By way of positive action under the Equality Act this opportunity is only open to those from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic groups and/or disabled applicants as our evidence shows they are under-represented in our workplace. 

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are working closely together to modernise local government.  Exciting things are happening on our journey and this year a range of our Directorates are opening their doors to welcome summer interns who will have the opportunity to learn and contribute to a variety of live projects and events.

The aim of our Horizons 24 programme is to help you understand the benefits of working in local government and give you an idea of the different job opportunities available. Successfully completing an internship will give you useful experience to help you when applying for work in the future.  You will make some great connections with others which will help you build your network in local government.

Placements will be for a minimum of 6 consecutive weeks during the summer period (June to September) and could be in our Housing, Chief Executive’s, Environment and Community Services, Adults and Public Health or Children’s Services directorates.

One placement in Chief Executive’s will be PR and Communications working in Richmond. If you are interested in in this placement, please make this clear on your application statement (see below, under “How to Apply”).

We have a wide range of opportunities available, including potential for different working patterns.

We recognise that some applicants may be concerned that receiving a financial allowance may affect their benefits and we are happy to discuss this with you confidentially if you are offered a role with us.

How to apply

Send a one page CV, which includes your full name, email and telephone number, education history (including whether you have English and/or Maths GCSE or equivalent), work history and/or relevant work or voluntary experience e.g. member of fund raising committee, youth parliament.

With your CV include a statement of around 800 words which outlines –

  1. Why you would like to do an internship with Richmond and Wandsworth Councils (around 500 words).
  2. Your first and second choice of which department you feel would best suit your interests and skills (see above) explaining your reasons for the choice (around 200 words).
  3. Dates you are likely to be available and dates when you won’t be available (if known).
  4. Confirmation that you have good IT skills including Word and Excel.
  5. Confirmation that you are willing to work across Richmond and Wandsworth.

Applications should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and clearly marked Horizons Internship Programme 2024.

About us

Our standard working week is 36 hours however staff may work different patterns depending on the agreement that they have with their line manager (this would best be discussed at interview or if offered a role).

Our internships allowance will be at the London Living Wage (currently £13.15 per hour).

You are likely to be based in our offices either in Wandsworth or Richmond – you may be required to travel to different parts of the boroughs - this is something you can discuss at interview.

Indicative Timeline

Closing Date: 8 am Monday, 29th April

Interview Dates: Throughout May/June depending upon department.      

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this opportunity once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information: For those who wish to work in our Childrens and/or Adults and Public Health Departments

These posts are exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Important Information for all posts

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.