World Autism Awareness Day (Wednesday 2nd April 2025) is dedicated to raising awareness about Autism and promoting acceptance, inclusion, and support for Autistic People.
To celebrate World Autism Day and Autism Acceptance Month throughout April, this blog edition provides an update of some of the things we are doing across Government in supporting Autistic People which includes the Autism Exchange Internship Programme (AEIP), the GFiE Scheme for Autistic People and the Cross Government Autism Network.
Civil Service Autism Exchange Internship Programme
The Civil Service Autism Exchange Programme (AEIP), in partnership with charity Ambitious About Autism, offers paid quality work experience to autistic young people.
The programme offers individuals the opportunity to learn new work skills while providing career development and networking advice. In exchange, participants teach managers and government departments about autism awareness. Interns undertake an 8 week paid employment within a government department throughout the Summer, with this year's programme starting at the end of June 2025.
Annual recruitment is run through the Ambitious About Autism, with opportunities advertised on the Ambitious About Autism Webpages here.
For any Civil service departmental queries only, please contact the Internship team at Diversity.internships@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
GFiE Scheme for Autistic People
The GFiE Scheme for Autistic People offers employment opportunities across the civil service working with the Civil Service ‘Autism Exchange Internship Programme’, to ensure that departments can retain interns and bring brilliant new voices into the Civil Service.
Roles offered via the scheme are on a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) for a minimum of 12 months, with an option to extend for up to 2 years. There may be opportunities for permanent employment after the first 12 months of the appointment.
Below we hear from some of the GFiE Scheme Candidates and a Departmental Line Manager about the impact of the GFiE Scheme for Autistic People.
During my participation in the Going Forward into Employment Scheme, I have found my role to be highly enriching. I have received exceptional support from my team, particularly from my current and former line managers, which has greatly facilitated my development. I have successfully learned programming languages that I initially thought would be challenging and attended workshops that have enhanced my soft skills. Overall, I have found this scheme to be extremely beneficial in preparing me for the workforce as a young autistic individual.
Aisha, Crown Commercial Services
As a Line Manager supporting a colleague who joined the department through the GFiE Scheme, I can confidently say the experience has been immensely positive; not only for the individual involved, but for our entire team, including fellow managers and myself.
The GFiE scheme has significantly broadened our understanding of both the programme itself and the importance of supporting neurodiverse colleagues in the workplace. It has sparked valuable conversations and inspired greater engagement in initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive environment, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Throughout their time with us, the participant has gained insight into the wider business and taken part in meaningful development opportunities, including intermediate Excel training and attending a national conference. These experiences have supported their growth and enabled them to make a substantial impact within our team.
Their contribution has been exceptional, and we are delighted to say that they have now been offered a permanent role as a Lawyer & Business Support Officer. Having navigated the Civil Service recruitment process myself as someone who is also autistic, I understand the challenges it can present. Thanks to the GFiE Scheme, we were fortunate not to miss out on welcoming such a talented, capable, and dedicated team member; someone who has truly become a valued asset to our organisation.
Emma, HM Land Registry
My journey began with the Autism Exchange Internship Programme (AEIP). As someone passionate about politics and public service, the AEIP stood out to me as a place where I could maximise my potential while receiving the tailored support I needed. The AEIP gave me the confidence to take the next step, and soon after, I was offered a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) through the GFIE scheme – the perfect launchpad for my career in the Civil Service.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in the Civil Service has been watching my existing skills flourish while developing new ones. My written skills – always a strength – have been further refined through my role, whilst, with support from my manager, I am continuing to develop my confidence in verbal communication and public speaking -areas I have previously found daunting. This confidence fostered by the GFIE scheme has extended beyond the workplace too.
The supportive environment provided me the courage to dive into another challenge shortly after my role: beginning a part-time Master of Arts (MA). Managing work and study hasn’t always been easy but the time management and prioritisation skills I’ve developed through my role have been invaluable in making this balance to work.
I’ve also been fortunate to discover how many of my autistic traits translate into professional strengths. My attention to detail, for instance, ensures the work I produce is consistently thorough and high-quality. I’ve found I often spot nuances or potential communication issues others might miss. At the same time, I’m able to maintain strong big picture thinking, helping me connect disparate pieces of information in ways that can streamline processes and improve outcomes. This is all facilitated by the structured thinking common to so many autistic individuals. It enables me to manage competing priorities effectively, breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps – a skill that’s served me well both in my role and postgraduate studies.
Key to my success has been working in an environment where the right adjustments and support are available. Simple but crucial accommodations like access to a quiet room when feeling overwhelmed have made stressful moments much more manageable. Even more important has been having a line manager who takes a proactive approach to wellbeing. Their regular check-ins to gauge how I’m coping and whether I need any additional support have been invaluable. This consistent, understanding approach has created a space where I feel comfortable being open about my needs, fostering mutual understanding and allowing me to perform at my best.
For other autistic individuals considering or beginning their Civil Service journey I’d offer 3 key pieces of advice:
1. Disclose on your own terms: Being open as far as you can about being autistic unlocks valuable support and help shift perceptions, but it’s important to only do so when, where and with whom you feel comfortable.
2. Seek out allies: Identify mentors and networks who actively champion neurodiversity. Their support can make a significant difference in navigating workplace challenges.
3. Own your strengths: Your neurodivergent perspective is an asset totally unique to you, don’t downplay the value that you bring to your role and team.Over the next 18 months, I’m focused on deepening my expertise in governance while finishing my MA. Long-term, I’m excited to explore policy and communications – where I can merge my analytical skills with my passion for impactful change.
As I reflect on my journey with the GFIE scheme, I’m struck by how much an experience of work can change when workplaces embrace neurodiversity. What began as a two week internship has become a launchpad – not just for my career, but for my confidence and skills too. I never imagined that following my AEIP I would be offered an FTA, and I’m excited to see what my journey in the Civil Service brings next.
Josh, Home Office
GFiE Life Chance Schemes
The Civil Service has over 20 Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) Life Chance Schemes in operation across Government, using innovative approaches to recruitment and providing Individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, and who face barriers to employment, with opportunities and experience. You can find out more about GFiE at our Civil Service Careers Page www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/about-gfie/
If you would like to discuss providing life changing opportunities for live vacancies, or vacancies you have coming up in the future, please get in contact with us at GFiE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Cross Government Autism Network
The Cross Government Autism Network is a Civil Service staff network.
The network's mission is to improve the experiences of autistic Civil Servants and to support non-autistic allies in the Civil Service.
The network delivers a range of projects including workshops about supporting autistic colleagues please email us to find out more crossgovautismnet@gmail.com
You can also find more details about what we do at our .gov.uk page.
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