10 September 2025
In this blog, we hear directly from those students about their experiences of working inside other partner organisations, often in fast-paced, sensitive and challenging environments.
Mariam Roble – Politics and International Relations BA
I had the chance to intern at INQUEST over the summer, and it was a fantastic experience. I worked closely with Rosanna Ellul (Policy and Parliamentary Manager) to co-write a briefing for a research project about national and international alternatives to policing for people going through mental health crises.
I also joined an INQUEST webinar called “All or Nothing,” about the Hillsborough Law Family Listening Day. Hearing from bereaved families was incredibly moving. It showed me how INQUEST’s work has such a personal impact on people’s lives while also driving bigger changes in law and society. It was inspiring to see how meaningful and far-reaching the work can be.
The whole internship was enjoyable and challenging in the best way. Rosanna guided me at every step and made me feel like my work truly mattered. For those coming after me, I urge you to apply. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers – I was able to learn, explore, and experience so much, and it’s made me even more excited for what’s ahead, wherever it may be. I’m sure you’ll love every minute of it, just like I did.
Zara Mehmood – Psychology BSc
As part of my summer internship, I supported INQUEST in launching their third memorial banner project. I posted out creative participation packs to families bereaved by state violence, enabling people to contribute to the project from across the UK. Alongside this, I also helped catalogue the personal archive of Joan Meredith – who has spent decades campaigning against the UK’s unjust prison system.
In June we ran an event to bring together families and I was struck by the warm and creative atmosphere that was full of unspoken solidarity. I created an embroidered piece in remembrance of Amy El-Keria, whose story, like many others, speaks to the urgent need for accountability.
It felt like more than just a workshop – it was a space for collective grief, connection and resistance, no one felt pressured to speak but many did, offering advice with compassion. Through stitching we aren’t just creating a banner, we are honouring lives, challenging injustice, and building a memorial collectively out of grief. This internship has taught me the value of building supportive spaces as part of social justice work. This project is a soft but defiant reminder: resistance doesn’t always shout, sometimes it sews.
Obusor Obara – Law LLB
Interning at Women in Prison (WIP) has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience. I’ve supported the team by transcribing interviews, cataloguing WIP’s online presence, and researching journalists who could help amplify the charity’s work.
A standout moment was attending a talk at the House of Commons, which featured an MP, prison inspector, and a woman with lived experience of prison. Through this internship, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the prison system and how poorly women are treated within it. I also learned how vital continuous training and education are for those working in prison environments.
The WIP office is a genuinely supportive space—everyone celebrates each other’s small wins, creating a strong sense of community. I strongly encourage students to apply, whether through the University of Westminster or independently. It’s a powerful and insightful experience that will challenge your views on justice and sentencing.
Lachlan Dorey – Global Criminology MA
My internship with Women in Prison has truly been an inspiring opportunity. Over the initial months volunteering and the subsequent paid internship, I have been lucky enough to engage with the stories and history of the women that this organisation supports and advocates for, and work with the wonderful staff at this organisation.
I was invited to attend two parliamentary meetings on topics concerning women impacted by the criminal justice system, as well as a sentencing reform meeting with similar organisations, which were very eye opening and educational. Further to this, I am very grateful to have been involved in a project spearheaded by Women in Prison regarding the impact of domestic violence on women who commit crimes and end up incarcerated. I highly recommend this internship for future students, especially for women who are interested in prison and sentencing reform around how women are treated throughout the criminal justice system.
Kulsuma Miah - Politics and International Relations BA
Interning at CAAT was my first real experience in the field I hope to work in and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to start. I joined the team during a pivotal moment, with major legal and political developments unfolding around the UK’s arms trade. On my first day, I attended a Parliamentary briefing on the Al-Haq and GLAN legal case against the UK government, which challenged the export of F-35 components to Israel amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza. This opportunity also allowed me to meet MPs and members of GLAN (Global Legal Action Network). The following week, I observed the case in court, watching lawyers present their case to hold the government accountable - an unforgettable experience.
Most of my time was spent in the office, where I contributed to weekly media reviews, tracking developments on arms licensing, foreign policy shifts, UK sanctions on Israel and issues like the UK’s stance on Palestine Action. CAAT also gave me the chance to do my own research and write a blog post for their website.
To anyone considering this internship: be prepared for intense, sometimes upsetting content. But the work is meaningful, the learning curve is steep (in a good way), and the chance to connect with people passionate about justice makes it all worth it.
Muazzuma Miah – Politics and International Relations
My experience at CAAT has been incredibly fulfilling and exciting. The first two weeks was spent on observing GLAN and Al-Haq taking the UK government to court over its continued supply of F-35 parts, which has been used in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians. Through this, I learnt about the UK’s involvement in producing parts for the F-35, and what export licensing is and the different types of licenses.
Going into the courts and listening to what the government’s barristers had to say was incredibly difficult, and summarising court rulings was the most challenging part of this internship. Reading through court cases, especially regarding the court’s decision for Britain’s continued supply of F-35 parts, and seeing how the courts and the government deflect responsibility onto each other instead of making a definitive decision is incredibly frustrating. However, seeing the efforts of GLAN and Al-Haq, I have not lost hope that the UK will be held accountable.