Mixed Methods Researcher

Join us for our Exploring CDJ's Disabled Members' Perspectives and Needs project

The Research Volunteering programme through the Community Research Initiative gives YOU the power to take your research and classroom skills out into the community to create a positive social impact. Through our bite size projects, you’ll work with a group of interdisciplinary peers and organisational allies to tackle a project that will draw on your research skills. These projects are flexible and designed with students in mind to give you amazing experience to fuel your CV, explore new skills, and meet other likeminded students. Each opportunity is unique, make sure to check out our page for more information.

All about the organisation

Campaign for Disability Justice is a new national campaign run by Disabled People, for Disabled people. We are calling on the government to ensure opportunity, security, and respect for all Disabled people. We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about. Yet two million Disabled people are trapped in deep poverty, unable to afford to eat or to heat their home. Social security doesn’t cover the hidden or additional costs of disability – things like electricity to run vital equipment and transport to get out of your home. And too many workplaces are unwilling to employ Disabled people. That’s why we're launching the National Campaign for Disability Justice, calling on the Government to work with organisations led by Disabled people to guarantee:

A bit about the project

The Campaign for Disability Justice is a relatively young, disabled-led organisation with approximately 2,500 members, including disabled people, allies, and family members. Their work focuses on improving the lives of disabled people through advocacy around financial security, employment opportunities, and public narratives that emphasise dignity and respect. The organisation highlighted a gap in existing advocacy work: many campaigns focus on specific disabilities, leaving limited space for addressing the needs and experiences of disabled people more broadly. They aim to create a more inclusive space that connects individuals, shares information, and promotes disability-related news and campaigns. The organisation is seeking support to better understand the needs and priorities of its members and wider audiences. You’ll help design and run a mixed‑methods research project that explores what disabled members want, what gaps exist in current advocacy, and how CDJ can better reach both members and non‑members. It’s a hands‑on opportunity to shape real community‑led change while learning how to conduct accessible, inclusive, and empowering research.

What can I expect from this opportunity?

• Help design an accessible survey for disabled members and wider audiences.
• Analyse quantitative survey data and interpret key trends.
• Support or help facilitate focus groups, followed by thematic analysis.
• Gain experience in inclusive, disability‑led research design.
• Contribute to a real‑world report used to shape future campaigns and organisational priorities.
• Work closely with a grassroots organisation committed to dignity, justice, and representation.

How will my work on this project impact the community?

• Ensure disabled people’s voices directly shape CDJ’s future direction.
• Identify gaps in current advocacy and highlight unmet needs.
• Strengthen CDJ’s ability to reach under‑represented disabled people.
• Support the development of more inclusive, community‑driven campaigns.
• Provide evidence that can influence policy, public narratives, and organisational strategy.