Kensington and Chelsea Youth Internship Scheme

About the internship scheme

The Kensington and Chelsea Youth Internship Scheme is a new, paid opportunity for young people aged 18 to 21 who live in social housing in the borough.

The scheme was developed in response to feedback from young people, and is designed to offer real, paid work experience that builds confidence, skills, and future opportunities.

The is a pilot year with up to 30 places available.

Placements will run from June to September 2026.

Benefits of the internship

In our two week internship scheme, you will: 

• gain paid experience while earning the London Living Wage (£831 total)
• have your travel and lunch costs covered
• develop workplace skills that employers look for
• build confidence and professionalism from working in a real team
• gain insight into civic service and how decisions are made in your borough

Who can apply

To apply for the internship, you must be:

• aged 18 to 21
  • you must be turning 18 by June 2026
  • you must be 21 or under when you apply
• have the right to work in the UK
  • check your right to work in the UK on the GOV.UK website.
• live in Kensington and Chelsea
• currently live in social housing (this must be your main home)
• read the internship team descriptions, so you understand the types of roles available
• provide one reference as part of your application 
• commit to a two week full-time internship (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm) at some point between June and September 2026

Do not worry, you do not need to be free all summer. We will match you with a two week slot that works for you and your host team.

What you will be doing

Your placement will include:

• a two week internship
• working hours from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
• working mostly in the office at Kensington Town Hall, some teams may offer limited remote working or community-based activities

Teams you could join

We offer placements across a wide range of council services, including:

Adult Learning

Internship timing

June or July 2026

Number of positions

2

About the team

Adult Learning offers a wide range of courses in friendly settings across the borough. Delivered by different partners, the courses support local people aged 19 and over to learn new skills and reach their full potential.

About the Internship

There are two different roles with the team.

Role 1:

• visiting adult learning classes to assess their quality
• observing classes, speaking to leaners and write a report based on your findings

This role might appeal to someone who is interested in analytical work.

Role 2:

• interviewing learners to gather their feedback on their courses, and the overall adult learning offer, and how they might use the learning in what they plan to do next
• use this information to create content for marketing and publicity and to feed into the council’s self-assessment
• create videos and photos, getting consent and writing short sound bites for content

The role might appeal to someone interested in communications or social media content production.

Potentially if both interns are hosted at the same time, they could share the videoing and interviewing tasks between them.

Children’s Services – Strategy, Partnerships and Policy

Internship timing

Between June and September 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

Our team plays a significant role in supporting political and governance processes, including Children’s Services interactions with elected members and senior officers. We are a bi-borough team who work across Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.

We advise and write strategies and policies by keeping curiosity and the ‘voice of the child’ at the centre of our work. We are also the ‘Inspection Hub’, ensuring that we remain ready for Ofsted inspections, as well as the departmental link to the two corporate centres.

You will join a small team that is collaborative, proactive and energetic. This position offers valuable insight into Children’s Services work and how we improve outcomes for children, young people and their families in Kensington and Chelsea.

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• undertaking research and developing our fortnightly policy newsletter, which is read by Heads of Service, Directors and local Councillors
• writing a child-friendly version of strategy and policy documents
• gathering evidence to help develop strategies and policies, working with colleagues across both councils
• joining team meetings to see how decisions are made and contribute your own ideas
• supporting with creative projects such as updating our CHS Hub content with recent strategies and policies and short videos — CHS Hub is the key internal website of accessible information relating to the Bi-Borough Children’s Services

Community Safety

Internship timing

June or July 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

We are the team that works in partnership with the police and other partners to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour, and other issues that affect resident safety.

This collaborative effort aims to create safer communities by fostering strong partnerships, improving communities, and reducing crime and disorder. 

Our day to day activities include:

• data analysis to identify local priorities
• developing joint action plans
• providing residents with advice, resources, and ways to report concerns

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• working with team members on developing specific campaign working across our key priorities
• reviewing projects and helping to create ‘You Said, We Did’ updates that respond to community feedback
• joining team meetings to better understand how we support our communities

Communications

Internship timing

June or July 2026

Number of positions

2

About the team

The Communications Team makes sure that residents and stakeholders know what goes on at the council. We do this by producing social media content, selling stories to journalists for print and TV coverage, and formulating long-running campaigns to inform and influence.

