Job Title: Research Assistant
Location: Sentencing Academy based in London. Remote working arrangements in place with occasional (up to twice a month) meetings in London.
Type: Fixed term position offered on a self-employed/freelance basis and does not constitute an employment relationship.
Hours: Flexible hours, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week, as required from August 2025 until the end of November 2025, and potentially up until Christmas 2025.
Salary: £22 per hour plus agreed and pre-approved travel expenses.
Closing date: Friday 15 August 2025 at 17h BST. However, applications will be evaluated as they are received and we reserve the right to close the recruitment process at an earlier date should we receive an application from a suitable candidate before the deadline expires.
Start date: Immediately upon confirmation of appointment.
The role
We are looking for a self-employed/freelance Research Assistant to work as required for up to a maximum of 20 hours per week. The post holder is required for immediate start until the 30th November 2025, and potentially up until Christmas 2025.
During the autumn, the Sentencing Academy will launch its Sentencing Hub, which will draw together an array of resources on sentencing in England and Wales, including research summaries and data trends. The Hub will become a key research and statistical resource for those seeking the latest evidence on the effectiveness of the sentencing process, and the Academy’s primary research and dissemination vehicle.
In preparation for the launch, the Academy is working intensively to generate content for the Hub, and ensure that it is accurate, fully up-to-date and meets our exacting standards of quality control. The Research Assistant will play a vital role in this process by providing support to our staff and academic partners through such tasks as literature searches and fact and reference checking. Depending on qualifications and experience, there may also be some opportunity to draft material for the Hub.
Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
Job description
- Supporting the Sentencing Academy’s staff and network of academics in the development of content for the Sentencing Hub and related research, including through conducting literature reviews, checking facts and references and similar tasks that promote accuracy and quality control.
- Depending on qualifications and experience, drafting material for the Hub.
- Other ad hoc research, research-related or administrative tasks to support the building and launch of the Hub.
Person specification
Essential requirements:
- Excellent written and communication skills.
- Postgraduate level degree.
- Interest and demonstrated knowledge of sentencing in England and Wales and sentencing research.
- Strong interpersonal skills and track record as a team player.
- Excellent organisational skills, ability to deliver on time and attention to detail.
- Excellent IT skills including Word and Excel.
Desirable:
- Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, able to interpret data.
Why work for us?
We are a small, dynamic charity with a unique mission to promote evidence-led sentencing policy and practice and the education of the public in sentencing matters. This is an exciting opportunity, not only to contribute to the successful launch of the Sentencing Hub, but to work with our influential team at a critical moment when sentencing sits at the top of the political agenda as the Government introduces its legislative response to the Gauke Review.
How to apply
If you are attracted by this exciting opportunity and have the qualifications and skills that we are looking for, please apply by sending a copy of your CV and a short supporting statement that summarises how you meet the criteria for the post (no longer than 1 side of A4) to operations@sentencingacademy.org.uk.
The closing date is Friday 15 August 2025 at 17h BST. However, applications will be evaluated as they are received and we reserve the right to close the recruitment process at an earlier date should we receive an application from a suitable candidate before the deadline expires.
If you have any reasonable adjustment requirements that you would like us to consider in the context of this recruitment process (either at the application and/or the interview stage), please advise us via the email address below.
Should you have any queries or require any further information, please email operations@sentencingacademy.org.uk.
