Latest opportunities
Overview
Gain valuable experience supporting children, families and individuals affected by imprisonment while working alongside experienced practitioners across Pact's services.
Placement opportunities will be advertised on our volunteering and recruitment platform when applications open.
Applications for the 2027/28 academic year open in January 2027.
WATCH: Emily, a social work student at the University of Plymouth, shares her experience on placement with Pact.
Placement opportunities
We currently offer the following student placement opportunities:
- Family Services Student Placement
- Social Work Student Placement
Placements are available at selected Pact locations across England and Wales.
While most placements are offered within Family Services and Social Work Services, opportunities may occasionally be available in other areas of the organisation, including, Prisoners' Families Helpline, Communications, HR, and Court-based Services.
WATCH: Jon shares his experience on placement with Pact.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from students undertaking a recognised placement as part of their course. Our placement opportunities are particularly suited to students studying Social Work, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Family Studies and Therapeutic Play, although applications from other disciplines are welcomed.
How to apply
Applications for the 2027/28 academic year will open in January 2027. Placement opportunities are only advertised during our January to February recruitment period. During that time you will find all available roles on our volunteering platform.
Frequently asked questions
Read these FAQs to see if a student placement with Pact is right for you.
What can I expect from a student placement with Pact?
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Placement experiences vary depending on the role and service. However, students can typically expect to:
\n- \n
- Gain experience within a national charity supporting children, families and individuals affected by imprisonment \n
- Work alongside experienced practitioners and staff \n
- Develop professional skills relevant to their studies and future career \n
- Receive regular supervision and support \n
- Take part in training and learning opportunities where appropriate \n
- Contribute to meaningful work that makes a positive difference to the people we support \n
The specific tasks, responsibilities and learning opportunities available will depend on the placement role and location.
","blocks":{"contentData":[],"settingsData":[]}}I am a counselling student. Can I undertake my counselling placement with Pact?
Where are placements available?
Are placements hybrid or remote?
Do I need approval from my university?
Do I need a DBS check?
Can I claim travel expenses?
Is this the right placement opportunity for me?
Any other questions?
If you have any other questions about student placements, please contact us at studentplacement@prisonadvice.org.uk and a member of the team will be happy to help.
I think about all the people I've helped, the cases I've worked on, and the family days I've done over a year. I just could not have imagined doing all that in my wildest dreams. It's incredible; it exceeded all my expectations.
Social Work Placement