About the Internship

If you are the creative, good with words and interested the exciting world of communications, this could be the team for you.

Activities may include:

• brainstorming, filming, editing and overseeing social media content for our digital channels with over 100,000 followers
• writing punchy, headline-grabbing news stories
• joining our team meetings and brainstorms to see your ideas come to life
• learning about the inner-workings of the council

No two days are the same in communications. Be ready to think on your feet, get creative and work alongside some of London’s most qualified communications professionals.

Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)

Internship timing

June or September

Number of positions

2

About the team

The Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) team designs and runs the council’s digital services. We use technology and data to improve how the council operates, deliver services more efficiently, and engage with residents in smarter ways.

About the Internship

During your internship, you will be working on a building a Digital Process Catalogue.

A Digital Process Catalogue is a way of drawing out how work gets done in an organisation. Imagine you are mapping out all the steps it takes to order something online, from choosing an item, to paying, to delivery. A process model is like a flow chart that shows who does what, in what order, and with which systems or tools.

In a big organisation like a council, there are hundreds of services, from housing to waste collection to schools. Each has many steps, forms, and systems. Without a clear map, things can get confusing, duplicated, or slow. By modelling processes, the council can:

• spot inefficiencies, like asking residents for the same information twice
• find opportunities to automate or simplify tasks
• make it easier for staff and residents to understand how services work
• plan improvements before spending money on new systems

Think of it as creating a Google Maps for how the council works. Once you can see the route, it is easier to make the journey smoother, faster, and less stressful.

As an intern, activities may include:

Discovery:

• gathering existing process documentation (Visio, PowerPoint, Word docs, spreadsheets)
• interviewing up to two staff to understand how processes are currently tracked

Data structuring

• creating a catalogue template (Excel or SharePoint) with fields such as Process Name, Service, Owner, Last Updated, System Used
• populate the catalogue with the first batch of data

Migration to ADONIS

• selecting two to three representative process maps and migrating them into BOC ADONIS
• ensuring the metadata aligns with the catalogue
• comparing the ADONIS versions with the originals to validate accuracy

Reporting and Handover:

• producing a short presentation showing the process catalogue, migrated examples in ADONIS, and recommendations, such as priority services for further migration

 

What you will gain

• hands-on experience with enterprise process modelling tools (BOC ADONIS).
• develops digital skills in structuring and migrating process information.
• insight into how councils move from scattered documents to an enterprise-wide process repository.
• builds presentation skills by demonstrating both the catalogue and live ADONIS models.
   

Ecology

Internship timing

Between June and September 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

The Ecology team works to protect and enhance biodiversity and increase access to nature in the borough. We are a team of nine officers all with different specialities. 

We run the Holland Park Ecology Centre, our hub for outdoor education, where education officers deliver school sessions, holiday activities, walks, talks, and a Nature Wellbeing Programme. Our Community Gardeners work across 55 community kitchen gardens around the borough to support residents with food growing and other gardening training. 

We also have a Gardening for Wellbeing programme delivering horticultural therapy sessions, and a Schools Food Growing Programme, helping students grow fruit and vegetables in their school playgrounds. 

We work to ensure the council follows legislation relating to biodiversity, enhance and create habitats, and monitor wildlife, whether it’s sowing new meadows or counting the butterfly populations that use them.

Our team is creative, passionate and love being outside. We work with a wide range of residents to ensure Kensington and Chelsea has an accessible natural environment rich in wildlife that everyone can feel connected to and will benefit from. 

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• helping us plan and deliver habitat projects, like designing new planting schemes or updating management plans
• supporting with creative projects, like making content for our social media channels or short videos to evaluate our impact
• working with us to review and improve what the Ecology Service offers for young people
• joining team meetings and site visits to see how we collaborate to make decisions and contribute your own ideas

Finance and Debt - Parking Services

Internship timing

July 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

The Finance and Debt team are at the heart of the council's financial operations.

