Freshwater

Freshwater’s internship programmes are designed to open doors into communications for people from all backgrounds, enhancing social mobility and promoting diversity and inclusion. It ties in with its Fairness Wins Strategy, which monitors ethnicity and socioeconomic data on employees, as well as the agency’s partnerships with The Taylor Bennett Foundation, 10,000 Interns Foundation and The King’s Trust.

At the heart of Freshwater’s internship schemes is the flagship Bart Haines and Lisa Durston Internship Programme, created this year in memory of two former colleagues, who have sadly passed. The placements give two participants a structured 12-month programme, underpinned by guided learning and one-to-one mentoring.

All interns are welcomed through a supportive induction that introduces Freshwater’s people, values and culture. They benefit from having a dedicated mentor, paid-for training, wellbeing initiatives, flexible working, CIPR membership and a caring and collaborative environment. Importantly, as a Living Wage accredited organisation, all are paid the Living Wage.

The Freshwater Futures Programme was developed in 2023 to create an equal playing field, supporting young people to secure work experience in our industry, specifically where they may not be given the opportunity due to their background.

It offers work experience for young people in Years 10 and 11, further education and university. Running between May and August, it provides one or two weeks’ full-time experience, helping participants build confidence, gain insight into communications and prepare for future opportunities.

Freshwater’s programmes are people-centred, designed to give every participant the confidence to grow, succeed and Make It Matter.