Policy research volunteer roles

Senior Policy Advisor

Youth Advantage UK

Remote

Unpaid role, expenses not paid

Voluntary

Job description

Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Senior Policy Advisor to support its Long-Term Research & Policy Team in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to grow its impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring research developed by YAUK can be moulded into policy positions capable of influencing and informing policy makers. Working closely with the Heads of Policy, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to develop convincing narratives to achieve the aims of the organisation. They will should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

•    Taking raw research and developing a convincing narrative that will convince policy makers to take action based on our evidence-based recommendations.
•    Develop recommendations for policy makers based on evidence and aligning with the political priorities of the targeted policy makers.
•    Work effectively with members of YAUK’s research team to turn their research into succinct policy documents.
•    To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategic policies and focus.
•    Support the Head of Policy in delivering the policy team’s wider goals and priorities.
•    Aid junior policy colleagues in completing their work and provide direction in support of the Head of Policy.
•    To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Team in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.
•    Support the creation of blogs and articles on policy related issues and to support with the development of academic articles and reports.
•    Ensure that policy documents developed by the team are of high quality and present YAUK and its work in a good light.
•    To find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

Requirements:

•    Experience or knowledge of how the policy development process works.
•    Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people in the UK.
•    Knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to applying research and development in public policy.
•    Experience of writing or contributing to briefings and other policy documents.
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.
•    IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
•    Ability to work well independently and in a team.
•    Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in influencing policy makers.
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible working hours.

We are seeking people from a variety of backgrounds to join our Policy Approval Panel. The purpose of the panel is to support the Workforce Professional Development Boards (WPDBs) by applying the appropriate scrutiny to the development and review of workforce policies developed by the sport and physical sector supported by CIMSPA.

The Policy Approval Panel will check whether the due process has been followed in the development and review of sector workforce policies such as professional standards, standards for deployment and apprenticeship standards. It will also check the accuracy of said policies, ensuring that anything issued to the WPDBs for approval is accurate and fit for purpose.

It is anticipated that the panel will meet three times per year ahead of the WPDB meetings but if there are no policies for approval of the board, the meeting will not be held.

An initial induction/standardisation meeting will be held in person, thereafter meetings will be held remotely with papers issued for review ahead of the meeting.

***PhD required***

12 month minimum comminitment

only applicants with a PhD will be considered

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• To manage strategy, policy and the vision of the Research & Policy Department 

• To guide and support more junior management to achieve success in their roles 

• To have overall responsibility for all of our research and policy work

• To oversee research ethics

• To oversee and develop departmental procedure and process

• To align the department with its objective and goals

• To be lead the department and oversee all of its volunteers and functions, this include all inital research, all long term research, ethics and policy

​You will need

• Management experience 

• Research experience

• Have completed a postgraduate course of study at PhD level

• Research ethics experiance 

• Planning skills 

• Research report writing experience 

• Ability to create and manage policy

Benefits

• This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role 

• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

 Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. 

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

FOI Researcher (Voluntary)

Location: Remote

Commitment: Flexible, part-time volunteer role

Organisation: Youth Advantage UK

About the Role

Youth Advantage UK is seeking passionate and detail-oriented volunteers to join our team as Freedom of Information (FOI) Researchers. In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting our advocacy and research projects by drafting, submitting, and tracking FOI requests to public bodies across the UK. The data you help uncover will directly inform our campaigns, reports, and youth-focused initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft clear, accurate, and effective FOI requests tailored to specific project needs

• Submit FOI requests to relevant public authorities and track their progress

• Follow up on outstanding requests to ensure timely responses

• Review and interpret data received from FOI responses

• Collaborate with project leads to integrate findings into reports and campaigns

• Maintain accurate records of requests, correspondence, and outcomes

What We’re Looking For

• Familiarity with the UK Freedom of Information Act and FOI request procedures

• Strong written communication and research skills

• Ability to interpret and summarise data clearly

• Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple requests simultaneously

• A commitment to transparency, accountability, and youth empowerment

• Previous experience with FOI requests (desirable but not essential)

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in legal research, public accountability, and data analysis

• Insight into public sector transparency and youth advocacy work

• Flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule

• A chance to make a tangible impact on youth-focused projects

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

This is an opportunity for someone who holds a PhD or Research Master’s degree to join our team as a Research Manager, and use their experience in guiding and managing our research function(s). Initially there will be a focus on managing the preliminary research function, which carries out research on specific topics to best inform, guide and direct our work in protecting the rights and interests of young people.