We keep the service’s finances running smoothly, responsibly and turn complex data into clear, insightful reports for managers, councillors, and auditors.

We track every payment, match it to the right service (yes, even that parking ticket), and make sure all the numbers add up. Think of us as financial problem-solvers.

We are more than just number crunchers, we are trusted partners across RBKC.

We help teams make financially sound decisions that benefit our residents.

Some benefits of our team:

• we have a welcoming, family-like atmosphere
• knowledge-sharing and mentoring from experienced officers
• yes, we have cake too!

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• hands-on experience with real finance processes
• insight into how public funds are managed
• exposure to income reconciliation, reporting, and more
• a chance to work alongside a friendly, supportive team

Financial Management

Internship timing

June, July or September 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

Financial Strategy Team:

We lead the council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy, helping us plan ahead, manage uncertainty and make the best use of public money. We work closely with colleagues across the organisation, making sure our long-term plans are realistic, ambitious and financially sound. This is a hands-on team with a strategic focus, working with services to bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future, playing a key role in serving the local community. 

Finance Business Partnering Team:

We work closely with teams across the Council who deliver services to residents and businesses. We support budget holders to develop their financial confidence and capability, enabling them to take greater ownership of their budgets, produce accurate forecasts and make effective financial decisions. You will work closely with Finance Business Partners who provide strategic guidance and our Management Accountants who focus on ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data.

About the Internship

Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Our work is focused on supporting residents and building a fairer borough.

This two-week internship offers experience across two key finance teams:

• week 1: Work with the Financial Strategy team at the corporate centre
• week 2: Join a Finance Business Partnering team supporting frontline services

Activities may include:

• learning about the council's annual budget cycle and get involved in work to support setting the council’s budget for the next financial year
• helping us shape our budget consultation strategy for 2027 to 2028
• discovering how Finance Business Partners and how they add value to support decision-making across the council
• shadowing meetings between Finance and Budget Managers to understand how we work together each month to produce accurate forecasts and help identify any budget issues
• assisting in day-to-day work to process payments and reconcile data

You will be part of a friendly, knowledgeable and collaborative team working behind the scenes to make impact. If you are curious about how the council strives to deliver high quality services to those who live and work in our borough at a challenging time for local government finances, this could be the right placement for you. 

Grenfell Education Hub

Internship timing

June or early July 2026

Number of positions

2

About the team

The Grenfell Education Hub brings together expertise from educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, specialist teachers, careers advice and guidance and family working.

We work closely with young people and families to co-design workshops, build confidence and create supportive, restorative learning environments. 

We adapt according to the needs of the community and residents we support, so be ready to listen, learn and contribute your ideas as part of a team dedicated to supporting children in young people to achieve all that is possible.

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• working alongside specialists to design engaging youth workshops
• helping gather and amplify the voices of young people to shape how the support is delivered
• learning how restorative and relation approaches make a difference in education and beyond
• seeing how different professionals collaborate and meet the diverse needs of children and young people

Housing Management

Internship timing

June or July 2026

Number of positions

3

About the team

Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team:

Delivers housing management services to residents of Lancaster West and nearby estates, including tenancy support, repairs, refurbishments, sustainability initiatives, and employment support.

Resident Services:

• Estates and Environmental Services — caretaking, grounds maintenance, communal repairs, pest control, and environmental improvements
• Resident Engagement —Manages community centres, homework clubs, food pantries, and resident involvement in service design
• Neighbourhood Services — Supports tenancy management, anti-social behaviour cases, mental health, and tenancy sustainment and tenancy fraud

Property Services

• Asset Management and Investment — assesses housing conditions and plans improvements
• Resident Safety and Repairs — ensures safety compliance and handles repairs
• Customer Contact Centre —responds to housing-related enquiries
• Procurement and Capital Works — manages contracts and delivers a £300m improvement programme
• Resident Liaison and Safety Compliance — coordinates upgrades and ensures health and safety standards

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• inspections – all kinds
• using various IT systems and applications – for example, Monday.com and Safety Culture
• preparing presentations
• research
• shadowing staff
• resident engagement events and activities

Housing Needs

Internship timing

June or July 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

Housing Needs has three teams:

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and Refugee Services:

Supports asylum seekers and refugees on government resettlement schemes (Homes for Ukraine and the Afghan Resettlement Programme). The focus for the service is support with initial arrival and settlement, helping people integrate into life in the UK and become independent.

