Role: Policy and research advisor volunteer
Location: UK-wide
About Beat
Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity. We support anyone with an eating disorder, their friends and family, as well as professionals working with or worried about an individual in their care.
Eating disorders are often misunderstood and stigmatised, so we work to change this at every level. We campaign for positive change for people who are suffering so that they can get the help they need and deserve as quickly as possible, because we know that the faster they get treatment, the greater their chance of full recovery. We run and assist with research to learn more about what causes eating disorders and how best to treat them.
Description of Role: Policy and research advisor volunteer (Multiple roles)
During the development of new standards for the treatment of patients, the evaluation of eating disorder services, and the carrying out of new research, it is crucial to involve people with personal experience as equal partners. This ensures that the interests and needs of people affected by eating disorders are addressed.
We are looking to recruit a small number of supporters to become Policy and research advisor volunteers. We’ll contact these volunteers with opportunities for them to help influence policy and research. These opportunities will involve volunteers providing feedback based on their experience and knowledge of eating disorders.
You don’t need references or to complete a formal application for this role, nor do we ask that you’re already in recovery.
Relationships
Most opportunities will be tasks which could be completed remotely via email, meaning that you can become a Policy and research advisor volunteer wherever you live in the UK. Some opportunities may involve attending meetings and so may not be accessible to all volunteers. You will work most closely with Beat’s Policy and Research Officer.
Key Responsibilities
When Beat becomes aware of a significant new opportunity to influence policy and research relevant to eating disorders, if you have had relevant personal experience you will be invited to contribute.
There will be a wide range of opportunities, but here are a few examples of the kind of opportunities you could be invited to assist with:
- Providing feedback on a draft NHS strategy or policy.
- Joining a committee to help write new NHS policy or to review the quality of care provided by eating disorders services.
- Helping researchers to write up their findings and make them accessible to the public.
Minimum Commitment Required
Flexible – you need only respond to the requests you want to. Some opportunities will be one-off requests and others will require a regular commitment across a year.
Different tasks will take different lengths of time to complete. When you are contacted about an opportunity we will provide an estimate of how long it may take to complete. You will need to use your judgement to decide whether you have the time available to complete a task before the deadline. You will usually be sent opportunities at least a week in advance of the deadline, but there might occasionally be more urgent requests.
There may be periods of time during the year where you are not sent any opportunities, and this will depend upon the frequency and nature of opportunities which we are able to promote.
Start Date:As soon as possible.
Skills/Qualifications
- Computer literacy – experience of using email and Microsoft Word or equivalent.
- Be able to work within Beat policies of Confidentiality and Data Protection.
- Interest in Policy and research
- Ability to follow processes and instructions, including formatting feedback as requested
- Ability to work independently and use own initiative.
Criteria for applications
- Experience of eating disorders, whether personally or as someone who has cared for or is currently caring for someone with an eating disorder.
- Interest in policy and research relating to eating disorders.
- Access to the internet and emails.
If you would like to find out more information about this role, please email: .
A charity registered in England and Wales (801343) and Scotland (SC039309). Company limited by guarantee no 2368495