Research Assistant

The Digital Poverty Alliance aims to end digital poverty in the UK. We are bringing together charities, corporates and government to address the underlying issues stopping families gaining full access to digital services – such as education, employment and health. We do this by getting laptops to those who need them, as well as campaigning and gathering research. We are a registered charity, and the whole team work remotely from their homes around the UK.   We are seeking two volunteers to help us meet this aim through supporting research related to our delivery programmes and policy matters. Whether you love data, want to get into evaluation roles, or are keen to understand how charity support impacts real change, this could be a great chance to gain experience in research or develop your skills in this area within a small team. These roles would be perfect if you have some insight into data collection, surveys, focus groups and report writing – but if you don't, and you are keen to learn more, that could work well too. If you are interested in other parts of charity work – such as delivery or fundraising, we may be able to build this into the role.   As this is a voluntary role there are no fixed hours or responsibilities. However, you will play a key role in the DPA and its work, and have the opportunity to be fully integrated within the team and attend team meetings if that works for you. In return for your time, we will give you the chance to develop existing and learn new skills and to be coached by the CEO and other senior staff members. It is a fantastic way to gain an insight and experience within a charity working with high profile partners, and looking to create meaningful social change. It is also a flexible role, for example around studies or other commitments, but we would hope you could commit to attending some regular meetings through the day.   The opportunity could include any of the below – the work will be divided up, so you won't be asked to take on all of these:   ·        Researching policy: Looking into specific areas of digital inclusion related policy, and writing about these. ·        Survey creation: Creating surveys and then analysing data, ensuring that the survey design captures the information required to show the impact of our work. ·        Report writing: Getting involved in writing reports, internal evaluations and other documents. ·        Statistical analysis: Using data to create visualisations, tell stories and demonstrate impact and success. You will be working across the team. What we most want to see is someone who will “get stuck in” and pitch in to support the team, and also be willing to bring their ideas – and not be afraid to share those. This role will be home-based (although you must be based in the UK). There may be opportunities to join meetings or events in London or other UK towns at times, and to come to our office in north Kent. Attending these will not be essential, so if that won't work for you, that's not a problem.    Ideally we would be hoping someone could spend a minimum of ten hours each week on this opportunity. You must have a very high standard of written English in this role.    Please apply by 11.59pm on 27 th September. We will be interviewing as applications come in, so may appoint before the closing date.  We are hoping for people to start asap.