Advocacy Project Assistant

Role description

Are you passionate about changing the way we treat animals? Do you want to help reduce environmental damage? Do you want to inspire people to enjoy healthy vegan food that both looks good and tastes great? 

The Vegan Society aims to make veganism more accessible. We help people to adopt a vegan lifestyle by supporting individuals, policy and decision-makers, caterers, manufacturers, healthcare professionals and the media. 

Why do we need you? 

Dr Jeanette Rowley is a consultant on veganism and the law and our Vegan Rights Advocate. Jeanette has been a leader in the promotion of the legal rights of vegans for over a decade and is the founder and chair of The Vegan Society’s International Rights Network. She is now looking for a volunteer to help refresh and update published material relating to the legal protection of vegans. This project will include working on our guide for employers and relevant content on our website. 

What does the role involve? 

The role involves working collaboratively with our Vegan Rights Advocate to review, assess, evaluate and update the information provided on our website and in some of our resources, such as our guide Supporting Veganism in the Workplace. 

At the review and assessment stages, you will read specific advocacy resources to familiarise yourself with the subject matter and content. You will conduct independent research into each specific topic, take notes from relevant authoritative online sources, and assist in evaluating our resources and identifying areas requiring updating and development. 

You will contribute to research on equality and inclusion, help to communicate best practice, fact-check information, and assist with redrafting and updating copy. 

What training and support are available? 

This role will come with an induction session and access to a regular point of contact to support you as a volunteer. You will receive an introduction to the project and tasks. Although the work will be carried out remotely, you will not be required to work totally independently and will work on the tasks collaboratively on a mutually agreed basis. 

What knowledge, experience and skills are required for this role? 

• General knowledge and understanding of UK Equality Diversity and Inclusion principles and practice 
• Experience and skills in conducting research 
• The ability to work both collaboratively and independently 
• Proficient in written English 
• Experience of using Word and working on shared documents 
• A legal or advocacy-related background would be useful, but is not essential. 

What does my availability need to be? 

This role is for a fixed period of six months. We ask for volunteers to commit to about four to six hours a week, although this may vary from week to week. The role can be performed outside traditional working hours and in any time zone, although staff support is only available between 9am and 5pm UK time.  

Who does this role report to? 

Dr Jeanette Rowley will be the main point of contact for the tasks. Kaya Gromocki, our Senior Volunteering and Engagement Officer, will be available for support and for anything related to your volunteering experience.