Last year’s programme gained the ‘Best Diversity in Work Experience’ award as part of The National Placement & Internship Awards 2012.

This year the programme, which commenced on 7 June, will see up to 120 interns take part.

The programme, specifically aimed at under-represented groups such as those from black and ethnic-minority communities and lower socio-economic backgrounds, will take part in what will be a diverse workforce.

The schema behind this will enable those who may not have considered a career in government.

It will provide a chance for interns to grasp real life skills in how the government operates, how government policy is formed and how the work of the civil service affects the UK and wider world.

Sir Bob Kerslake, head of the civil service, will open a reception for the successful applicants who will feature a series of talks and Q&A sessions with Senior Civil Servants and Civil Servant on the Fast Stream graduate programme.

Sir Bob said: "We are very pleased with the awards that the Summer Diversity Internship Programme received this year. These awards are recognition for the Civil Service’s continued commitment to improving the diversity across the organisation, allowing us to reach out to people who may not have otherwise considered working in Government.

"The programme helps us to build a diverse workforce, representative of the communities we serve, to continue to deliver the best service at the heart of government.

"As well as providing opportunities for under-represented groups to gain an insight into the work of the Civil Service, I am sure that Government departments will value the fresh ideas and perspectives that the interns will bring."

The assignment is a six to nine week full-time work placement spread across a range of Government Departments. Interns will be expected to become involved in stretching and challenging project related work, ranging from research and assisting on policy documents to shadowing senior civil servants and attending critical meetings.

The placements also provide insights into opportunities available in the Civil Service graduate programme.

Syema Majeed