Housing and Employment: 

This service area supports Kensington and Chelsea residents with employability and accessing employment, income maximisation and other financial support.

They work with people referred into the service helping with a wide variety of needs to achieve improved outcomes.

Supported Housing: 

The Supported Housing Commissioning Team focuses on commissioning supported accommodations to residents who have (housing related) support need from specialist staff. The aim of this housing, which is often referred to as supported accommodations/hostels, is to provide enhanced personalised support with the aim of helping the resident to become independent and move into their own home once ready.

The Supported Housing Commissioning Team is responsible for commissioning providers to deliver this enhanced support. In this team you will lead on project coordination to help the service drive their work to achieve their aims.

About the Internship

During this internship you will work across the three teams. Some things you may learn are:

• the Housing Needs service
• supporting vulnerable residents with housing, financial support and employability
• how the council supports asylum seekers and refugees
• the commissioning process
• how national policy impacts the council

 

Your placement will involve a variety of projects and tasks, including:

• supporting resettlement pathways
• resident engagement
• project planning and management
• stakeholder coordination
• event organisation
• research
• service procedure reviews across the three teams. 

Human Resources and Organisational Development

Internship timing

June to September 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

Human Resources supports every stage of the employee experience at the council. Our job is to make sure staff feel valued, supported, and connected, helping to create a workplace where everyone can do their best work.

We handle a wide range of people-related matters, from answering day-to-day HR queries, to supporting and delivering on our People Plan. We also work on projects that improve how the council recruits, develops, and supports its people. This includes wellbeing initiatives and staff events.

Our team is approachable, supportive, and people focused. We believe in creating a workplace that values wellbeing, inclusion, and collaboration. If you want to see how HR helps shape a positive working culture in local government, this is an excellent opportunity.

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• responding to HR helpdesk queries and helping staff find the information or support they need
• assisting with HR projects that improve employee experience, systems, or policies
• supporting the delivery of wellbeing activities, engagement surveys, or staff recognition events
• helping organise training sessions and internal events
• joining team meetings to learn how HR decisions are made and share your own ideas

Information Governance and Caldicott Support

Internship timing

Between June and September 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

The Information Governance and Caldicott Support team provides data protection advice, guidance and support to staff and services for Children’s Services in both Westminster, and Kensington and Chelsea.

Some examples of our day to day responsibilities include:

• reviewing Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs) and contract Data Processing Schedules
• advise on complex data sharing matters
• investigate and support services which suffer a data breach, and put in place appropriate containment and mitigation actions to protect individuals

The Bi-Borough Information Governance and Caldicott Support Manager is also responsible for providing strategic support to the Caldicott Guardians for Children’s Services and Adult Social Care and Health. This includes advising and supporting staff and services across Children’s Services, Adult Social Care and Public Health.

We have a small team which is full of enthusiasm and collaborative. We welcome ideas and harness innovation in our work.

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• joining and contributing to meetings at Board level, including taking action notes
• leading creative projects such as writing content for our newsletter with an audience of over 2,000 staff
• learning and implementing data analysis techniques using Microsoft Excel
• developing knowledge of data protection legislation like the UK GDPR, and how these are applied across Children’s Services
• gaining first-hand experience of reviewing Information Governance documentation which have a direct impact on children and young people
• developing Information Governance materials for children and young people
• communicating with staff across the workforce who are due or overdue their mandatory data protection and cyber security training

Libraries and Archives

Internship timing

Dependant on position (see below)

Number of positions

3

About the team

The Libraries and Archives Team are a diverse and multi-faceted team, with many opportunities to work in a dynamic way that serves our communities.  We have five libraries across the borough. including Brompton, Chelsea, Kensington Central, North Kensington and Kensal. All our libraries provide a wealth of inclusive activities, programmes and resources which cater to all demographics. 

