Who We Help
The Sarah Hughes Trust supports the
Guardian Positive Action Scheme.
This is a two-week paid work experience placement for those from under represented groups who are aiming to start a career in journalism. There are schemes for people with disabilities, for people who are Black, Asian or minority ethnic, and for people from working class backgrounds. The schemes give opportunities to work across the Guardian in departments such as News, Sports, Features, Podcasting, Business, and Photography. The aim of these schemes is first to identify journalists who have clear potential, and then give them the opportunity to work closely with experienced writers and editors in the London head office.
Through our fundraising in Sarah’s name, the Sarah Hughes Trust provides financial support for participants each year – helping those from across the country, who don't have connections to London, to cover the accommodation costs for the duration of their placement.
Joseph Harker, the Guardian Senior Editor (Diversity and Development), who has run the scheme since its launch, says: "In the past 20 years we've seen many gifted young journalists from non-traditional backgrounds take a major step in their careers through this programme. Since the Sarah Hughes Trust began its support we've been able to add regional diversity too, and to create even more opportunities. Sarah Hughes has certainly had a major impact on the next generation of journalists.”
Two of the past Sarah Hughes Trust recipients, Sundus Abdi (2022) and Priya Bharadia (2023), have gone on to be awarded the prestigious Scott Trust Bursary. The bursary supports journalists from underrepresented backgrounds, providing tuition fees and financial support for a postgraduate qualification in journalism, plus mentoring, followed by an opportunity for a nine-month fixed-term contract.
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Under No One’s Thumb, Sundus Abdi & Priya Bharadia, the Guardian offices, London, Scott Trust Bursary award winners 2024/25
This is a two-week paid work experience placement for those from under represented groups who are aiming to start a career in journalism. There are schemes for people with disabilities, for people who are Black, Asian or minority ethnic, and for people from working class backgrounds. The schemes give opportunities to work across the Guardian in departments such as News, Sports, Features, Podcasting, Business, and Photography. The aim of these schemes is first to identify journalists who have clear potential, and then give them the opportunity to work closely with experienced writers and editors in the London head office.
Through our fundraising in Sarah’s name, the Sarah Hughes Trust provides financial support for participants each year – helping those from across the country, who don't have connections to London, to cover the accommodation costs for the duration of their placement.
Joseph Harker, the Guardian Senior Editor (Diversity and Development), who has run the scheme since its launch, says: "In the past 20 years we've seen many gifted young journalists from non-traditional backgrounds take a major step in their careers through this programme. Since the Sarah Hughes Trust began its support we've been able to add regional diversity too, and to create even more opportunities. Sarah Hughes has certainly had a major impact on the next generation of journalists.”
Two of the past Sarah Hughes Trust recipients, Sundus Abdi (2022) and Priya Bharadia (2023), have gone on to be awarded the prestigious Scott Trust Bursary. The bursary supports journalists from underrepresented backgrounds, providing tuition fees and financial support for a postgraduate qualification in journalism, plus mentoring, followed by an opportunity for a nine-month fixed-term contract.
Under No One’s Thumb, Sundus Abdi & Priya Bharadia, the Guardian offices, London, Scott Trust Bursary award winners 2024/25
Testimonials of the impact Sarah Hughes has had on the next generation of journalists
The support from the Sarah Hughes Trust alleviated my worries about finding and funding accommodation in London, making it possible for me to complete the Positive Action Scheme placement. Thanks to the Trust, I was able to take my first steps in journalism and discover that it is the right career path for me. I'm sincerely grateful for the life and legacy of Sarah Hughes, whose trust continues to make a difference to early-career journalists. – Sundus Abdi (2022)
Had it not been for the Sarah Hughes Trust I wouldn’t have been able to take up my offer at the Guardian…i can tell you wholeheartedly that it means so much to be given the opportunity and financial possibility of going to London to undertake work experience…this entire experience has opened my eyes and has helped me visualise where i want to be in journalism - Flo Cornall (2022)
Taking part in the Guardian’s Positive Action Scheme last summer allowed me to envision myself as a working journalist for the first time, unimpeded my financial barriers. - Priya Bharadia (2023)
I was very grateful for the help of the Sarah Hughes Trust as I would not have been able to complete my incredible two-week placement at The Guardian without it due to my lack of financial support. I learnt so much and it gave me the belief I needed to become a success in the journalism industry. – Huzaifah Khan (2024)
The Guardian’s Positive Action Scheme made a real difference as a first hand opportunity to work in a newsroom. Without the logistical assistance and financial support from the Sarah Hughes Trust, at a time when I was busy with my MA dissertation, I would not have been able to enjoy and immerse myself in the experience in the same way. The Trust was so forthcoming in its help and it is a credit to the institution that they really foregrounded the interests and administrative concerns of the interns. - Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere (2024)
I would like to emphasis how important this support is to me, and I would not be able to take part in the Guardian Positive Action Scheme without it, which is the most exciting achievement of my life. Prior to attending the interview for the internship I’d only ever been to London once, on a school trip, so it was an incredible feeling to be in the heart of the city. Coming from Greater Manchester, London seemed like quite a world away, and being able to stay there for the duration of my internship thanks to the Trust is life changing. So thank you so much to all involved, and this support is something I will never forget. - Antonia Shipley (2025) Guardian Article two; Guardian article three
It can’t be overstated how much the positive action scheme is the best possible way to get your first look into a national news organisation. All those involved were incredible at impressing upon me that it is possible to make it in the journalism industry without being from London. Without the prospect of the Sarah Hughes Trust and its ability to allow me, originally from Leeds, to stay in London for the duration of the placement, I couldn’t have even dreamed of applying for the scheme, nevermind take part. I can’t express my gratitude enough to the organisers of both initiatives.- Connor Myers (2025)
