Purpose of the post

The Head of the Black Internship Programme will lead the strategic design, delivery and expansion of HDR UK’s flagship Black Internship Programme in Health Data Science which is focused on improving access, equity and career development opportunities for Black students and graduates.

The programme has delivered 422 internships across 115 host organisations. In 2024/2025, Advance HE was commissioned to conduct an independent review of the programme with highly encouraging results; this will be published later in the year. The postholder will also be expected to build on the recommendations and findings of the programme to take the programme forward to its next stage of development and secure its long-term future.

This role exists to ensure the programme offers high quality placements, professional growth, and meaningful pathways into long-term employment, while building partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders and community organisations.

The postholder will act as a champion for diversity and inclusion, driving measurable impact and continuing to embed the programme as a key part of HDR UK’s talent strategy.

For further information about the Black Internship Programme , see:

Key responsibilities

Programme Leadership and Strategy

• Design, implement and manage the overall vision for the programme
• Set clear objectives, OKRs and success measures aligned to the Capacity Building team and HDR UK’s wider objectives and goals
• Ensure the programme reflects best practice in inclusive recruitment, career development and equity of opportunity
• Grow or extend the offer through strategic partnerships and securing additional funding in partnership with the Capacity Building Partnership and Sustainability Manager
• Lead and inspire a small team (direct programme team and volunteers), fostering an inclusive, supportive and high-performing environment
• Manage the programme budget effectively, securing additional resources where required

Programme Delivery

• Oversee recruitment, selection and onboarding of interns, ensuring a fair, transparent and inclusive process
• Design structured training and networking opportunities before, during and after the programme including the group technical challenge, Friday training sessions and Opening and Closing Ceremonies to provide a holistic experience for interns
• Ensure programme administration, logistics and communications are effectively managed and aligned to and integrated with the wider capacity building portfolio

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with current and potential host organisations, community organisations, professional networks and current and potential industry partners to grow the offer and number of internships available
• Act as a visible advocate for the programme internally and externally, representing the programme at key events, and participating in panel sessions and forums

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Track outcomes and progress of interns during and after the programme (retention rates, destinations, career progression, programme ROI etc)
• Produce regular reports and data analysis for senior stakeholders – highlighting impact, challenges and opportunities for growth
• Continuously improve the programme using participant and host feedback, benchmarking and industry research

Policy, Advocacy and Thought Leadership 

• Establish the Black Internship Programme as a national benchmark in addressing racial equalities in health data science careers
• Engage with government bodies, funders, professional associations and policy groups to:
• Influence policies on equitable recruitment and retention in STEM and health data science
• Advocate for increased funding and support for diversity-focused programmes
• Publish briefings and case studies showcasing programme outcomes and systemic barriers faced by Black health data scientists

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