Responsibilities

· To manage welfare of researchers

· Look after day to day management and support of teams, stand in for absences (including undertaking research tasks, where necessary).

· Monitor and report on performance

· To advise on and provide feedback on matters of research

· To line manage senior researchers

· To advise on, guide and manage research workflow, ensuring of ethical research and policy compliance

· To ensure of a focus on organizational goals

· To lead planning as required

· To have oversight on research being carried out and the outcomes of such, ensuring it is to a high standard

You will need

· A PhD or Master’s degree

· To have experience operationally in a research role

· To understand how to motivate a team and manage others

Benefits

This is a UK based 100% fully remote and flexible role with a time commitment of 5 hours per week.

Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Job Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Working Relationships: C-Level Executives, National Research, Policy, Ethics, Research Reporting, and Local Operations
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: 12 months minimum | Part-time | Flexible hours

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our national and local operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective delivery of projects and research, maintaining ethical and operational standards, and driving continuous improvement across all organisational systems and processes.

This is a senior voluntary position ideal for an experienced operations or strategy leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make an impact in the not-for-profit or research sector.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations, and Local Operations (including projects and research).

• Oversee operational delivery to ensure smooth, ethical, and effective implementation of all projects.

• Lead the optimisation of systems, structures, and processes to maximise organisational efficiency.

• Ensure resource allocation is effective and aligned with strategic goals.

• Support and collaborate with C-Level colleagues to drive organisational progress.

• Attend high-level meetings and provide regular operational updates and recommendations.

• Act as a key decision-maker in operational strategy, compliance, and performance management.

• Support and coach department heads and senior managers to strengthen internal leadership capacity.

• Step in to provide hands-on support to other C-Level officers and direct reports when needed.

What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, experienced, and adaptable leader who can bring structure, strategy, and calm to a dynamic environment. You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
• Significant experience in operations management, project delivery, or organisational leadership.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple teams or departments in complex environments.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to compliance and transparency.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Experience mentoring or managing senior leaders or functional heads.
• Comfort working remotely with cross-functional, volunteer-led teams.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style and openness to learning and adaptation.
• An understanding of the not-for-profit, research, or policy sectors (advantageous but not essential).

What You’ll Gain
• The opportunity to lead national operations for a values-led organisation making a tangible impact.
• Executive-level experience within a collaborative, mission-driven C-Suite.
• The chance to refine strategic and operational leadership skills in a complex, real-world setting.
• Recognition through:
o LinkedIn testimonial and reference
o A public thank you post
o Permission to list the organisation as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
o A written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This is a voluntary position. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned operations leaders or executives seeking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful, values-driven mission and support the growth of an impactful organisation.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to help shape the strategic and operational backbone of a growing organisation and support our mission through effective leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

Role: Director of Local Operations

Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Director of Local Operations to develop and lead its Local Operations Departments (England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland) in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to have an impact at a local level through commissioned research projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring these Departments produce high-quality research projects which meet the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations and grow Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach in line with its strategic policies. Working closely with the COO and the Policy and Ethics Departments, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively guide and strengthen the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

● In line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, to lead the Local Operations Department in designing, developing and implementing impactful research and project objectives.

● To line manage the Head of Local Operations (England and Wales) and the Head of Local Operations (Scotland and Northern Ireland), supporting them to effectively manage their own teams and to develop and implement the frameworks necessary for producing top quality research projects based around both desktop research and fieldwork.

● To work with HR in creating a strong Local Operations Department composed of individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. To ensure these volunteers are appropriately supported and trained during their period of service.

● To work alongside the Policy Department to source potential commission and project opportunities, shaping the focus and output of the Local Operations Department accordingly.

● To develop short- and long-term strategies in relation to the Department’s activity, ensuring that these align with the wider strategies of the organisation.

