How to manage internships

Author: Patrick Thomas

Summary

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• Be aware that an internship is not a legally defined relationship and can cover a wide range of arrangements.
• Take steps to recruit interns from a wide pool of potential candidates.
• Be aware that interns will be entitled to the national minimum wage if they meet the definition of a worker.
• Comply with the Working Time Regulations 1998 in relation to the intern's working hours and annual leave entitlement, if they are a worker.
• Comply with other statutory obligations in relation to the intern, depending on their employment status.
• Recognise the benefits to the organisation of offering formal paid internships.
• Provide the intern with an induction, including health and safety information.
• Consider how the intern's performance will be monitored throughout the placement.
• Carry out an exit interview to obtain feedback on the internship.
• Provide a reference for the intern if requested.