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Human Appeal
We are a global humanitarian and development organisation. We save lives, alleviate poverty, transform and empower local communities whilst championing humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. We are an international relief and development agency that asks the question, what makes us human? We think the answer is caring for others and changing their lives for the better. That’s what…
Description

Join us for our Exploring Volunteering and Employability 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

We are a global humanitarian and development organisation. We save lives, alleviate poverty, transform and empower local communities whilst championing humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. We are an international relief and development agency that asks the question, what makes us human? We think the answer is caring for others and changing their lives for the better. That’s what we’ve been doing for over 25 years.

A bit about the project

This project gives you the chance to work with Human Appeal on a meaningful, mixed‑methods research study exploring whether volunteering can boost employability—especially for people from low‑income or working‑class backgrounds. You’ll help refine a questionnaire, collect data from a diverse UK sample, analyse both qualitative and quantitative findings, and co‑write a report that will be published for a wider audience. It’s a collaborative, hands‑on opportunity to shape evidence that could make volunteering more inclusive, more impactful, and more accessible for underrepresented communities.

What can I expect from this opportunity?
  • Review and refine a mixed‑methods questionnaire with the HA research team.
  • Develop a recruitment strategy to reach a diverse, unbiased UK sample.
  • Administer the survey and ensure ethical, informed participation.
  • Analyse both quantitative patterns and qualitative experiences.
  • Co‑write a report for publication and public dissemination.
  • Gain experience in NGO‑based research and cross‑department collaboration.
  • Build networks with Human Appeal staff and volunteers.
How will my work on this project impact the community?
  • Generate evidence on whether volunteering improves employability and confidence.
  • Help Human Appeal design more inclusive volunteering pathways.
  • Support social mobility by identifying barriers and opportunities for underrepresented groups.
  • Provide insights that can shape future recruitment, outreach, and programme design.
  • Raise public awareness of the social value of volunteering.
Duties

What key tasks will the volunteer team be responsible for? 

Phase 1: Data collection
  • Review and finalise the mixed qualitative and quantitative questionnaire developed by Human Appeal
  • Develop recruitment strategy for the sample population and distribute the questionnaire
  • Ensure ethical handling of participant information and informed consent
Phase 2: Data analysis
  • Clean and organise quantitative and qualitative data collected from questionnaires (to be done in conjunction with efforts from HA team)
  • Conduct descriptive and comparative analysis to identify patterns between volunteering and employability outcomes in quantitative data
  • Analyse qualitative data to identify recurring themes and participant experiences
  • Collaborate with the HA research team to interpret findings/contextualise results
  • Assess limitations, potential biases, and representativeness of the sample
Phase 3: Report write-up
  • Prepare a written report summarising the research aims, methodology, findings, and conclusions
  • Collaborate with the HA research team to edit and finalise the report for publication and wider public dissemination

 

What skills will I practice and develop during this experience?

  • Research and data collection methods (survey administration and sampling)
  • Quantitative and qualitative data analysis and interpretation
  • Report writing, critical thinking, and understanding research ethics
  • Teamwork, communication, and professional collaboration
  • Project management, organisation, and problem-solving skills
  • Networking, cultural awareness, and experience working in the NGO sector
Training
Training and access to information from sector leaders will be provided

Time commitment

Projects apart of the CRIS Research Volunteering programme are intended to flex around your existing work and study commitments. The project should last no longer than 3-6 months once the project kicks off.

Approximate commitment 3 hours a week – flexible working; Bi-weekly progress updates (email); Monthly meeting check-ins (virtual)
Application deadline

This organisation is one of our community partner organisations.

Like all volunteer recruiters we work with, they have signed up to our service standards, agreeing to abide by our policy on partnership working to keep you safe and supported whilst you volunteer.

You’ll never be out of pocket for volunteering through us – with in-London travel expenses to and from your volunteering guaranteed.

In addition, the team here at Students’ Union UCL Volunteering Service is here to support you throughout your volunteering journey – you can get in touch with us at any time.