Executive Support Apprentice

UKRI External Affairs and Communications Directorate
Salary:£19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 24 months
Hours:Full-time, 37 hours
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1FL

Closing Date: 23:55, Sunday 11th October 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 9th November 2026
Start Date: December 2026
Positions Available: 1

Before applying to this position, please ensure you have read the job description in full, including information on eligibility requirements and the selection process.

Are you highly organised, enjoy working with others, and have an interest in how senior leaders and teams operate? Join UKRI as an Executive Support Apprentice and develop key skills in administration, communication, and coordination within a central directorate.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is offering an opportunity to join the External Affairs and Communications Private Office as an Executive Support Apprentice.

This is a key role within a small, friendly, and high performing team at the heart of the directorate, providing direct support to senior leaders and contributing to the smooth running of the office while supporting the delivery of effective communications across UKRI. The apprenticeship offers a structured opportunity for someone organised and curious to develop strong professional skills in administration, communication, and coordination, with full support provided throughout to build experience, confidence, and an understanding of how a major public organisation operates.

UK Research and Innovation is the largest public sector funder of research and innovation with an annual budget of over £8bn and includes 7 research councils. to find out more about UKRI.

We invest taxpayer’s money into groundbreaking research and innovation to improve the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere.

To learn more about how we do this, you can take a look at our ‘How we improve lives and livelihoods’ page via: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The UKRI External Affairs and Communications Team is responsible for press office and social media, internal comms,creative content, internationalcommunications across UKRI.Our mission is to ensure UKRI communicates in a clear, engaging, and proactive way, connecting people to discoveries that matter to them. Show how UKRI invests public money wisely into research and innovation to improve lives, support livelihoods, and drive economic growth.

With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll relish the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours whilst making a real difference in your role.

You will be able to develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else.

We will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover!

We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion, with access to a dedicated UKRI Early Careers Network.

As a Private Office Administration Apprentice, you will:

• Support Deputy Directors of Communication by helping to manage their diaries and scheduling meetings, visits, and events.
• Work with Private Secretaries to help prepare senior leaders for their commitments and understand how to prioritise effectively.
• Arrange domestic and international travel, working with internal and external partners to identify the most efficient options.
• Help maintain the team’s SharePoint site, ensuring documents, processes, and resources are well organised and easy to find.
• Assist with risk management, corporate…