain better reflect the diversity of modern society.
Public policy influences nearly every aspect of life—from education and healthcare to housing, employment, climate action, and economic development. Despite its importance, careers in policy research have historically been difficult to access for individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
This programme seeks to remove those barriers by providing participants with paid employment, structured learning, mentoring, and professional development within respected UK think tanks.
Participants will spend one year working with one of the programme’s partner organizations:
- Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)
- Demos
- Social Market Foundation (SMF)
Throughout the programme, participants will contribute to real-world policy projects while developing the practical skills required for long-term careers in research and policymaking.
What You Will Do
Participants will work as part of professional policy research teams and contribute to projects addressing major national and regional issues.
Your responsibilities may include the following:
1. Policy Research
You will help gather and evaluate evidence that informs policy recommendations by:
- Reviewing academic publications.
- Reading expert reports.
- Conducting background research.
- Supporting survey design.
- Assisting with interviews and focus groups.
- Collecting information from multiple reliable sources.
2. Data Analysis
Participants will work with both qualitative and quantitative data to:
- Identify important trends.
- Analyse public policy issues.
- Interpret research findings.
- Support evidence-based decision-making.
3. Developing Policy Solutions
Working alongside experienced researchers and fellow participants, you will:
- Generate practical policy ideas.
- Develop solutions to social and economic challenges.
- Use research findings to support recommendations.
- Contribute to projects influencing public debate.
4. Communications and Report Writing
Strong communication is central to policy work. During the programme you will learn to:
- Write policy reports.
- Present research findings.
- Communicate complex ideas clearly.
- Prepare briefing documents.
- Produce content suitable for policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
5. Event Delivery
Participants will also support the organization of:
- Policy roundtables.
- Public discussions.
- Networking events.
- Stakeholder meetings.
- Presentations showcasing research findings.
Professional Development and Training
One of the biggest strengths of the Policy Futures Programme is its structured learning experience.
Throughout the year, participants receive training in:
- Research methods.
- Policy development.
- Evidence-based analysis.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Professional communication.
- Report writing.
- Public presentation skills.
These skills are highly transferable and valuable across government, charities, research institutions, consultancy firms, and the wider public and private sectors.
External Placement Opportunities
Participants will also have the opportunity to undertake an external placement with another think tank.
This allows Fellows to:
- Experience different policy environments.
- Understand different research approaches.
- Expand professional networks.
- Learn how policy is developed across multiple organizations.
Exposure to the Wider Policy Sector
In addition to working within their host think tank, participants will gain valuable insight into organizations involved in public policy, including:
- Charities.
- Local authorities.
- Regional authorities.
- National government institutions.
- Advocacy organizations.
This broad exposure provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of how public policy is researched, designed, promoted, and implemented.
Career Outcomes
By the end of the programme, participants will have:
- Contributed to meaningful policy research.
- Developed highly sought-after research skills.
- Built a professional network.
- Strengthened communication abilities.
- Gained practical experience in public policy.
- Improved stakeholder engagement skills.
- Enhanced career prospects across public, private, and third-sector organizations.
Graduates of the programme will be well positioned for careers in:
- Public policy.
- Government.
- Research.
- Think tanks.
- Non-governmental organizations.
- Charities.
- Consultancy.
- Public affairs.
- Social impact organizations.
Salary and Benefits
Successful participants will receive:
- Annual salary of £30,000
- Employee benefits provided by their host organization
- Structured professional training
- Career development opportunities
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
Who Should Apply?
The programme is specifically designed for people who may not traditionally have had access to careers in policy research.
No previous experience in policy or politics is required.
Applicants should demonstrate qualities such as:
Research Skills
You should be able to:
- Gather information.
- Analyse evidence.
- Interpret findings.
- Reach logical conclusions.
This experience may come from university, work, volunteering, or personal projects.
Communication Skills
Applicants should be able to:
- Communicate clearly in writing.
- Speak confidently with different audiences.
- Work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and political perspectives.
Diligence
Successful candidates are expected to be:
- Well organised.
- Detail-oriented.
- Good at managing priorities.
Curiosity
The programme values individuals who are:
- Eager to learn.
- Interested in current policy debates.
- Open to constructive feedback.
Desire to Make a Difference
Applicants should be motivated to help solve important challenges facing UK society.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
- Come from a low-income or lower socioeconomic background.
- Be the first person in their family to attend university.
- Have been eligible for free school meals during their education.
The programme also particularly welcomes applications from candidates from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds.
Right to Work Requirement
Applicants must have the unrestricted legal right to work in the United Kingdom for the full programme period.
The programme runs from:
August 2026 to September 2027
Visa sponsorship is generally not available.
Educational Background
No specific degree or academic discipline is required.
Eligible applicants include:
- Final-year university students.
- Recent graduates.
- Apprenticeship graduates.
- Individuals without university or apprenticeship qualifications who can demonstrate relevant skills through work, volunteering, or other experiences.
Applicants from non-traditional educational pathways are strongly encouraged to apply.
Work Experience Requirements
The programme is intended for individuals entering the policy sector.
You are not eligible if you have:
- More than three months of formal paid work experience in policy or politics.
- Previously worked for similar organizations in the policy sector.
Instead, experienced applicants are encouraged to apply directly for trainee researcher positions within partner organizations.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the online application and submit:
- An up-to-date CV.
- Three written responses of no more than 200 words each.
Applicants must answer the following questions:
- Why are you interested in the Policy Futures Programme?
- What aspect of your education, work experience, or extracurricular activities has prepared you for the programme?
- What current issue facing the UK would you like a think tank to focus on?
AI Usage Policy
Applicants may use Artificial Intelligence tools for brainstorming, organizing ideas, or conducting research.
However, written responses should be entirely your own work.
Applications containing AI-generated written answers are unlikely to progress because the programme aims to assess each applicant’s genuine interest, communication skills, and authentic voice.
Application Deadline
Applications close on 26 June at 12:30 PM.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning interviews take place as applications are received. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
Programme Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Policy Futures Programme 2026–2027 |
| Host | The Ladder Group (with IPPR, Demos and SMF) |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Salary | £30,000 per year |
| Programme Duration | August 2026 – September 2027 |
| Experience Required | None |
| Visa Sponsorship | Generally unavailable |
| Application Requirement | CV + three 200-word responses |
| Deadline | 26 June, 12:30 PM |
Apply
Final Thoughts
The Policy Futures Programme is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring policy professionals who want to build a meaningful career while helping shape the future of the United Kingdom. Through paid employment, structured training, practical experience, and collaboration with leading think tanks, participants will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in policy research and public affairs.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are passionate about making a difference, submit your application as early as possible before the 26 June at 12:30 PM deadline to maximize your chances of being considered.
For more information, visit the official call for applications
Discover more global job opportunities on OFY, VISIT HERE
