Research and Evaluation Assistant

The role

As the Research and Evaluation Assistant, you’ll play a key role in demonstrating the impact of our charity’s work. You will also support the proposal and delivery of research projects for our clients. The role will be line-managed by the Research and Evaluation Officer, and work across the charity to support the data collection of impact reporting.

To learn more, please download the full job description.

About you

You will have a mixture of experience in mixed-methods research, evaluation and monitoring impact, with a drive to make meaningful change through robust and impactful research and evaluation. You may be looking to develop your research and evaluation skills in a digital inclusion setting.

Skills and experience

Ideal candidates will have the following required skills:

• Experience supporting research or evaluation activities (voluntary, academic, or professional)
• Basic understanding and ability to utilise qualitative and quantitative research approaches (e.g. surveys, interviews, simple data analysis).
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing, and in person/remotely.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and volunteers.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing tasks and work to deadlines.
• Strong digital skills, including the ability to work with spreadsheets and online research tools.
• An interest in digital inclusion and an understanding of the barriers faced by people who are digitally excluded.

Desirable skills:

• Experience with older and disabled customers.
• Previous work within the charity sector.
• Experience in policy, including policy briefing and stakeholder engagement.

Who we are

AbilityNet exists to help make the digital world accessible to all. For more than 25 years, we have been transforming the lives of older and disabled people, and working with organisations of all types and sizes to build a digital world that is accessible and inclusive. Learn more about us and our services on our website. 

What we offer

Pension Scheme:  We provide a workplace pension in line with UK legislation. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled within three months of joining. 

Annual Leave: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave plus UK public holidays (calculated in hours, and pro-rated for part-time staff). Your entitlement increases by one day each year after five full years’ service, up to a maximum of 30 days. 

Life Assurance: We offer life assurance cover valued at four times your annual salary. 

Wellbeing Support: We care about your wellbeing and are committed to supporting a healthy work/life balance. We offer: 

• Simplyhealth Optimise wellbeing plan
• Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• A flexible approach to working arrangements that accommodates individual needs

Learning & Development:  We invest in our people. You’ll have access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your growth. We’re proud of our inclusive, supportive culture and are committed to helping you reach your full potential. 

Apply and further information

Before you apply

Right to Work: We welcome applications from overseas. However, you must already have the legal right to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor work permits. 

Please note: 

• Only applications that clearly meet the stated criteria will be considered i.e. a cover letter covering the required points and a separate CV.
• We are only able to provide feedback to candidates who attend an interview or assessment.

Instructions

In order to apply for this role, AbilityNet require a Cover Letter and CV to be sent to hr@abilitynet.org.uk:  

Cover Letter: Please address the following points in your cover letter:

• Why you are interested in the Research and Evaluation Assistant role
• Your motivation for joining AbilityNet
• What skills, qualities, and experiences you bring that make you suitable for this position

Please note: If invited to interview, the answers that you have provided may be explored further.

CV: Provide a clear overview of your career history, focusing on roles and achievements relevant to this position. Where possible, demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and skills outlined in the job description.

Closing Date: Midnight BST - Sunday 8th March

Any queries about the role can also be directed to the Human Resources (HR) Department’s email address above or call us on +44 (0)118 228 0379 / 0374.

Interview Process:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview via Teams with cameras on. This session will include the Research and Evaluation Officer and a member of the HR Team who will assess your suitability for the role through structured questions aligned to the role requirements.
 
Panel interviews offer a fair and inclusive process by providing multiple perspectives and ensuring consistency in evaluation. You’ll be assessed on your relevant experience, knowledge, communication style, and alignment with AbilityNet’s values and goals. 

We’re committed to making the process as accessible and supportive as possible - please let us know in advance if you require any adjustments or accommodations. Please contact our HR team at hr@abilitynet.org.uk or call us on +44 (0)118 228 0379 / 0374.

We are Disability Confident:

AbilityNet is a Disability Confident Leader - we aim to make the most of the opportunities provided by employing disabled people. Disability Confident is a government scheme, is voluntary and has been developed by employers and disabled people's representatives.

As a Disability Confident employer, we encourage applications from disabled people and offer an interview to those who meet the minimum criteria for the job role.

If you need any accommodations during the application process or interview, please let us know, and we will endeavour to ensure the necessary arrangements are made.