Free Internship Agreement Template
Create a professional UK internship agreement that clearly defines the arrangement between your organisation and the intern. Download as a PDF in minutes. This template is tailored for British employers and complies with United Kingdom employment law.
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What Is an Internship Agreement?
An internship agreement is a written document that sets out the terms of an internship arrangement between an organisation and an individual. It defines the duration of the internship, the type of work or experience to be provided, supervision arrangements, and any compensation or expenses.
In the UK, the legal status of an intern depends on the nature of the arrangement. If the intern is required to perform work and has set hours and duties, they may be classified as a worker and entitled to the National Minimum Wage. A voluntary arrangement with no obligation to work and no obligation to provide work has a different legal character.
Having a clear written agreement helps both UK parties understand the nature of the relationship and reduces the risk of disputes about employment status, pay, and obligations. British employers must ensure that any internship arrangement complies with the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 in England and Wales.
What's Covered in This Template
Our internship agreement template covers all the essential terms for a clear and fair internship arrangement.
Parties
Full details of the organisation and the intern, including contact information.
Duration
The start date, end date, and total length of the internship.
Role and Objectives
A description of the work experience, learning objectives, and key activities the intern will undertake.
Working Hours
Expected hours of attendance, including any flexibility around academic commitments.
Supervision
The name and role of the intern's supervisor and the support and guidance they will receive.
Compensation
Whether the internship is paid or unpaid, and details of any stipend, expenses, or travel reimbursement.
Confidentiality
Obligations regarding the protection of the organisation's confidential information.
Health and Safety
The organisation's responsibilities for the intern's health and safety while on the premises.
Termination
How either party can end the arrangement early and any notice requirements.
Employment Status
A clear statement regarding the intended legal status of the arrangement.
How to Create an Internship Agreement
Follow these steps to create a clear internship agreement using our template.
- 1
Enter Organisation and Intern Details
Provide the organisation's name and address, and the intern's full name, address, and any relevant educational institution details.
- 2
Define the Internship
Describe the role, main activities, learning objectives, and the department or team the intern will be placed in. Specify the start and end dates.
- 3
Set Hours and Compensation
State the expected working hours and whether the intern will be paid, receive a stipend, or be reimbursed for expenses such as travel and lunch.
- 4
Add Supervision and Support Details
Name the intern's supervisor and describe the support structure, including any training, mentoring, or review meetings that will take place.
- 5
Review and Download
Preview the completed agreement, check that all terms are accurate, and download as a PDF for both parties to sign.
Legal Considerations
The legal status of interns in the UK depends on the nature of the working relationship.
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Reviewed for England & Wales law
Worker Status and National Minimum Wage
If an intern is required to perform work, has set hours, and is expected to carry out specific tasks, they are likely to be classified as a worker under the UK Employment Rights Act 1996 and the National Minimum Wage Act 1998. In this case, they must be paid at least the British National Minimum Wage for their age group. The label "intern" does not determine legal status under English law — the substance of the arrangement is what matters.
Voluntary Workers
An individual who works for a charity, voluntary organisation, or statutory body in the United Kingdom and receives no more than reasonable expenses is classified as a voluntary worker and is not entitled to the National Minimum Wage. However, this exemption does not apply to private sector companies in Britain. An arrangement where the individual has no obligation to attend and the organisation has no obligation to provide work may fall outside the scope of UK employment law.
Student Placements
Students undertaking a work placement as a required part of a UK-based further or higher education course are exempt from the National Minimum Wage for up to one year. The placement must be a genuine part of the academic programme. British employers should verify that the placement meets the exemption criteria.
Health and Safety
Organisations in England and Wales owe a duty of care to interns under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, regardless of whether the intern is classified as an employee, worker, or volunteer. This includes providing a safe working environment, adequate training, and appropriate supervision. Young persons (under 18) are subject to additional UK protections under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Create Your Internship Agreement Now
Use our free template to create a clear, professional internship agreement. Fill in the details, preview the document, and download as a PDF in minutes.
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