Positive Action Scheme in London

Thinking of a career in journalism? Each summer, we offer two‑week work experience placements for those from under‑represented groups who are aiming to start a career in journalism.

Our Positive Action Scheme has created opportunities for hundreds of aspiring journalists. All participants, with their energy and creativity, have proved beyond doubt that organisations benefit by having a greater diversity of contributors and the ideas they bring. This thinking has fed into everything we do at the Guardian. The scheme has already transformed many careers. It could transform yours too.

Applications for our 2026 placements are now open! Thinking of a career in journalism? The Guardian believes there should be a better representation of our diverse society in the media and each summer offers

paid work experience schemes

for those from under‑represented groups who are aiming to start a career in journalism.

This year our London office is running the schemes during the summer:

people with disabilities

Black, Asian and minority‑ethnic

applicants

people from

working‑class backgrounds

About the schemes

During your time with us you’ll gain an insight into the profession, across different sections of our newspaper and website.

You’ll pitch story ideas, take part in daily discussions and decision‑making meetings, as well as assist editors with research.

You’ll have an experienced journalist as a mentor to offer career advice.

Applications for all schemes close on

Sunday 29 March 2026.

Please note, the schemes are only open to applicants over 18 years old. You must have the right to train in the UK at the time of application.

Over

two weeks

you’ll gain experience in two different sections – one week in each – which might include Features, Multimedia, Sport, Saturday magazine, Podcasting, Business/Consumer, Environment, among others. This scheme will take place

between Monday June 8 and Friday June 19 .

Over

two weeks , you’ll gain experience in two different sections – one week in each – which might include Features, Multimedia, Sport, Saturday magazine, Podcasting, Business/Consumer, Environment, among others. This scheme will take place

between Monday June 22 and Friday July 3 .

Over

four weeks

during June, July, September or October you’ll shadow our photographers and picture editors, learning about different aspects of photojournalism. You’ll likely be sent out on individual photography assignments.

Black, Asian and minority‑ethnic schemes

Over

two weeks

in July or August, you’ll gain experience across 4‑5 sections which could include Features, Saturday Magazine, News, Business/Consumer, Books or Multimedia, among others.

After the initial fortnight, participants can come back and spend

one more week

on their preferred desk.

Over

two weeks

in July or August, you will see up close the daily discussions and decision‑making which determine how we cover the climate crisis as well as local, national and global environmental stories.

Over

two weeks

in June or July, you will gain experience on our sports desk alongside our team of writers, sub‑editors and editors, learning how we cover the biggest sporting events across the globe.

Over

two weeks

in June, July or August, you will shadow our video/audio producers, editors and hosts, on shows such as Today in Focus, Politics Weekly, Science Weekly and Football Weekly.

Over

four weeks

during June, July, September or October you’ll shadow our photographers and picture editors, learning about different aspects of photojournalism. You’ll likely be sent out on individual photography assignments.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.

*Positive action is covered by section 158 of the Equality Act 2010

Back in 2002, in the first year of the Guardian's Positive Action Scheme, I saw the inner workings of G2, the newsroom and spent time on investigations. These experiences gave me a taste for how I could uncover untold stories and gave my CV some sparkle: I went on to report for the Sunday Times and the Sunday Telegraph before moving to the BBC, where I worked on the BBC News at Six and Ten. I later became the BBC's first creative diversity lead; and I've now moved to Clifford Chance UK, where I am Head of Inclusion.

As someone who flunked their A‑Levels and who had to do an additional year at university to get on to an English BA, I thought I'd blown my journalistic chances. However, on my second attempt at applying, I got onto the Positive Action Scheme and it set me on course to develop my skills as a writer, the savviness to start networking, and most importantly the confidence to be active and present within newsrooms. This placement is a fantastic tool for carving out your own path into storytelling: grades aren't the priority, it's your drive and ambition that counts. Jessica Cole (2017 BAME all‑editorial) 2 / 11

When I majored in photojournalism in college, the media industry was like a puzzle: the Positive Action Scheme allowed me to understand it. During my internship I was highly impressed by the Guardian editors' knowledge and working spirit. Currently, I work at an AI lab focused on optimising image aesthetics to enhance understanding of the visual world. My time at the Guardian profoundly shaped my perspective, especially given its world‑class news photo archives! Xingkun Yang (2018 Photography) 3 / 11

