Graduate Programmes

If you’re starting out in your career or looking for a change in career, you might not know exactly what you want to do yet. But perhaps you do know you want to make a difference. As a large world class organisation, we offer a wealth of career opportunities so you can start to shape your professional life.

Whether you’re a tech whizz, have a way with words or a head full of fundraising ideas, we’ll nurture your talent and show you what it’s like to have a job that really matters.

The BHF has a history of running graduate programmes in several different teams.

These 24-month structured schemes provide graduates the opportunity to work and experience life in one of the countries largest charities; gaining hands-on experience across key organisational areas.

We’re aiming to open our schemes in Autumn 2021 for successful applicants to join us in September 2022.

Please sign up for job alerts on our careers site to be informed of future updates. We would also encourage you to explore our current vacancies and volunteering opportunities available within the organisation.

Gradunique

Our award-winning graduate programme will return in 2021.Working together with Macmillan Cancer Support, we deliver the Gradunique development programme for graduates who are ambitious and want gain valuable experience and work in the charity sector. This two-year programme gives exceptional graduates the opportunity to work, full time, in paid positions for both charities - 12 months in each.

This unique partnership between the BHF and Macmillan Cancer Support provides incredible exposure to the sector. You'll gain hands-on experience across a wide range of functions in two of the UK's leading charities and the chance to make vital connections.

We are aiming to reopen the Gradunique programme in Autumn 2021 for successful applicants joining us in September 2022.

In the meantime, please subscribe to the Gradunique newsletter to be informed of future updates. We would also encourage you to explore the current vacancies and volunteering opportunities available within our organisations.

For further details, please visit please visit www.gradunique.org.uk

Retail

Our Retail Graduate Programme is a 24 month structured scheme aimed at developing retail managers. As the largest and most successful charity retailer in the UK, with over 700 stores and a strong online presence, our programme offers a great opportunity for a talented graduate.

Through hands on training across our fashion and furniture & electrical stores, regular feedback and challenging assignments, our graduates will be well-equipped for an enterprising career in retail.

From running a store and job shadowing to taking on regional projects, graduates will be expected to show initiative by taking on responsibility, sharing their learnings and making the best use of the extensive development opportunities within the BHF.

We’re looking for people with great passion for customer service and problem solving. You’ll be a great team player with strong networking and communication skills.

So if you’re a graduate with ambitions for a career in retail, we can offer you the entrepreneurial environment, hands on training and expert knowledge that will get you on track for success.

Fundraising

Fundraising provides the life blood of charities and this is no exception at the British Heart Foundation. Our Fundraising directorate is key and helps us fund life saving science. This is a two year programme where you’ll have exposure to several teams within fundraising including: Philanthropy, Community, Corporate Partnerships, Marketing and Events. This will allow you to gain a thorough insight into the life of a fundraiser at a major UK charity.

Primarily based at our London head office, but also visiting various offices and hubs throughout the UK, you’ll gain an understanding of the unique ways that people give to charities and help solve problems by developing innovative solutions to challenges.

We are looking for people who have great ideas, effective communication and relationship building skills; whilst being able to deliver, create and sustain partnerships, events and projects.

Technology

This is an innovative new graduate scheme in our growing Technology Directorate within the BHF. We want to be at the forefront of digital solutions to assist the smooth running of the charity. We are looking for two graduates for a 24-month programme where you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to become a technology professional. Through the programme you’ll develop and acquire experience in IT operations, service desk, and business analysis as well as digital development and testing. These experiences will help you to develop key and important skills vital for a career in IT.

With a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) we’re looking for people with excellent problem-solving skills, project management, customer focus, stakeholder management and a passion for learning and developing.