This internship will be based within the SDS Equality team, which leads work to improve outcomes for young people from protected groups through inclusive policy development, service design and research. A core focus of the team is supporting positive transitions for young people from school into learning, training and employment, ensuring that those who face structural barriers are not left behind. 

SDS values ethical research, lived experience and practical impact, making this internship a unique opportunity to influence real‑world policy and practice while being embedded in a supportive and values‑driven team. 

The project will focus specifically on LGBTIQ+ young people, exploring their lived experiences of transitioning from school to post‑school destinations. It will identify key barriers and enablers to participation and progression. 

Interns will be fully supported as part of a multidisciplinary team and will contribute to work that directly informs SDS services. This research will primarily support Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG), however we evisage it will also benefit  learning providers, employers and SDS’s digital offer, particularly in understanding and addressing barriers faced by LGBTIQ+ young people around transition points. 

While SDS holds some data on LGBTIQ+ customers, this is limited and there is currently limited evidence on the specific barriers LGBTIQ+ young people face when transitioning from school to post‑school destinations. This project will address key evidence gaps by centring lived experience and generating in‑depth qualitative insight, particularly at the critical transition point from school to initial post school destination.  

The research will involve qualitative engagement with LGBTIQ+ young people across Scotland (aged 16+), alongside engagement with SDS careers practitioners, primarily through focus groups and interviews. It will strengthen SDS’s understanding of transitions from school to post school of LGBTIQ+ young people, helping to identify key barriers and enablers, improve awareness and accessibility of Careers Services, supporting a more inclusive, evidence‑informed service design. 

Key tasks will include: 

• Summarising and reviewing existing SDS data on LGBTIQ+ customers to identify any trends that require follow up within focus groups/interviews 

• Designing focus groups and interview materials sensitively for LGBTIQ+ audience 
• Supporting the delivery of focus groups and interviews with LGBTIQ+ young people, CIAG staff and relevant external stakeholders 
• Analysing and writing up qualitative data
• Contributing to production of research outputs and presentations
• Presenting findings to key audiences across SDS

Current SDS data will be synthesised and will dovetail with the qualitative research to build a clearer picture of what is currently known and where key evidence gaps remain. This is particularly important for school‑aged young people and critical transition points, such as movement into post‑school destinations. New qualitative insight will explore barriers and enablers, awareness of SDS support, and unmet needs during transitions.

Key outputs will include a report highlighting practice  recommendations to improve SDS CIAG services to LGBTIQ+ young people. This should also include the main barriers, successes and opportunities identified from the research. 

The intern will work with the Equality team to develop some practical resources to accompany the project, such as presentations, webinars, slide packs or other shareable learning materials that support transitions to post‑school pathways. While a written summary of findings will be produced, greater emphasis will be placed on applied outputs to maximise immediate impact and usability. It is anticipated that the intern will deliver a 15–30 minute presentation on their findings and outputs, with the focus on post‑school transitions.

Findings will support the delivery of SDS Equality Outcome 3, enable more inclusive service design withing CIAG service strengthen future research and data approaches, and be shared through presentations to relevant internal stakeholders.

In addition to, the student will:

• Undertake core qualitative research tasks

• Reviewing existing SDS research and evidence

• Designing focus group and interview materials

• Supporting the delivery of focus groups and interviews with LGBTIQ+ young people and CIAG staff.
  • An estimated 3–4 focus groups, of approx. 8-10 participants per group will be recruited in advance of the internship start date.
  • Research will take place in person and online.
  • Depending on the PhD student’s confidence and previous experience, they might lead sessions or co‑facilitate with support from someone at SDS. This would be agreed upon with the student at the beginning of the internship.

• Present research findings creatively to SDS equality colleagues and collaborate with relevant teams to support their implementation
  
• Take part in analysing and writing up qualitative data
  
• Attend team meetings and other forums as required

The successful candidate will be required to obtain a satisfactory PVG check before the start of the fieldwork. Any expense will be covered.