Getting on to the scheme was a real confidence boost for me. Journalism is an intimidating industry, especially when you come from a place with no contacts or obvious way in. Working with the Guardian's editorial teams pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I got to know the kind of journalist I could be. After years working as an editor, I am now back at the Guardian as a full‑time staff member in the advertising team. I'll be forever grateful for the effort the Guardian puts into maintaining communications with all of the scheme's alumni – it feels like you're part of something. Maxine Marshall (2009 BAME all‑editorial) 4 / 11

The Positive Action Scheme gave me my first experience of a major newsroom, and the confidence to allow me to pitch and write across all parts of an international news brand. The scheme was an invaluable step up into the world of sports writing, breaking news, and financial journalism, which is ultimately where I have ended up. I have worked as a foreign correspondent in Brussels for the Financial Times and I'm now the economics editor at The Times. Mehreen Khan (2010 BAME all‑editorial) 5 / 11

The scheme was integral to me believing it is possible to become a journalist even when you're not from the capital. Being in the newsroom, surrounded by writers and editors at the very peak of the industry, was an experience I am incredibly grateful for. The trust placed in me for the pieces I had to work on was also an honour, and as a result I'm considerably more confident as a writer and a journalist today than I had ever previously imagined. Connor Myers (2025 Social Class) 6 / 11

The scheme was the breakthrough I really needed. Getting work experience was really tough, even at local newspapers, and I didn't know anyone who could get me in anywhere; so the Guardian ended up being my first experience of a newsroom. I wasn't just doing small tasks but got to go out for press conferences and vox pops. I left with confidence that I could do this as a career. After I finished studying I went abroad and reported in Turkey, Bangladesh and Israel‑Palestine. Then later I wrote my book, I Feel No Peace, before joining the Guardian's global development team in 2020. Kaamil Ahmed (2010 BAME all‑editorial) 7 / 11

I was part of the first disability scheme. Honestly, I was a little reluctant to apply – I wanted to succeed on merit – but I soon realised it was just aimed at giving me the access others already get. Meeting editors and building relationships was invaluable. Everyone was so generous with their time and expertise. A decade on, I'm a Guardian writer and columnist. I've won a Society of Editors Commentator of the Year award, been named one of the 25 women defining Britain today by British Vogue, and written two books: Crippled, and Who Wants Normal? I can say the scheme changed my life. Simply being at the table (literally) told me that people like me belonged here. You do too. Frances Ryan (2012 Disability) 8 / 11

I applied for the scheme during my final year at university, already knowing in my bones that I wanted to be a journalist. The connections I made, especially on the Weekend Magazine, were invaluable – and have been maintained throughout my career. Later, I was able to find internships at various outlets and eventually was accepted on to the Guardian's Scott Trust bursary scheme, during which period I helped to launch gal‑dem magazine. This eventually led to the hugely successful 2018 gal‑dem/Weekend takeover. Later I joined the New York Times as an editor, before moving into my current role at investigative newsroom Fuller. I'm so grateful for the scheme, and for the Guardian's ongoing support. Charlie Brinkhurst‑Cuff (2013 BAME all‑editorial) 9 / 11

At every desk – Global Development, Saturday magazine and News – I received time, advice and support. I was made welcome, treated as a real member of the team and encouraged to pitch, write and edit at every opportunity. I left the scheme with the newfound belief that I had deserved my place there. Now several years out from the scheme, and having freelanced with the Guardian and Saturday magazine for part of that time, I consider the experience to have been transformative for both my confidence and my career. Philippa Kelly (2022 Disability) 10 / 11

I'd describe the Positive Action Scheme as an experience to influence a lifetime. I went from a small town straight into the heart of London. I found all staff very approachable. I learned so much, not just from them, but being behind the scenes and understanding the planning which goes into The Guardian. I was entrusted with producing my own bylines and encouraged to pitch ideas, this proved to be a massive confidence boost for myself. Alfie Howlett (2025 Social Class) 11 / 11

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