Xiaohongshu
Join us for our Scoping of Newham Volunteering Through Data Analysis 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 Council led programme with great volunteering opportunities on offer. Working in collaboration with the Students' Union UCL Volunteering Service we're promoting specific volunteering opportunities directly supported by us within the Borough of Newham.
A bit about the project
This project gives you the chance to support Newham’s large volunteer programme by analysing two years of untouched survey data and turning it into clear, meaningful insights. You’ll help the council understand volunteer experiences, celebrate their contributions, and identify what’s working well—and what needs improving—so the programme can continue to thrive despite funding cuts. It’s a brilliant opportunity to apply your research skills to a real‑world setting while directly shaping how a borough supports hundreds of volunteers each year.
- What can I expect from this opportunity?
- Analyse real survey data from volunteers and partner organisations.
- Work with both multiple‑choice responses and open‑text feedback.
- Create two summary evaluation reports using an existing template.
- Explore opportunities for data visualisation or infographics if you’re interested.
- Gain insight into how councils use evidence to shape decisions.
- Log volunteer hours and earn time‑credit rewards like cinema tickets.
- How will my work on this project impact the community?
- Ensure volunteers feel heard and valued through thoughtful analysis of their feedback.
- Help the council identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
- Support stronger partnerships between the council and local organisations.
- Provide evidence that informs future planning and resource allocation.
- Celebrate the contributions of hundreds of volunteers across Newham.
What key tasks are the volunteers responsible?
- Analyse Multiple‑Choice Survey Data
- Complete descriptive statistics for volunteer and partner‑organisation responses.
- Identify trends, patterns, and year‑to‑year changes.
- Highlight areas of satisfaction and areas needing improvement.
- Analyse Open‑Text Feedback
- Cluster comments into shared themes using qualitative analysis techniques.
- Identify recurring issues, suggestions, and positive experiences.
- Summarise insights in a clear, accessible way.
- Compile Two Evaluation Reports
- Populate the existing Word templates with your findings.
- Present data clearly for non‑academic audiences.
- Suggest improvements to the reporting format if you spot opportunities.
- Recommend Future Evaluation Improvements
- Share ideas for strengthening the listening cycle.
- Suggest ways to improve surveys, communication, or data collection.
- Explore optional infographic design to make findings more engaging.
What skills will I practice and develop during this experience?
- Survey analysis, including descriptive statistics and thematic coding.
- Data storytelling, turning raw data into clear, meaningful insights.
- Writing for non‑academic audiences, including councils and community partners.
- Evaluation design, offering suggestions for future improvements.
- Understanding of local government, volunteer programmes, and partnership working.
- Professional communication, collaborating with council staff and stakeholders.
- Optional creative skills, such as data visualisation and infographic creation.
Opportunities to access additional (optional) training if interested e.g. Safeguarding, Drug Awareness etc
Time commitment
Approximate commitment 3 hours a week – flexible working; Bi-weekly progress updates (email); Monthly meeting check-ins (virtual)