A Commitment to Ethical, Supportive, and Sustainable Work Placements

At The Departure Board, we believe that international work placements should be safe, fair, inclusive, and transformative experiences for all students. By signing this Charter, partner organisations agree to uphold the following standards of good practice and shared values.

1. Commitment to Student Support and Welfare

We pledge to:

• Provide a safe and supportive working environment that prioritises the wellbeing of all students.
• Ensure students receive a clear role description, appropriate supervision, and regular feedback.
• Offer induction or orientation to help students understand local workplace culture and expectations.
• Treat all students with respect and fairness, recognising their contribution as emerging professionals.
• Maintain open, honest, and timely communication with students and The Departure Board team.
• Ensure no student is exploited, asked to perform unsafe tasks, or assigned duties beyond their agreed role.

2. Commitment to Equity and Social Mobility

We pledge to:

• Provide opportunities that are accessible to students from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or socioeconomic status.
• Avoid discriminatory practices in recruitment or workplace behaviour.
• Support students who may face barriers to international mobility by offering fair compensation, accommodation, or cost-of-living support where possible.
• Value the role of placements as a means to broaden participation and open pathways to global experience for underrepresented groups.


3. Commitment to Sustainability and Responsibility

We pledge to:

• Operate in ways that respect the environment and local communities.
• Strive to reduce waste and carbon impact related to internship activities (e.g., travel, office practices).
• Encourage students to contribute to sustainability goals, through workplace initiatives or community engagement.
• Promote ethical business conduct and transparency in all operations.

4. Commitment to Partnership and Continuous Improvement

We pledge to:

• Collaborate actively with The Departure Board and participating universities to maintain high-quality placements.
• Welcome feedback from students and use it constructively to improve future experiences.
• Notify The Departure Board of any significant changes to placement conditions, structure, or supervision.
• Uphold the integrity and reputation of the platform by ensuring all information shared is accurate and up to date.

5. Our Shared Values

Together, we believe in:

• Learning through experience
• Cultural understanding and global citizenship
• Fairness and opportunity for all
• Sustainability and ethical practice
• Mutual respect and collaboration