Undergraduate/graduate in Coventry

The Chartered Institute of Housing is the professional body for housing professionals, setting standards and acting as an independent voice in the sector. Our England policy team produces research and briefings on key housing issues, including the annual UK Housing Review, and works closely with government and sector leaders to shape policy, improve media coverage, and inform the public.

We are offering a paid summer internship (150 hours over August–September) for a degree student or recent graduate to work remotely with our policy team. This opportunity is ideal for anyone interested in a career in public or social policy at the end of their 2nd year of study or having just completed their final year.

Project opportunities

• The intern will have the opportunity to contribute to the following repairs and resident scrutiny project:

• Developing good practice guidance and a toolkit to support residents – particularly scrutiny panel members, tenant chairs and resident board members – to understand how repairs and maintenance services operate in practice;
• Use the good practice principles to scrutinise culture, behaviour, performance and accountability;
• Play an active role in closing the loop between resident experience, organisational learning and service improvement.

The project aims to:

• Test and develop a practical toolkit to help support good resident scrutiny across a range of social housing providers;
• Understand the barriers to diverse and inclusive tenant engagement in scrutiny activity;
• Develop a practical, evidence-based toolkit with case studies that is accessible, adaptable, and sector-relevant;
• Consider a culture and accountability framework for repairs for landlords;
• Produce board-level briefing materials and a sector learning report;
• Disseminate findings widely through communications, events, and media engagement.

The intern would be working with the project lead, Dr Eve Blezard, who would supervise the role and ensure the intern understood the project methodology, how CIH goes about setting up the governance, partnerships, resident cohort design and engagement planning with members for the project. The intern would support Dr Blezard’s work in designing the engagement methodology and establishing the structure and framework for the toolkit. They would then help organise engagement sessions with landlords and tenants, engaging with CIH members and partners on the project. They would be a part of the CIH policy and external affairs team in England.

Eligibility and specification

• Currently studying at an undergraduate level at university or just completed their undergraduate degree;
• Interest in public or social policy;
• Experience in research and/or report writing;
• Understanding of social housing is helpful but not essential;
• Availability for 150 hours over August and September 2026 to be agreed to meet both the project needs and candidate’s availability;
• Ability to work remotely and independently, following supervision and support from the project lead.

How to apply

Please contact Chloe Fletcher, head of policy and external affairs, chloe.fletcher@cih.org.

Equal opportunity

CIH is committed to equal opportunities at all stages of recruitment and selection and strives to have a workforce that promotes inclusivity. We welcome applicants from all sectors of the community and would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments we can make to achieve and celebrate diversity.

Closing date for applications

Friday 10 July 2026. Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.