● To liaise with the Policy and Ethics Department of the organisation on an ongoing basis, ensuring that their advice is incorporated into Departmental decisions and output.

● To take responsibility for relationships with key external stakeholders, at all times representing the organisation positively and professionally.

● To work on an on-going basis with the other members of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team in determining its strategic priorities and incorporating these into the Department.

● To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategies and the Local Operations Department’s activities.

● To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Department in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.

● To create blogs and articles on related issues and to find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

● To support the Chief Executive Officer in presenting local operations strategies to Youth Advantage’s Trustees.

Requirements:

● Experience in research and planning, leading key campaigns or programmes.

● High-level understanding of carrying out quality desktop research and related fieldwork, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities.

● Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to effectively disseminating research results.

● Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members.

● Excellent writing and speaking skills.

● IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

● Ability to work well independently and in a team.

● Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

● Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits

● Gain valuable experience in leading a research and project team.

● Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.

● Flexible working hours.

Who They Are

Moneyfacts Research Foundation was established to broaden research and understanding of interest rates, including their use and economic effects.

The Foundation’s objects are:

• To advance education, research, and understanding of economics, with a focus on interest rates, their purpose, and their economic, monetary, and domestic consequences.

• To study the skills and expertise required for interest rate setting, as well as data collection and analysis.

The Role

Moneyfacts Research Foundation (Charity No. 1211382) is a newly formed charity seeking two additional trustees. The Foundation is supported and financed by Moneyfacts Group plc, the UK’s leading provider of interest rate data.

Trustee Duties

In addition to statutory responsibilities, trustees are expected to:

• Attend 3–4 board meetings annually, prepared to contribute to discussions and scrutinise board papers.

• Advise and support the board on the continuous development and improvement of the Foundation.

• Assist in networking within the sector.

• Apply their knowledge and experience to help the board make sound decisions.

Person Specification

The Foundation seeks trustees who bring energy, enthusiasm, and diverse thinking to the board. The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience in the finance sector.

• Willingness and ability to understand trustee responsibilities and act in the charity’s best interests.

• Creative and strategic thinking skills.

• Capacity for independent judgement and collaborative work as a board member.

• Strong communication skills and active participation in discussions.

• Enthusiasm for the Foundation’s vision and mission.

Terms of Appointment

• Initial appointment is for two years.

• The role is unpaid, as it is a charity position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Trustees are expected to attend 3–4 board meetings per year, currently held in person in Norwich.

• The Foundation’s primary activity is the publication of INTEREST, a journal released every six weeks to coincide with Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee meetings.

MARINElife is a science charity that conducts cetacean and seabird research and monitoring by gathering information of key marine species so they can be better protected and we are seeking a Trustee Treasurer.  For over 30 Years, we have carried out research, educational and outreach work on whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine animals in the oceans of North-west Europe. We also provide relevant, robust and up-to-date information to those working for the sustainable future of our oceans.

The vital work is done in partnership with a wide range of sponsoring bodies from ecotourism through to research institutes and shipping companies. Our goal is to help conserve marine animals and to raise awareness of the threats they face by engaging the public and policymakers.

Everyone here has a passion for the marine environment. Our Trustees play a key role and are responsible for the oversight and governance of the charity, including ensuring the charity has the strategy to deliver its aims. They work as a team on the MARINElife Board of Trustees and also take a hands-on lead on specific topics as required.

Day- to- day operation of the charity is carried out by a small and dedicated team. They work with an enthusiastic community of volunteers and supporters, who survey the seas and deliver the data that forms our important contribution to marine science and conservation.

We currently have an opportunity for a Trustee to join us who, in addition to a passion for the marine environment, has the skills to contribute to governance of the charity and the ability to take the lead as our Treasurer.

The overall role of our Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the charity’s affairs; ensure they are compliant and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. The successful candidate will work with our administrator who manages the day-to-day finances to oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits.

The Person We’re Looking For:

• Experienced in Finance with a firm understanding of charity finance, knowledgeable in bookkeeping and financial management
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity and financial analysis skills to support bids and fundraising activities
• A clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to the Board of Trustees
• An enthusiastic contributor, willing to play an active role in the development of the Charity and specifically in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors

Previous Board or Trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds with a passion for the environment. Our ideal candidate will have previous experience in a finance role within the public or charity sector, knowledge and experience of fundraising finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations and good financial analysis skills.

