Databank Volunteer

Details for Databank Volunteer  

Location

London (Aldgate office) or remote - the role is flexible

Time commitment

  • Weekdays between 9am-5pm. We’re looking for someone to help out once per week, according to your availability

Role reference

LN209

Closing date

Friday 27 December 2024

Apply now

About the role

Description

You will be supporting our Policy and Research team by working on a research project called The Databank.

The Databank is a research project that aims to estimate the scale of youth homelessness across the UK. Going beyond the data published by the government, it captures the number of young people approaching their council for help through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to local authorities in England and devolved authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You’ll be helping to keep on top of incoming data from councils across the country, and following up with councils to make sure data is provided. In return, you’ll get experience in using FOI requests to conduct primary research and the opportunity to develop your understanding of housing and local government policy. 

Last year’s findings are attached here: Stats and facts | Centrepoint 

Summary

  • Monitor incoming FOI replies and logging these in a reply file
  • Data formatting 
  • Checking for anomalies and writing list of providers of anomalies for the team to reply to 
  • Supporting with the wider Databank project
  • There would also be opportunity for the volunteer to develop analytical skills and support on data administration across other projects happening in the research team
     

Requirements

Volunteers should meet the following criteria:

ESSENTIAL:

  • Excellent written and verbal English
  • Attention to detail
  • A good understanding to use Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and Word 
  • An interest in quantitative analysis 
  • Good communication skills
  • Able to work unsupervised

DESIRABLE:

  • Knowledge of housing law or issues affecting homelessness in the UK
  • Research report writing
  • Data analytics skills
  • Good communication skills
  • A commitment to demonstrating Centrepoint’s values 

What we need from you

Before starting the role we will require the following:

  • Undergo Centrepoint Enhanced DBS process – we are unable to accept DBS certificates from other organisations
  • Provide a minimum of three forms of ID to support your DBS application
  • Provide the name and contact information of two people who can provide a reference for you
  • Undergo Centrepoint core induction training

You may also be required to undertake further role specific training courses throughout the duration of your volunteering role.

Support for volunteers

  • Structured induction and training 
  • Ongoing support and supervision from the Volunteering Team 
  • Ongoing support and supervision from supervisor 
  • Access to further training 
  • Travel and other reasonable expenses reimbursed

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete our application form.

If you are having trouble completing the application form, or have any questions about the role, please contact volunteer@centrepoint.org