The RSA is an enlightenment organisation committed to finding innovative practical solutions to today’s social challenges. Through its ideas, research and 27,000-strong Fellowship it seeks to understand and enhance human capability so we can close the gap between today’s reality and people’s hopes for a better world.

The RSA combines thought leadership with civic innovation to further human progress. Building on our 250 year history as a beacon for enlightenment values, the RSA is currently at an exciting period in its history. We provide platforms for leading experts through the UK’s most ambitious free public lecture series, our projects generate new models for tackling the social challenges of today and we are building on our network of over 27,000 Fellows around the world – these are achievers and influencers from every field with a real commitment to driving social change.

An internship opportunity has now arisen within the Connected Communities project team. This team sits in the RSA’s in-house think-tank. The Connected Communities team work on issues including public services, communities and social exclusion. At the moment the team is working on several research projects through which we aim to gain a better understanding of community and social connections, and the ways in which they can be both positive and negative for our health, wellbeing and other life outcomes.

This internship will provide a really exciting opportunity to become involved with the RSA. Specifically, this opportunity offers the chance to intern with the RSA Projects team, working on research projects, carrying out field work with volunteer community researchers, organising events and providing extra capacity across the team.

This internship would suit someone with an interest in public policy or social research, particularly someone with an interest in public services, wellbeing and network theory. We would most like to hear from capable and enthusiastic individuals who are committed to the ethos of the RSA. Strong IT and communication skills would be advantageous, as would knowledge of health, public service reform, wellbeing and community development and project or policy development. Regardless of applicant’s backgrounds, we are most interested in someone with a real passion for social change

This internship is part of the RSA’s paid internship scheme based on the London Living Wage. It will span a period of two months, starting February 2012.