Research Consultancy Training - Deep Dive

We invite PhD and MRes students to join us for an exclusive deep dive research consultancy training day as part of the UCL Community Research Initiative. This event is your gateway to deepening your consultancy skills while making a meaningful impact in the voluntary and community sector in London.

This workshop is for PhD and doctoral students only. Spots for this workshop are limited so secure your spot ASAP!

About the workshops 

Our deep workshop hosted by the Students’ Union Volunteering Service will help you take that energy and drive it toward making a change in the wider community. We'll explore the issues that you are most passionate about and come up with exciting ideas for how you can make the most of your time at UCL to support these areas for the better.  

What you’ll do 

• Welcome & Introduction
  Start the day with an overview of the event, discussing the value of research consultancy for charities and what this looks like in the wider world.
• Being the question and the answer
  Get an introduction to tools such as launch meeting questions, questions to uncover the client’s priority and refine the brief, how to estimate time, and mitigate risks and client worries. All with charity lens
• Scenarios Boardgame
  Engage in an interactive board game that presents various consultancy scenarios, helping you think on your feet and develop strategic approaches.
• Building Resiliency
  Learn techniques for building resiliency in your consultancy practice, ensuring you can handle the challenges and pressures of real-world projects.
• Lunch Break
  Remember to bring your own lunch!
• Tips and Tricks for Digital Working
  Explore best practices for digital project management and communication, essential skills for effective consultancy in today’s digital age.
• Consultancy Clinic
  Apply your skills in a practical, mentor-guided clinic, working with real voluntary and community sector leaders to produce short punchy research briefs that will be taken up by UCL students.

What skills will you build?

This training is chocked full of new skills and opportunities to take your learning from classroom to community. Below are just a few of the skills you can expect expand at this training:  

• Cross-sector working
• Consultancy skills 
• Negotiation skills
• Active listening skills 
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Applied research consultancy skills

Also by attending this training, you’ll become eligible for our Pro Bono Research Consultancy Programme. This is a fantastic opportunity to work directly with community organisations, applying your research expertise to solve pressing local issues. Not only will you gain invaluable experience, but you’ll also earn Inkpath credits that contribute to your professional development goals. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills, give back to the community, and take your research beyond the university.

Questions? Concerns? We've Got You Covered

I can't make the date of this workshop, will it be recorded?

Unfortunately, due to the active nature of the workshop, we won't be recording. But if you can't make this date, make sure to check out all our other offers from the Volunteering team during welcome. Our staff will be around all term to help you figure out how to make your mark!

What if I am nervous about coming alone?

If you're attending solo that is absolutely okay! This event is a great space to make friends and meet new and interesting students. 

If you're nervous about coming alone, we want to assure you that our team members will be there to make you feel welcome and comfortable, even if you're by yourself.

What if I've never done anything like this before? 

No experience with workshops like this? No problem! That's what this workshop is for.  Even if you couldnt make our taster session we're a space for you to get your passions out and show us what you really care about. Even if you don't have any ideas, come and explore and be inspired by others!