StopWatch was formed in 2010 as a coalition of academics, activists, marginalised youth, and legal experts seeking to challenge police use of stop and search powers by drawing attention to the realities for those on the receiving end of them. StopWatch uses research, advocacy, litigation and community engagement to understand the impacts of disproportionate policing – primarily but not exclusively through the lens of stop and search – advocate for more effective public safety practices and hold the police to account.
In doing this work over the last 15 years, we have noticed an obvious need for better representation in this space of those who are marginalised and overpoliced. In the third, legal and policy sectors, there remains a lack of diversity which needs to be addressed.
We are committed to playing our part in addressing this through our unique paid internship for those from underrepresented groups to work with our staff on holding the police to account.
About the internship
The internship would be up to 3 days a week, for a period of between 1 month and 3 months, (depending on the intern’s availability). Interns will be paid the London Living Wage.
The work of StopWatch is extremely varied, and interns can expect to work across a multitude of areas including:
- campaigns
- research and policy
- political advocacy
- speaking engagements
- legal research
- community outreach
- social media
We also welcome ideas from prospective interns about how they can put their specific skillsets to use.
Eligibility for the internship
The internship is open to anyone over the age of 18 who:
- is of Black, Asian and/or minoritised ethnicity; and
- has lived experience of stop and search.
We do not have any specific educational requirements. We welcome applications from those:
- who have completed university
- currently at university
- who are taking another path that does not involve university education
- in further education
- not currently in education, employment or training
For those who are attending university, we particularly encourage those from non-Russell Group institutions to apply.
As part of the internship programme, we offer coaching on employment skills and navigating the workplace environment. We therefore welcome applications from those who have not yet been employed, or worked in an office environment, and we are incredibly keen to offer as much support as possible to allow our interns to flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this internship only open to those from minoritised ethnic groups?
This internship is a positive action initiative under the Equality Act 2010 and forms part of our commitment to addressing the under-representation of those from minoritised communities in the third, legal and policy sectors.
I have not been stopped and search personally, but I know people who have, am I eligible?
Yes. We recognise that people can be affected by stop and search – through their parents, siblings, family members or friends – but perhaps have not been stopped and searched themselves. What we are looking for with this eligibility criteria is people who have an understanding of stop and search and the harm it causes, and for this understanding to be rooted in lived experience.
Are there any other internships available at StopWatch?
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to offer any other internship schemes at this time. However, we are always open for people to join us as volunteers.
Application process
To apply for this internship, please send an email to recruitment@stop-watch.org, answering the following questions (no more than 250 words each):
- Why do you want to intern with StopWatch?
- What skills and experiences would you bring to the internship?
- What skills and experiences would you like to gain while at StopWatch, and how will you use that learning or experience in the future?
Within your answers, please include or make reference to your understanding or lived experience of the issues that StopWatch works on.
We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis. We'll be in touch if we are interested in progressing your application. We regret that we are only able to respond to successful applicants.