Roger Murphy, Project Lead and Tracy Etherson, Project Manager, from HMRC share their story about how supported internships have made a difference to their workplace and how using the SIQAF helped improve quality, inclusion, and opportunity across the civil service.
When HMRC Liverpool welcomed its first group of supported interns through the Intern to Work programme, it sparked real change. Staff across the India Buildings began learning more about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the team made sure every intern felt supported and included.
Each intern was paired with a buddy in their work area, and a group of volunteers stepped in to offer help on top of their usual roles.
“Business areas have rallied around interns to support them, make them feel welcome and part of the team,” said Roger Murphy, Project Lead, and Tracey Etherson, Project Manager.
As part of their commitment to inclusion, HMRC staff also took part in Employer Ambassador training, helping them better represent the communities they serve.
The SIQAF in action
The team’s focus on learning and improving was strengthened by their recent experience of the Supported Internship Quality Assurance Framework (SIQAF) review.
“In March 2025 we had our first SIQAF with BASE,” said Murphy and Etherson. “The experience was highly informative… We found the preparation straightforward and insightful in terms of our approach and potential areas for improvement.”
The review included views from interns, staff, families, college partners and the local council. The feedback helped show what was working and where to improve.
“At HMRC we want to offer the best experience to all our interns, and independent feedback is an important component to ensure we are continually improving.”
This commitment to getting better has already made a real difference, highlighting that traditional recruitment methods can discourage many people with additional needs.
“Our experience working with interns has highlighted the fact our recruitment and selection processes are sub optimal and act as a barrier. We are now reviewing our wider recruitment strategy within HMRC using Intern to Work as an exemplar of how people with SEN conditions can flourish with the right support.”
The difference this has made goes beyond the office.
“The impact on the local community and families of interns and rise in aspirations to work for HMRC from young people with SEN conditions has been heartening for our colleagues,” said Murphy. “It has been a humbling experience having the opportunity to work with young adults as they settle into working life.”
Watch this short video to hear directly from a parent about what supported internships have meant for their family.
The results speak for themselves. HMRC has already offered permanent roles to two former interns. Seven others are now in fixed-term roles, and more young people are coming through: a third group has just started in Liverpool, and a new group has begun in Manchester. HMRC has also partnered with HM Courts and Tribunal Service locally to offer more internships.
And this is just the beginning.
“We are fully committed to this project and want it to grow across more civil service departments,” said Roger Murphy, Project Lead, and Tracey Etherson, Project Manager.
Thinking about starting your own supported internship programme?
Employers: Like HMRC, you can get expert support to welcome talented young people with additional needs into your team. A SIQAF review can help you build a stronger, more inclusive workplace.
Providers and Local Authorities: SIQAF is more than a checklist — it’s a tool to help you improve, grow and deliver better internships in your area.
