When do applications open and what is the recruitment process?

Applications are currently closed and will reopen in early 2023.

Interviews will take place in Spring. Successful applicants will begin their year on the scheme in late September and their year on the scheme will end in late July.

How will the ‘Faith in Politics’ internship benefit me?

Whether you work in Westminster or at CAFOD, you will, at the end of the scheme have gained invaluable experience, knowledge and networking opportunities, as well as a deeper insight into Catholic Social Teaching and familiarity with the work of the Catholic Church and its agencies. The spiritual guidance and retreats will provide you with opportunities to reflect on the faith dimension of the experience and assist you in discerning your future vocation.

Why do I have to be a Catholic?

Faith in Politics is an initiative of the Catholic Bishops in England and Wales specifically aimed at young Catholics seeking to discern a vocation to public service and political leadership. The year’s internship consists of four related elements designed together to provide an intensive experience of social and political engagement in a spiritual context. These comprise work, faith, learning, community and pilgrimage.

At the outset of the scheme it was agreed that we should work not only with Catholic but also other Christian MPs. We seek to work with different MPs each year, and it is understood that the interns are there for an educational experience. However, the scheme is designed and funded through fundraising specifically for young Catholic graduates, and the elements of the scheme come together taking this as a starting point.

There are also other internship programs through which graduates can seek to work with MPs. These include schemes likes the CARE Leadership Programme and the Buxton Leadership Programme, both run for Christians of other denominations with whom we liaise. These programmes work with Christian MPs of varying denominations.

The requirement for a Catholic is appropriate under Schedule 9 Part 1 Paragraph 3 of the Equality Act.

How is the scheme funded? Where will I live?

The scheme is funded through fundraising. Interns will live in accommodation in central London, with bills and rent covered by the scheme. They will receive an allowance to cover living and travel costs for the duration of the internship. When added together, this amounts to more than the London Living Wage. As interns, you will be selected on the basis of ability and potential to gain most benefit from this experience.

Will there be someone I can go to in case of problems?

There is a team at the Bishops’ Conference who will keep in touch regularly and ensure all the practical aspects of your internship are going well throughout the year.

Am I the kind of person you’re looking for?

We are looking for current final year undergraduates and postgraduates or recent graduates who:

• Are committed Catholics with integrity, a strong sense of vocation to social action, seeking to bring their faith to life
• Have varied life experiences
• Are academically strong, having achieved or expected to achieve either a good 2:1 or a First
• Have exceptional initiative, drive, flair and creativity
• Are highly responsible with good interpersonal skills and discretion
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Are resident in the UK

If you think that the Faith in Politics internship scheme is for you, please apply now.

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