Location
Tooley St, London

Hours
12 weeks internship programme

Salary
Paid at London Living Wage

About the Role
Southwark Council’s Internship programme is designed for Southwark residents aged 16-25 seeking a valuable first step into the world of work. The upcoming internship cohort will start in March 2026 and run for 12 weeks. The programme incorporates three key elements: paid work experience, master classes, and a group project.

Interns will gain transferable skills such as communication, adaptability, time management, and organisation. This experience will support meaningful employment by enabling interns to demonstrate knowledge of local government and their ability to perform a role effectively.

The programme also offers opportunities to develop professional contacts through networking masterclasses and practical engagement, helping interns secure future employment and career advice.

Internships provide clarity on future career paths by allowing participants to explore new and exciting services within the Council and understand how different teams operate.

Internship opportunities are available in the following service areas:

Local Economy Team
Support activities contributing to the Southwark 2030 vision of a strong and fair economy. Assist in helping town centres and high streets thrive as vibrant, cleaner, greener, and safer spaces. Conduct research on local entrepreneurs’ needs, help inform strategy and programme design, and build relationships with the business community. Gain hands-on experience in local economic development, research, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery.

Adult Social Care Personal Budget Service
Work on projects including supporting the annual price review of care provisions, collating external rate requests, maintaining accurate records, organising meetings, and collaborating with service managers, social workers, placement colleagues, and external providers. Bring analytical skills and attention to detail, especially with financial data, and contribute to a collaborative Payments team that supports Adult Social Care services.

About Southwark Council
Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes and supporting a diverse population. The borough is home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern, and Borough Market. The Council is committed to tackling inequalities and fostering a just and fair community through initiatives like Southwark Stands Together.

Experience
No previous experience required. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are essential.

About you
We are looking for enthusiastic, curious, and motivated individuals ready to take their first steps into the world of work. You should bring a positive attitude, an open mind, and a genuine willingness to try new things. You will enjoy working with others, be dependable, willing to take responsibility, and approach challenges with flexibility and a can-do mindset. You should be keen to explore different career paths, understand how the Council serves residents, and want to contribute to meaningful work in your community. Most importantly, you are excited to be part of a supportive team and ready to make the most of this opportunity.

Qualifications
Applicants must be Southwark residents aged 16-25. No formal qualifications are required.