Some of the teams which you could work in include:

• Digital Engagement Team — June to September 2026, except first two weeks of July
• Libraries Team (Community Engagement and Programming) — June to August 2026
• Local Studies and Archives Team — June, July and September 2026

 

About the Internship

Depending on the team, activities may include:

Digital Engagement Team: 

• creating, producing, and editing social media content and videos
• collaborating with the wider team to plan future social media campaigns
• attending internal and external meetings to capture digital engagement requirements

 

Libraries Team (Community Engagement and Programming)

• assisting with the delivery of regular library events including —  Children’s Under 5 Rhyme Times, Arts and Crafts Clubs, Digital Help Sessions, Games Club and other community activities
• planning and delivering library outreach events to engage local communities
• contributing to business plan deliverables and project work
• developing and applying customer service skills in a public-facing environment

 

Local Studies and Archives Team

• assisting with the development and organisation of the North Kensington Social Justice Archive.
• helping to catalogue and source materials related to local history
• recording enquiries and locating requested materials for users or researchers

If you are interested in the North Kensington Social Justice Archive, it would be preferable if are a resident of North Kensington.

Museums

Internship timing

June 2026

Number of positions

4

About the team

We are the team that cares for two historic artist's homes in the borough. We work together to share an amazing collection of art and artefacts with as many people as possible through displays and exhibitions, activity programmes for different audiences, and by making the houses and galleries as welcoming and accessible as we can.

We are a multidisciplinary team of curators, conservators, learning and public programming specialists, PR and Marketing, operations, commercial hire events and visitor services staff, and we work closely together to preserve, research, document, display, entertain and educate.

Our team is collaborative, energetic, friendly and creative. Young people are respected, valued and given space to genuinely influence and impact on the work of the museums

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• planning and deliver activities and programmes for schools, local community groups, families, young people and adults, from artist-led workshops to outdoor learning in the garden
• supporting with creative projects such as designing social media content or short videos
• working alongside team specialists on conservation projects, research and cataloguing tasks, set up for commercial hire events, and exhibition planning and installation
• designing original interpretation and content, helping to make the collections more exciting and relevant
• joining team meetings to see how decisions are made and contribute your own ideas
• joining the visitor services team and work directly with visitors, welcoming them and supporting their visit

Parks

Internship timing

June, first half of July and September 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

The Parks team are responsible for 28 Parks, two cemeteries and over 60 highways planters and greening schemes across the borough. We look after everything from planting trees, shrubs and flowers to working with the community on designing improvements to local parks, designing brand new parks, and delivering major works including revamped sports facilities and new park buildings. 

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• offering insight into what young people want and need from their local spaces
• getting involved in monitoring open spaces
• supporting a project to design and deliver a new park in North Kensington

This job involves travel across the borough (accompanied by one of the team) and working outside. We can also adapt the work to accommodate any disabilities or mobility issues.  
 

Social Investment and Property

Internship timing

June or July 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

The Social Investment and Property (SIP) team has five main areas:

• Capital Delivery
• Operational Property
• Strategic Property
• Social Investment
• Strategic Asset Management

SIP plays a vital role in supporting our residents and Council workers through the management of our property portfolio, strategic investment, and collaboration with partners across the borough. The department also oversees investment in projects that produce social value, ensuring that property use aligns with broader council priorities and meets both community and organisational needs.

We are a collaborative and inclusive team, committed to sharing knowledge and supporting each other. We have regular team activities like our SIP Book Club, 'bring and share' lunches, team-building activities, and 'lunch and learn' sessions. We value professional development and all our team members and interns feel supported, included, and able to contribute meaningfully during their time with us.

About the Internship

You will be paired with one or two teams based on their interests and project availability.

