Case Study

SEQENS champions inclusive employment with Change 100

22 Apr. 2026

Change 100 connects talented university students and recent graduates with disabilities or long‑term conditions to inclusive employers through paid internships, mentoring, and tailored professional development. For SEQENS, a global leader in Health, Personal Care and Specialty Ingredients, welcoming interns became an opportunity to support emerging talent while gaining fresh perspectives across their teams. 

One intern joined the organisation with quiet determination, and her manager recalled the experience of stepping back into a supervisory role as both stimulating and rewarding. 

“As I learnt her work style and fitted our styles together, I was conscious of not micro‑managing, whilst also not being aloof, and allowing them to grow as a person. 

Her diligence and interest in the work has been brilliant. She has developed so much as a person and with the skills to succeed in a business. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow.” 

What began as a daunting experience culminated in her successfully leading a work event that had once felt far outside her comfort zone. Her manager reflected on the transformation: 

“Seeing the shy, cautious individual that arrived on her first week grow as a confident person, who – even though nervous and daunted by the prospect of running an event for work – exuded professionalism and belief.” 

They also described their own development through the process, recognising the importance of trust and communication in supporting early talent: 

“Reflection and communication is key, but also belief and faith in them to go forward alone and to come to you as and when they need to.” 

Another began her internship with limited experience in the sector but immediately impressed her manager with her enthusiasm and willingness to learn. She embraced every task with positivity, quickly becoming an active part of the team. 

“I think things have gone well and I have been really impressed with how she has actively got involved with a wide range of activities with such a positive attitude.” Says her manager. 

They go on to say how one of the most rewarding parts of the internship was watching them take on responsibilities far removed from their academic background. 

“It was amazing seeing how she got stuck into work in an environment that is so outside of her normal comfort zone. It felt very rewarding. Seeing her learn new skills and seemingly enjoy doing so herself.” 

The experience also prompted reflection on communication and teaching styles, highlighting how working with new talent can bring fresh awareness to established ways of working: 

“I’ve taken an appreciation of how much ‘I know without knowing it’, and therefore a good reminder and challenge to take some time out to explain things in a back‑to‑roots kind of way.” 

For SEQENS, both placements demonstrated the impact of providing inclusive opportunities and the value that Change 100 interns bring to their teams. Through encouragement, trust, and meaningful work, both interns gained confidence and experience – while their managers developed new insights of their own.

Learn more about how Change 100 can support your organisation.