Research Internship

Research Internship

Research internship

ROLE DESCRIPTION
Toynbee Hall is interested in understanding more about the idea of ‘social claustrophobia’. This is a working term we have adopted to describe a set of social and psychological conditions which result in people feeling a strong geographic restriction to their social, economic, cultural and educational horizons and aspirations. We are interested in finding out what evidence there is about such a condition/s, who and/or what type of communities are affected by it, how it is manifest, why it exists, its impact and what can be done to change it.
The research intern will be required to undertake the following main areas of work;
  • Undertake a literature review and compile a report summarising existing research and evidence on ‘social claustrophobia’ including a review of the definition itself and its characterisation.
  • Research, develop and present written case studies to complement and illustrate the literature review
  • To undertake a small qualitative research study including the use of amongst other methods, focus group, appreciative enquiry and/or resident interviews to identify how members of our local community are affected by a sense of place, neighbourhood and community in terms of their wider social, economic, cultural and education aspirations
  • To maintain effective records, evidence and summary reports of work
The work you undertake will support Toynbee Hall in providing evidence that will feed into our strategic plan that will be produced by March 2013.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
You will need to demonstrate skills and experience in the following areas;
  • Experience of undertaking a literature review
  • Ability to undertake unsupervised quantitative research and analysis utilising a range of secondary sources
  • Ability to engage creatively with a wide variety of stakeholders to identify and explore complex policy issues
  • Experience of working with and analysing a range of statistical data
  • A knowledge and interest in Tower Hamlets and the social issues faced by its communities
  • Knowledge of current social welfare policy in at least one of the following areas – poverty and social mobility; education, employment and skills and/or social cohesion and social capital.
  • Highly developed report writing skills
  • Ability to draw on a range of often incompatible data sources and exercise good judgement in drawing out conclusions from these sources
  • Ability to present and engage stakeholders in research findings

VOLUNTEER GAINS
You will benefit from a range of training and supervision that will provide valuable practical experience and personal development opportunities. You will benefit from the following;
  • Experience of analysing secondary data and producing research and evidence digests
  • Relationship building experience
  • Project management skills
  • Experience of undertaking qualitative research
  • Report writing
  • The satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference to the work of Toynbee Hall
You can claim) previously agreed travel expenses and, if devoting a full day to the charity, the cost of a lunch (£3.50
AVAILABILITY
The successful candidate must be available to begin interning on the week beginning the 22 October.
The position is part time, 3 days a week.
LOCATION
This position is based at: Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6LS (nearest tube: Aldgate East)
CRB REQUIREMENTS
A Criminal Records Bureau Check is not required for this role.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your Application Form by midday 10th October to: .
Interviews will take place during the week beginning the 15th October.

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