Role title: Research and Media Volunteer (6 months)
Context of role
Cambridge CAB undertakes a lot of positive work to support clients but we need to keep qualitative
evidence on this to be used in our media communications. We also need to keep qualitative
evidence on where our support for clients could be improved.
Our Financial Capability projects require us to work closely with clients and undertake more
casework in supporting people with debts they may have, and then budgeting strategies to prevent
future financial difficulty. We want to evaluate our projects as we undertake them in order to ensure
that the focus of this work is right and to be able to record qualitative outcomes for evaluations of
our projects.
Cambridge CAB’s Research and Campaigning work has changed so there is less emphasis on
undertaking research for Central CAB Office and more on working on local campaigns and research
projects. Our work has also changed to include clients more and in actively seeking their views
outside of short amount of time we have for normal advice sessions.
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Mention to Lorraine Food Bank bid and CEP transitional activities
Role purpose
This role would suit someone who is interested in journalism and research, and who has a strong
commitment to social justice. The role’s purpose is to develop strong means of gathering feedback
from clients on their experiences of our service, and to present this information in an engaging way
for research reports, project evaluation reports and press releases.
You will work with the Financial Capability Team, and the Research and Campaigning Team.
Person specification
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Interest in media/journalism/social research
Personable with strong interviewing skills and a good telephone manner
Ability to work sensitively with clients
Ability to maintain systems and procedures
Ability to use IT systems and packages
Ability to implement and monitor research plan
Ability to research, interpret and analyse complex information and relay this to different
audiences simply
Communication and presentation skills
Ability to work in a team
Understanding of key current local social issues, and their potential impact on CAB clients
A good, up to date understanding of equality, diversity and discrimination and its application
to research and campaigns work
Ability to commit to and work within the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice
service
Ability to use own initiative
Role description
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Develop an in-depth understanding of social issues our clients face
Keep-up-to-date with CAB local and national campaigns
Develop knowledge of Cambridge CAB projects and goals they aim to achieve
Planning and undertaking research to interview clients on issues and views on support
offered by Cambridge CAB
Keep up-to-date records of all contacts with clients on content management systems
Work on bespoke research projects for R&C Team and Financial Capability Team
Undertake relevant training where required e.g. media training
What is in it for me?
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Work experience in well-respected and influential organisation
Good for CV: opportunities to be trained on new skills
Make a difference in your community by raising profile of issues to influence policy and
practice that affects people’ lives
Make new contacts in the community