Research Volunteer - Anywhere - UK and Ireland

About us

Join our Research team as a volunteer and help shape evidence-based decisions that support the RNLI’s lifesaving work. You’ll gain hands-on experience across real-world research projects while contributing to meaningful social impact.

We would like to welcome 1-2 volunteers into our Research team to help us with a broad range of activities that support access to and engagement with research insights across the RNLI and externally.

This is a research-focused role, which is centred on market and social (human) research. The role involves gathering and amplifying the perspectives of volunteers, staff, supporters, and members of the public, using quantitative and qualitative approaches. It draws on disciplines such as psychology, behavioural sciences, marketing, and sociology.

Some of the tasks this role will be involved with are; scripting surveys, analysis of qualitative data, undertaking desk research, compiling research findings and developing these into compelling narratives plus, any other research-focused activities we identify together as the role develops.

If you have additional research skills or experience beyond the scope of this role, we would also be keen to hear from you. If you are invited to join us, we would seek to utilise and develop these additional capabilities in alignment with our needs and your interests and development.

There is flexibility in the level of commitment, which can be short-term or long-term. This will be discussed and agreed with you if you are successful in your application. Ideally, we are looking for between 2-5 hours commitment per week, but again this can be discussed.

While you are with us, you will be supported with any subject matter or systems training you need to get started. You will also have access to regular 1:1s with a subject matter expert from the research team; these will take place during normal office hours.

Why we want you

A key objective of the team is to ensure that the RNLI is equipped to make evidence-based decisions so it can continue to save lives effectively over the next 200 years, and beyond. This includes supporting both strategic and frontline decision-making, ensuring that lifesavers and the wider organisation have the information they need for both present and future planning.

By contributing to this role, you will support the strategic thinking of the organisation, enhance the capacity of the research team, and help enable the future sustainability of our lifesaving service.

What you will be doing

This is an initial set of tasks based on our current priorities. Activities are flexible and may be undertaken as part of a single project or across multiple projects depending on your skills, capabilities, and interests.

• Script surveys in our survey tool, and other activities (e.g. migrating data between different packages and projects, exploring the use of the Qualtrics analysis functions, managing optimisation of response rates, developing dashboards etc)  in our survey tool, Qualtrics
• Prospect research such as- Qualify wealth screening results, review rich lists etc against our CRM to identify high profile, high net-worth individuals, proactive desk research into potential corporate partnerships / trusts etc
• Undertake desk research on a range of topics (e.g. reviewing existing research on public perceptions of signage, risk communications, attracting volunteers)
• Supporting the creation of a Research Directory, including summarising existing research insights and uploading them to the RNLI’s internal intranet
• Assist with survey data analysis and
• Helping to produce accessible and engaging insight presentations

The skills you need

• Experience in market and/or social research
• Ability to summarise research findings and insights into compelling stories and commentaries.
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Skills in either or both quantitative and qualitative research
• Experience using survey tools such as Qualtrics (particularly desirable), Microsoft Forms, SurveyMonkey, Snap Surveys or similar
• Familiarity with qualitative research and analysis tools such as MaxQDA or NVivo 

What's in it for you

• CV enhancement/ Personal development aligned to your skills and education
• Opportunities to incorporate your education where it aligns with organisational outcomes in a mutually complementary way
• Real-world research experience
• A testimonial or reference based on your contributions
• Mentoring from research professionals
• Being part of a friendly in-house research team
• Gaining a good real-world understanding of a large, and well-respected organisation

Safeguarding

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Diversity at the RNLI

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.