Activities may include:

• assisting the Acquisition, Disposal, and Development team by conducting desktop research on acquisitions or disposals, valuations, and inspecting properties and assessing development projects and linked legal documentation
• supporting commercial landlord and tenant transactions, including rent review and lease renewals, the setting of rents and inspection of properties as well as dealing with day-to-day tenancy matters
• contributing to the delivery of council buildings and schools works by updating project trackers, attending site or contractor meetings, and helping document project progress
• gaining hands-on experience with the management of council buildings by helping to track maintenance issues, assisting with on-site visits, and supporting reactive works logging
• analysing case studies to map the functions of the Corporate Project Management Office, including evaluating bids, scrutiny processes, decision gateways, funding sources, and the impact on the council’s financial position
• helping implement the new voluntary and community sector property policy by preparing briefings, completing Equality Impact Assessments, engaging with residents and the voluntary and community sector
• using case studies for options analysis, looking at activities such as design, planning, cost analysis, to assess service or resident needs balanced against cost, funding and political aspirations, for different options
• contributing to and evaluating social value plans and tenders, engaging with contractors, residents and other relevant stakeholders to identify areas of opportunity, and monitor progress against agreed goals

You will have regular check-ins and be encouraged to reflect on your experience through a presentation or written summary at the end of the placement.

Street Trading

Internship timing

June or July 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

The Street Trading Office manages the vibrant Portobello Road and Golborne Road markets. We oversee over 60 storage units and around 300 traders, as well as other street trading activities around the borough.

It is a compact team that has a significant role in maintaining some of London's most well-known markets. We also play a key role in organising the Notting Hill Carnival.

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• supporting a project focused on a specific part of our operations
• assisting in developing and activating our social media presence
• bringing fresh ideas and insight to help us be the best at what we do

The role would involve working on at least one Saturday, to see the operation in full action.

Youth Participation

Internship timing

June to September 2026

Number of positions

1

About the team

Our team makes sure young people’s voices are heard at the heart of the council. We create opportunities for young residents to share their ideas, influence decisions, and shape the services that affect their lives.

We work closely with the Youth Council and other local youth groups to run projects, events, and campaigns on issues that matter most to young people. This ranges from education and employment to wellbeing, climate, and community safety.

Our small and entrepreneurial team is collaborative, energetic, and youth-focused. We believe in creating spaces where young people feel respected and can make real change. If you want to see how local government can work with young people, not just for them, this is the place to be.

About the Internship

Activities may include:

• planning and deliver events like youth awards, surveys, or workshops
• supporting with creative projects such as designing social media content or short videos
• working alongside young leaders to develop campaigns and gather feedback from the community
• joining team meetings to see how decisions are made and contribute your own ideas

Programme activities

During your internship, you will also take part in:

• a welcome session with the Youth Participation Team
• opportunities to meet staff and learn about different roles
• creative projects
• a mid-point check-in and social
• a mock interview workshop
• a final project presentation
• an end of internship celebration

How to apply

Below is everything you need to complete your application, from tips on preparing your answers to the questions you will be asked, deadlines, and the link to apply. 

Before you start your application:

1. Save your work before submitting
The online form does not save automatically. We recommend drafting your answers in a separate document such as Word or Notes and pasting them in.

2. Note down your top five team preferences
As part of your application, we will ask you to rank the top five teams you would most like to join. This helps us match you with a team that aligns with your interests, though final placements will depend on team availability. Make sure you read the team descriptions and know what your top five choices are.

Application questions

The application has 4 short sections:

1. Personal information
2. Pick your team preferences
3. Why you would like to be an intern with us — you can write up to 1,200 characters per question:
   • why would you like to take part in the RBKC Youth Internship Scheme, and what interests you about working with the council?
   • tell us about your current skills, interests, or ambitions. What do you enjoy doing, and what are you proud of?
   • what new skills or experiences would you like to gain from this internship, and how do you think it could help your future goals?
   • give an example of how you’ve worked well with others. This could be at school, work, volunteering, sports, or even in your community or family
   • describe a time when you planned something, organised your time, or communicated clearly to make sure things went well
   • give an example of when you had to manage a lot at once, deal with challenges, or take responsibility on your own
4. References
   • we will ask you for a reference — this could be a teacher, youth leader, employer, or colleague
   • have their contact details ready, and let your reference know we will be in contact

Deadline to apply

Friday 2 January 2026

Apply now

Apply now