The Trustee role is voluntary; the time requirement will vary but will require on average a one day a month commitment including Quarterly Trustee board meetings.

Make a Meaningful Impact - Join the BES Personnel Committee 

Role: Personnel Committee Member 
Organisation: British Ecological Society 
Term: 3 years 
Closing Date: 16 November 2025, 09:00 GMT 
Interview: TBC 

Are you passionate about people, strategy, and shaping the future of a thriving organisation? The British Ecological Society (BES) is inviting expressions of interest for voluntary positions on our Personnel Committee, a dynamic group that plays a vital role in guiding our people strategy and supporting the delivery of our ambitious organisational goals. 

As a registered charity and non-profit organisation, BES is dedicated to advancing ecological science and promoting the importance of ecology in addressing global challenges. We support a vibrant, inclusive community of researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts through funding, events, publications, and policy engagement. While our mission is rooted in ecology, you don’t need a background in the field to contribute, what matters most is the unique skills, perspectives, and experience you bring.

This is a unique opportunity to influence how we nurture, support, and empower our staff, ensuring our internal culture reflects the values and vision of BES. The Committee typically meets 3 times a year, with occasional additional input via email. 

Why Join? 

As a Personnel Committee member, you’ll: 

• Help shape the strategic direction of our staff resource. 

• Influence policies that support a healthy, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. 

• Collaborate with passionate professionals committed to organisational excellence. 

• Gain valuable experience in governance and strategic HR. 

• Make a real difference in how BES supports its people. 

Who We’re Looking For 

We’re seeking individuals with experience or insight in one or more of the following areas: 

• Organisational leadership, management, and strategy 

• Staff policy development 

• Organisational change or conflict management 

• Staff appraisals and performance development 

• Learning and development 

• Health & Safety in relation to HR 

• Embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in HR practices 

We especially welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups within the ecological community and those with experience across diverse workplaces. We’re committed to forming a committee that reflects the range of experiences and backgrounds within our membership.

Ready to Get Involved? 

To learn more about the Personnel Committee, what the role involves, and how you can contribute, please explore the attached resource.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life limiting conditions and their families.  Our bespoke support is free of charge and available 365 days of the year. The supplementary support to our paid staff that our volunteers offer ensures the best experience for our supported families. The hospice recognises and values the unique contribution volunteers make. 

Role Purpose

Shooting Star Children's Hospices is seeking an experienced and dedicated academic with a strong interest in paediatric palliative care, or related field to join our Research Governance Committee as a Volunteer Academic Member. 

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of research at a research active children’s hospice, to ensure that our research activities meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics and governance.

You will work with the Committee Chair, the Research Fellow, and other committee members to support research that makes a meaningful difference to children with life-limiting conditions and their families as well as bereaved families, including those where a child died unexpectedly. 

Appointment to the Committee will be subject to confirmation by the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Trustee Board.

Duties and key responsibilities

• Participate in quarterly meetings: Attend and contribute to online committee meetings held four times per year (papers and slide deck will be prepared by the Chair). 
• Review research proposals: Provide expert review of project proposals, contributing to the assurance of ethical and governance standards. 
• Support research oversight: Help ensure that all research complies with regulatory and ethical requirements and reflects best practices. 
• Contribute academic expertise: Share your knowledge and experience to strengthen the quality and impact of the charity’s research portfolio. 
• Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships between Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and wider academic, clinical, and research communities. 
• Champion good governance: Actively promote equity, transparency, and excellence in research oversight. 

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in academic research, research governance, and research ethics. 
• Strong academic background in higher education, and health or social care research. 
• In-depth understanding of research compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HRA, UKRIO, Caldicott Guidelines, or equivalent). 
• Ability to evaluate research proposals and provide constructive feedback. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 
• Confidence using virtual meeting platforms and digital collaboration tools. 

Desirable Attributes

• Academic research background with a track record of publications in the area of paediatric palliative care or related field.
• Previous experience serving on or chairing a research committee or governance board.
• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.

