Reform is recruiting for a new Research and Events Assistant to join its small and passionate team for six months on a full-time basis. The successful candidate will help produce independent, challenging and authoritative research, and will assist in supporting Reform’s communications and events. They will be a dynamic and motivated individual with a track record of strong research and communication skills, and a commitment to our core principles.
For 15 years, Reform has been the leading think tank at the heart of Whitehall and Westminster’s efforts to transform public services for the better, in the interests of all citizens and within sustainable government budgets. It is a non-partisan, independent research charity. Its core research areas are Criminal Justice, Education, Health and Social Care, Welfare, and Work and Pensions, as well as cross-cutting issues such as workforce capability, digital transformation and competition and choice. Alongside its research, Reform runs around 80 policy events a year, attended by ministers and shadow ministers, other parliamentarians, senior officials, public service leaders, academics and business leaders.
The Research and Events Assistant will work closely with the research team to support Reform’s research programme, including drafting literature reviews and contributing to sections of reports. They will also support Reform’s regular contributions to the policy debate by researching ad hoc policy issues. They will support events, update Reform’s contact database, and participate in regular team meetings. They will contribute to Reform’s online output by writing blog posts and assisting with the weekly newsletter in collaboration with the research team.
It is essential that candidates are able to demonstrate:
- Some experience of conducting research on public policy (this can be during studies)
- Good organisational and administrative skills, including in prioritising tasks
- An ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- A commitment to building and maintaining good professional relationships
- Excellent attention to detail
- An undergraduate degree with a First or 2.1 in a relevant discipline, though those with equivalent relevant experience will be considered. A Master's degree is desirable, though not necessary.
- A positive and can-do approach
- Enthusiasm and commitment
We are happy to accommodate applications from any interested persons and to make reasonable adjustments at any stage should this be requested. Reform is committed to diversity.