Research and policy officer

Transform Justice is seeking a research and policy officer to play a vital role supporting its work for a better justice system. 

Working closely with the charity’s director and deputy director (and alongside our communications officer), you will conduct high quality research, draft policy briefings, and organise and participate in meetings and events. 

This role will support a range of projects including the next round of our innovative courtwatching project, and our work to reduce the use of pre-trial imprisonment for children. 

We are looking for someone inquisitive, flexible, and organised. 

The role is home-based and you will use your own equipment, so you will need to be able to work on your own with minimal day-to-day supervision. 

There is the option to work at an office in Old Street, London up to two days a week with other Transform Justice team members. 

The team also meets regularly online and for in-person meetings in London.

Location: Remote working with regular in-person meetings in London and the option to hot-desk in an office in Old Street, London up to two days per week. 

Contract: One year term with the potential to be renewable

Salary: £29,000 - £32,000 pa full time (pro rata if part time). 

Hours: Full time (also open to part-time 3 or 4 days a week)

Reporting to: Deputy director

Holiday/pension: 25 days FTE (pro rata if part time)

Probationary period: three months

Who we are

Transform Justice is a national charity working for a fair, open and compassionate justice system. 

We believe that evidence about what works to reduce crime and prevent reoffending should be at the heart of policy decisions and embedded into practice. 

We work to promote change by generating research and evidence to show how the system works and how it could be improved, and by influencing practitioners and politicians to make changes to the justice system. Current projects include our #FairChecks campaign for criminal records reform, our mass court observations programme CourtWatch London, and our work to reduce the unnecessary pre-trial imprisonment of children. 

About the role

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Undertaking qualitative and quantitative research including phone interviews, survey design, submitting FOI requests and analysing published data
• Reviewing relevant academic evidence and policy documents and identifying what’s important for our advocacy work 
• Writing, editing and proofreading reports, briefings and submissions
• Liaising with policy makers and stakeholders including organising and attending meetings and drafting correspondence
• Organising online and in person events to support Transform Justice’s advocacy work 
• Supporting the CourtWatch London project including engaging with volunteers, organising and supporting the delivery of training, reviewing data collection 
• Support the drafting of funding applications
• Other reasonable duties as required including administrative tasks such as generating invoices 

Skills and experience:

• Essential: Two years’ experience in a relevant research or policy role
• Essential: Demonstrable qualitative and quantitative research skills, for example using interviews, surveys, or published statistics to produce insights and recommendations 
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing 
• Ability to take ownership of tasks when working remotely with little supervision, seeking advice and support when needed
• Ability to prioritise your workload when working on a range of different projects and tasks 
• Excellent computer skills, with knowledge and practice of Word, Excel and PowerPoint 
• Interest in criminal justice policy issues, and a commitment to help achieve Transform Justice’s vision