Research Volunteers

Research Volunteers work alongside the Head of Insights, Analysis and Improvement and other members of Brook’s Research Reference Group to support the implementation of Brook’s programme of research. This may include tasks such as supporting with research design, literature reviews, data collection, analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and interpretation and production and presentation of research outputs. They should have an interest in sexual health and reproductive rights, young people, and health inequalities.

We expect Research Volunteers to commit to 1 day of volunteering per week for at least three months, to ensure you and Brook get the most out of the role. You will receive all necessary training and supervision, and be will reimbursed for out of pocket expenses, i.e. transport and lunch.

Why be a Research Volunteer?

This role could benefit you in many ways, such as:

• Providing insight into a national charity which supports hundreds of thousands of people every year
• Giving you increased knowledge of health inequalities in sexual health
• Giving you experience of youth, health and charity work, including research strategy
• Developing your skills and knowledge to support your CV
• Providing you with accredited training opportunities
• Giving you the opportunity to make positive impact to your community and meet likeminded people
• Increasing your confidence

Key responsibilities

Research Volunteers are expected to:

• Uphold Brook’s values
• Adhere to the volunteer agreement and code of conduct
• Complete all mandatory elements of their volunteer induction, including training
• Support other academic researchers on Brook’s ‘Health inequalities’ research workstream to:
  • conduct primary data collection
  • analyse and interpret data
  • produce and present research outputs
• Help the Head of Insights, Analysis and Improvement to deliver other projects that belong to Brook’s programme of research
• Provide feedback on experiences, lessons learned and case studies

Person specification

We recognise our Research Volunteers will come from diverse backgrounds with a range of skills and experiences.

When applying, potential volunteers will need to demonstrate that they:

• Have strong communication skills (especially in relation to topics relating to sexual health)
• Have knowledge of social research methods (quantitative or qualitative or both)
• Have experience of conducting primary and secondary research
• Are able to deliver high quality outputs on time
• Knowledge or interest in sexual health, reproductive rights, young people and health inequalities
• Have, or are working towards a relevant qualification
• Are committed to completing mandatory training requirements and induction plan
• Have an open minded, customer focused attitude with a passion to make a difference
• Have a ‘hands on’ approach and a ‘can do’ attitude
• Understand professional boundaries and can work in a sensitive, confidential and non-judgemental way
• Are able to use your initiative and work independently
• Have good interpersonal skills and are able to work as part of a team
• Are reliable and punctual, with good organisational skills
• Have good IT and written skills
• Can maintain strict confidentiality concerning all Brook matters
• Are committed to the aims, values and purposes of Brook’s work