Research and campaigns volunteer
|
At Citizens Advice Bristol our Research and Campaigns remit is to:
- use data to identify common issues and injustices that our clients face
- develop campaigns to raise awareness of these issues and/or advocate for changes so that local systems and services better meet the needs of the people of Bristol
- bring our campaigns to life with stories demonstrating the impact the issues have on individuals
- support national campaigns through the use of local data and stories
We are building our Research and Campaigns team and are looking for new volunteers who are seeking to expand their skills in data analysis, storytelling and/or campaigning.
|
What will you do?
Receive full training, guidance and support
- complete a simple and short introduction to Citizens Advice and training relevant for your Research & Campaigns role
- work with, and under the supervision of, our experienced Research & Campaigns lead who will provide support and direction
Depending on your interests and availability, you will take part in some or all of the following activities:
Data analysis
- Examine and analyse case information on Casebook, our case notes resource, to spot trends or anomalies
- Identify problems specific to Bristol, for example in the social and private rental sector, as well as collating data on broader national issues
- Generate data analysis and reports to illustrate issues for use in campaigns
- Support volunteers and staff in participating effectively in response to national ‘calls for evidence’ on topical issues and possibly run surveys to assess how public policy changes are affecting clients
Storytelling
- Work with volunteers and staff to identify client stories that show how the issues affect clients
- Document stories to communicate and share as part of campaigns and other external engagement
- Follow an agreed protocol to ensure confidentiality and anonymity for clients as appropriate and maintain trust throughout
Campaigning
- Use the issues and trends identified through data analysis to research issues, identify potential solutions and develop campaigns using data and stories to raise awareness and/or advocate for change
- Identify key stakeholders and work with the Research & Campaigns Lead to develop an engagement strategy for the campaign
- Develop campaign materials such as briefings, presentations, and letters
- Participate in external engagement with partners and the public to help explain the issues and how they could be addressed. This could involve meetings, events, written communications, and social media.
What’s in it for you?
- make a real difference to people’s lives
- learn about a range of areas such as benefits, debt and housing, through online training and talking to relevant staff to help identify how problems in these areas can affect clients
- build on valuable skills such as data analysis, communication, research, campaigns, and how to engage with a range of audiences
- increase your employability through working on projects where you will build and demonstrate your skills
- have a positive impact in your community and on broader society
And we’ll reimburse expenses too.
What do you need to have?
You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:
- be friendly and approachable
- be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
- have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- be able to understand complex information and explain it (verbally and writing) so that others understand it
- have good IT skills
- be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
- be willing to undertake relevant Research & Campaigns training in your role
How much time do you need to give?
We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer, so come and talk to us. We have opportunities for people interested in making a long-term commitment to regular volunteering, on research and campaigning and those looking for more short-term, time bound projects.
Valuing inclusion
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, and we particularly welcome applications from racially minoritised people/people of colour, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people.
If you are interested in becoming a research and campaigns volunteer and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you, please contact John Alwyine-Mosely, Research & Campaigns Lead by email:[email protected]
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying, please fill out the application form and our EDI Survey by clicking the buttons given below.
If you have specific access needs, please let us know via email: [email protected]