Commitment

• Quarterly committee meetings (Approximately 1 hour per meeting).
• Reviewing project proposals (Approximately 1 hour per month).
• Email communication and ad hoc queries (Approximately 1 hour per month).
• 2–3 years in the role would be appreciated for both parties to gain the most out of this experience.
• This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses related to attendance and participation will be reimbursed. 

What can I expect from volunteering for Shooting Star Children's Hospices?

• Full training and Induction for the volunteer role.
• To make a valuable and worthwhile contribution to the services we provide
• Ongoing Support from a line manager and the Volunteer Development team.
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our volunteer policy.
• A monthly volunteer newsletter with news about the charity and any ad-hoc volunteering opportunities.
• The possibility to switch volunteer roles if you decide that you would like to try something different.
• An invite to our yearly Volunteer thank you event.
• An opportunity to provide feedback via our feedback forms, surveys and our Volunteer Forum

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil CIC is a UK-registered Community Interest Company dedicated to empowering the survivor and young people’s community through advocacy, storytelling, education, and digital innovation.

We are now entering the second stage of our CIC’s development, building the technological foundation that will support everything we do — from volunteer management and online learning to donor engagement and impact measurement.

Our aim is to create a digitally connected ecosystem that allows survivors, young people, and our partners to access resources, training, and opportunities from anywhere in the world. As we await funding for our next phase, This project will help us build the digital backbone of our organisation 

The Digital Systems Research & Implementation Team will help us identify the most effective, decentralised, and sustainable digital tools on the market to take us forward.

This team will play a critical advisory role in guiding which platforms we invest in — ensuring that every system we choose is ethical, scalable, open-source, and aligned with our mission.

About the Project

Your work will directly shape the digital future of our CIC.
The team will:

• Research and evaluate open-source and nonprofit-friendly digital tools (LMS, CRM, donor systems, AI marketing tools, etc.).

• Assess features, usability, compliance, cost-effectiveness, and decentralisation potential.

• Report and recommend the most suitable options for our organisation’s stage of growth.

• Collaborate with external experts (once funding is secured) to help customise and integrate chosen platforms.

You won’t be expected to build or code systems yourself — instead, you’ll help us make smart, evidence-based decisions that position our CIC for long-term success and operational excellence.

Roles Available

1.  IT / Computer Science Student (Systems Research Assistant)

Purpose: To assess open-source tools for functionality, hosting, and integration potential.
Key tasks:

• Evaluate open-source and decentralised systems (e.g., CiviCRM, Moodle, Bitrix24, Odoo)

• Compare features, user experience, and technical feasibility

• Create visual reports and data sheets for leadership review
  Ideal for: Tech students eager to gain research experience in system evaluation and digital transformation within the nonprofit sector.

2. Digital Project Coordinator / Tech Virtual Assistant

Purpose: To manage workflows, organise research outputs, and document processes.
Key tasks:

• Coordinate project timelines and virtual meetings

• Compile reports, maintain documentation, and organise digital findings

• Support the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from recorded training sessions
  Ideal for: Detail-oriented individuals who love systems thinking and want to gain experience in digital project coordination.

3. Research Assistant / Business Management Student

Purpose: To analyse research data and translate findings into clear recommendations.
Key tasks:

• Conduct structured comparisons between tools (features, costs, scalability)

• Summarise key insights for leadership decision-making

• Prepare presentation decks and short research briefs
  Ideal for: Students or graduates in Business, Management, or Social Enterprise looking to apply their research and analytical skills to a real-world digital project.

4. Nonprofit Tech Enthusiast / Digital Systems Volunteer

Purpose: To connect the dots between technology, usability, and community needs.
Key tasks:

• Evaluate accessibility and user experience from the perspective of staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries

• Suggest tools that enhance transparency, inclusion, and efficiency

• Support external experts by testing workflows and providing user feedback during implementation
  Ideal for: Individuals passionate about technology for good, decentralisation, and community impact.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a core digital transformation project in a growing UK social enterprise.

• Work with real systems and expert advisors shaping the CIC’s long-term digital strategy.

