At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide administrative support and help coordinate projects for a charity focused on sight loss.
- Company: Join the General Optical Council and collaborate with leading charities in the sector.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and mentorship throughout your internship.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities to network and grow within the charity sector.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for blind and partially sighted individuals while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in administrative roles and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Please see job description for more information
Join us at The General Optical Council (GOC) - Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) and RNIB are collaborating with organisations from both the sight loss and wider charity sector as well as corporate organisations to create new opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to find employment through the Get Set Progress (GSP) Internship programme.
The GOC is delighted to be offering an internship as part of the Get Set Progress Programme.
Important Information About The Role
As part of your 9-month internship, you will be taking part in Thomas Pocklington Trusts Get Set Progress internship program.
As this role forms part of the programme, we will share your name and email address with TPT to monitor participation, confirm eligibility and, where appropriate, enable TPT to provide employment support to unsuccessful applicants.
We process and share this information in accordance with UK GDPR and our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
- You will be part of a large cohort of fellow interns and gain the following:
- Obtain valuable work experience within the charity sector
- Technology support (including Microsoft Office) and upskilling opportunities
- Online and in-person training and development opportunities
- Opportunity to present and network with senior leaders within the sight loss sector
- Opportunities to build relationships with fellow interns
- A personal mentor offering support, advice and guidance throughout your internship
- Help deliver positive changes for people with sight loss
- Role Purpose
To provide flexible administrative and project support across the organisation, helping to ensure the smooth delivery of day-to-day operations and key initiatives.
Essential Application Criteria
- This role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the successful applicant be a person who is blind or partially sighted, in line with The Equality Act 2010.
- Interns need to be able to travel to the TPT Hub in London for development events throughout the course of the internship programme (costs covered by TPT).
- Having not previously undertaken the Get Set Progress internship programme.
- Successful applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for the duration of the Internship. Sponsorship will not be provided.
- Key Accountabilities
- Provide general administrative support across the organisation, including processing requests, maintaining records and supporting routine processes.
- Support the coordination and delivery of projects and initiatives, including scheduling, communications and follow-up actions.
- Draft and issue correspondence, ensuring appropriate approvals are obtained where required.
- Maintain and update records, trackers and databases to support accurate reporting and oversight.
- Liaise with colleagues at all levels to gather information, provide updates and ensure timely completion of tasks.
- Support internal processes such as onboarding administration, documentation checks and record keeping.
- Contribute to internal communications, including intranet updates and news items where needed.
- Support the organisation and delivery of internal meetings, training sessions and events.
- Assist with the coordination of organisational initiatives, including wellbeing and engagement activities.
- Provide ad hoc administrative support across different areas of the organisation as required, including occasional front-of-house or facilities-related support.
- Personal specification - Essential criteria
- Experience of providing administrative support in a professional environment (this could include internships, placements, or voluntary work).
- Comfortable using Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, Outlook and Word, with the ability to manage and update basic data and records accurately.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to draft emails and communicate clearly with colleagues.
- A proactive and flexible approach, with the willingness to support a range of tasks across different areas of the organisation.
- Good attention to detail, particularly when handling data, documentation and processes.
- Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues at different levels.
Closing date for this role is 12 August 2026 11:59pm, please note we reserve the right to close this role early dependent on number of applications.
At the GOC we have staff networks that are here to provide a supportive space and celebrate our diversity!
They also help influence GOC practices and policy to ensure they are inclusive as possible.
We hold Disability Confident Level 2 and are members of Onvero.
Please note your application will not be accepted without a covering letter exampling how you meet the essential criteria of this role, no more than 2 A4 pages.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Administrative Intern: Mentorship & Charity Impact employer: General Optical Council
The General Optical Council (GOC) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. As an Operations Manager (Hearings), you will be part of a mission-driven organisation that values high standards and continuous improvement, offering opportunities to lead a motivated team while ensuring fairness and accessibility in hearings. Located in the heart of the UK, the GOC provides a unique chance to contribute to public protection and professional excellence within the optical sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Administrative Intern: Mentorship & Charity Impact
✨Get Involved with Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local nonprofit events or volunteer opportunities. Not only will this give you hands-on experience, but you’ll also meet like-minded folks and potentially get inside info on internship openings or tips straight from the horse's mouth.
✨Leverage University Resources
Your university career services are gold for finding internships in the nonprofit sector. Check out any early-talent programmes they host—these are often tailored to connect students with local organisations looking for interns. Plus, your institution might have connections that aren't widely advertised.
✨Network Through Niche Platforms
Join online communities and forums dedicated to social impact projects. Platforms like Idealist or NonprofitAF are perfect for connecting with professionals in the field. Engaging in discussions or sharing your own insights can give your profile a boost and help you stand out when it comes to applying for internships.
✨Show Your Passion on a Personal Website
If you don’t already have one, create a simple personal website or blog to showcase your experiences and thoughts on social impact topics. Link this in your applications—it shows any potential organisations, including General Optical Council, that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Intern: Mentorship & Charity Impact
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for the nonprofit sector shine through! Share any volunteer experiences or personal projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Let 'General Optical Council' see that you’re genuinely excited about making a difference in the world.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to tailor your CV to reflect skills that are particularly valued in the nonprofit sector, such as communication, project management, and teamwork. Don't forget to include any coursework, workshops, or seminars that relate to the role, especially if they involve social justice or community engagement!
Craft a Meaningful Personal Statement:For internships in social impact projects, we like to see a personal statement that outlines not just what you've done, but why you care about these issues. Talk about the change you hope to make, and how an internship at 'General Optical Council' aligns with your future aspirations.
Include Examples of Initiative:Internships are all about your potential to learn and grow! We recommend sharing specific examples where you've taken initiative, whether it's starting a campus club focused on social issues or organising community service. This shows that you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to the mission at 'General Optical Council'.
How to prepare for a job interview at General Optical Council
✨Show Your Passion for Social Impact
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for the nonprofit sector. Share any relevant volunteer experiences or projects you've been involved in to show that you're not just looking for any internship, but one where you can make a real difference.
✨Know the Key Issues and Tools
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and key issues that impact the nonprofit sector. Highlight any experience with data analysis tools like Excel or project management software that might help you contribute effectively to General Optical Council’s mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. Think about examples where you've had to work in a team, overcome obstacles, or manage limited resources – these are golden opportunities to showcase your critical thinking.
✨Emphasise Your Learning Curve
As it’s an internship, focus on your eagerness to learn and adapt. Discuss what skills or areas you’re looking to develop, and how you believe an internship at General Optical Council could be a stepping stone to your career in social impact. This shows maturity and a willingness to grow.