Getting into the BBC
What will it be like to be a BBC Extendee?
Our culture at the BBC
BBC Values
Our values are
Diversity
What will Extendees receive from the BBC?
What will Extendees need to bring to the BBC?
How can I apply?

Getting into the BBC

Exclusively for disabled people, we run a specialised work placement scheme - BBC Extend.

Extend is a BBC-wide placement scheme which offers appropriately experienced and/or qualified disabled people a great opportunity to gain six months paid work within the BBC.

Although there is no guarantee of a full-time job at the end of the 6 month placement, last year more than half its intake gained further work at the BBC!

Becoming an Extendee is a great way to get started at the BBC. We have many challenging and imaginative placements across the country, in both programming and support areas.

The following sections will tell you everything you need to know about how to apply.

What will it be like to be a BBC Extendee?

As an Extendee, you will get a fantastic start to your career and gain a wealth of experience and opportunities here at the BBC. The placement will commence in August this year and will last for six months.

Extendees are recruited according to their talent, potential and passion to achieve great things with us, not solely based on their formal academic backgrounds. Extendees are a diverse mix of disabled people and are encouraged to apply via targeted recruitment campaigns nation-wide.

We are looking for Extendees with a keen interest in broadcasting and who have a broad knowledge of BBC output aimed at our diverse audiences.
By the end of the six month placement, you will be able to compete for jobs in your chosen field having:

• Put learning immediately into practice in a real job.
  
  
• Received high quality support from BBC leaders as well as a range of innovative and varied development opportunities.
  
  
• Followed a structured work development plan with clearly defined learning objectives and regular reviews with your appointed line manager/supervisor.
  
  
• Reached your full potential with support from your line manager/supervisor and your personal buddy from the Extend Scheme.
  
  
• Taken an active part in the BBC community, enabling all of you to learn from each other.

Our culture at the BBC

Choosing to work at the BBC is one of the most fulfilling and exciting decisions you can make. After all, you would be joining an organisation that aims to be the most creative, trusted broadcaster and programme maker in the world. Building on the six basic values below, we're creating an environment that's friendly, welcoming and open to change.

Our hours are varied and our dress code relaxed. It is a million miles away from the standard nine-to-five. Having said that, we are serious about what we do and we would expect you to be too.

BBC Values

Values are the standards which people across the BBC share. They represent the things we cherish and aspire to, they guide our day to day decisions and shape our individual and collective behaviour.

Our values are:

• Trust: trust is the foundation of the BBC, we are independent, impartial and honest
  
  
• Audiences: audiences are at the heart of everything we do
  
  
• Quality: we take pride in delivering quality and value for money
  
  
• Creativity: creativity is the lifeblood of our organisation
  
  
• Respect: we respect each other and celebrate our diversity so that everyone can give their best
  
  
• Collaboration: great things happen when we work together

Diversity

The BBC aims to be a true reflection of the nations and regions we serve, both in terms of output and employment. We are working hard to create the kind of working environment and culture that recognises and values people's differences. And we'll achieve this by attracting, recruiting and developing the most creative and talented people from every section of the community.

BBC Extend Scheme welcomes applications from disabled people with relevant experience in terms of employment, training and work experience opportunities.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments wherever necessary. We have an Access Unit that provides assessments and support for disabled people throughout the recruitment process and during their employment with us.

And we regularly audit our systems and buildings to ensure accessibility for all staff and visitors with disabilities.

What will Extendees receive from the BBC?

• An understanding of broadcasting from the world's most respected broadcaster
  
  
• An invaluable experience of a real life job for six months
  
  
• Practical experience, skills and knowledge from working alongside experienced people across the BBC
  
  
• Direct support from line managers/supervisors in the BBC
  
  
• A personal mentor/buddy from the Extend Scheme
  
  
• The opportunity of putting what they learn into practice by using their skills each day
  
  
• An opportunity to reach their full potential
  
  
• The opportunity to be part of a learning community across the BBC enabling each Extendee to learn from each other within the host department
  
  
• A work plan with set objectives and periodic reviews. There will be a review after the initial three months to determine if objectives have been met.

What will Extendees need to bring to the BBC?

• A diverse range of experience and backgrounds to enhance our output.
  
  
• Relevant experience, subject to the placement description and criteria. For example:- Broadcast Assistant placement – basic training in journalism such as writing as a hobby, writing articles for publication or college/community radio
  
  
• A great deal of enthusiasm and creativity
  
  
• The ability to work co-operatively within a team
  
  
• The ability to communicate confidently and effectively, regardless of disability
  
  
• A keen interest in BBC Output including TV, Radio and Online
  
  
• The ability to learn quickly from day one!

How can I apply?

You can apply for a maximum of two placements from all the placements on offer. You will need to complete an application online. If you want to apply for another placement, you will need to complete another application form for the second placement. We would encourage you to target your application(s) carefully.

For example: -

Application One – London - Extendee - Assisting BBC Radio 5Live Projects

Application Two – Cardiff - Extendee - Supporting a BBC TV Production Team

Please note you can only apply for a maximum of two placements (two separate applications), multiple applications will be discounted.

We would advise you to read the placement description and criteria carefully and ensure that your application is clear and well presented. You should think of specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of and interest in the placement.

If you reach the shortlist, you will be notified by late May/early June 2009. We anticipate our interviews with the host manager of the placement(s) will take place 8th June to 3rd July.

The link to the application page is at the top of each page of this microsite.

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