• Gain hands-on experience in research, decision-making, and systems planning.

• Receive references and recorded training access for your future portfolio.

• Collaborate with a team that values innovation, transparency, and community-driven design.

What You’ll Learn

• How nonprofits evaluate and adopt open-source systems

• The process of digital transformation within a CIC structure

• Research and reporting best practices

• The ethics and practicality of decentralised digital infrastructure

• Cross-team collaboration in a multi-stakeholder environment

 How This Role Feeds Into Our Mission

This team will lay the digital foundation for everything our CIC does — helping us choose systems that will empower survivors and young people to connect, learn, and thrive safely and efficiently.
By identifying the best tools on the market, you’ll be ensuring our future operations are secure, efficient, and impactful — built on technology that reflects our values and vision.

 How to Apply

Please apply via CharityJob with:

• A short cover letter outlining why you’d like to join this digital transformation project, and

• Any relevant coursework, volunteer, or professional experience.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a friendly group introduction session to meet the team, learn about our mission, and select their preferred focus area.

About us

We are a small charity based in Whitby with big ambitions! We run a lobster hatchery based in the old fish market on the main pier in Whitby.

The core purposes of the charity are

To protect and enhance marine biodiversity within the North Sea. By doing this, we will support sustainable fishing within the North Sea and promote marine conservation through research, education and conservation work.

Charitable Objects

· To help balance the marine life of the North Sea through research, education, and conservation work.

· To help protect the marine and fisheries heritage of Whitby through sustainable fishing practices.

This will be achieved through:

· Monitoring and managing marine life across the North Sea, intervening with management programmes where required.

· Using research to deliver and influence policy.

What will you be doing?

We need business professionals with expertise in the following areas who can help us achieve some of our aims:

· HR: we have 3 employees and about 12 volunteers. 

· Treasurer

· Raising funds, including grant applications: we usually run 3 or 4 fundraising events each year, and need to get about £50,000 a year from grants. Most of our grants come from small applications, so we need to maximise the number of applications to make the charity more sustainable.

· As well as contributing your business experience, you will share in the collective governance duties of trustees.

We also need trustees who bring other skills to board such as:

· Financial management

· Fundraising events

· Fundraising bid writing/ research

· Governance

· Strategic development and planning

Please note that you do not need all of these skills to apply!

Where?

· Meetings are held in Whitby, so local to the charity is best. We may be able to facilitate online meetings for the right candidate

About us: 

Peace Brigades International (PBI) is an international NGO with over 40 years’ experience providing life-saving protection and support to hundreds of brave human rights defenders who face reprisals because of their activism for social justice. PBI’s trademark protective accompaniment teams in Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Indonesia, Kenya and Nepal are supported by PBI’s International Headquarters in Brussels, and offices elsewhere in the world, such as our UK section, which carries out high-level advocacy for improved governmental and other support for human rights defenders, as well as stronger regulation of transnational business behaviour.

About the role:

A 3-month volunteer placement where the selected candidate will not only play a vital role in upcoming projects but also harness their skills in advocacy, communications and administration/logistics. They will deepen their understanding and knowledge of the UK environment, gaining insights into UK politics, international human rights, legal frameworks, advocacy strategies, and communication tactics. 

By embracing this role, you become an integral part of our mission to influence positive change.

Responsibilities include:

(Note: These responsibilities are subject to adjustments and are not exhaustive).

• Support advocacy research and activities:

  • Conduct research on countries and cases that PBI works on.

  • Conduct research on policy advocacy related to HRD protection and business and human rights.

  • Participate in meetings with a range of external stakeholders.

• Support in the organisation and roll out of internal and external events.

  • Past events have included film screenings, talks with defenders, Parliamentary roundtables.

• Supporting field volunteer and alumni outreach and engagement.

• Producing communications outputs, such as articles on human rights issues, interviews with human rights defenders and social media posts.

• Supporting the organisation of human rights defender visits to the UK.

• Engage in network building and maintenance:

  • Cultivate relationships with lawyers, judges, NGOs, social movements, politicians, and funders.

• Support office administration, logistics and finance

  • Assist with filing, systems management and logistics.

  • Digital systems and IT support with technical troubleshooting.