Reporting to – Research and Campaigns Manager
Responsible for – No line management responsibility
Starting salary – £13,939.38 (Full time Equivalent £27,878.76)
Salary scale – £27,878.76 – £29,822.00 – £32,727.24 per annum (pro rata)
Hours – 18.5 hours a week
Contract – Permanent
Work base – Office-based role at Cobourg House

About the role:

Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a difference, every single day, to people from all walks of life? Citizens Advice helps people overcome many obstacles in their lives – from debt to relationship problems to trouble at work. You will be a vital part of a local charity having a big impact.

 As a Research and Data Officer, you will play a key role helping Citizens Advice Plymouth understand the challenges faced by local and national clients and turn evidence into meaningful change. Working as part of the Research and Campaigns Team, you will use client data, research and stakeholder insights to identify emerging issues, investigate their causes and develop evidence-based recommendations to improve policies and practices.

 The role combines policy research, data analysis, community engagement and influencing. In this role, you will deliver research activities using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, including client interviews, surveys and community consultations. Using data analysis you’ll help inform strategic decisions, improve service delivery, and strengthen our ability to secure funding, ultimately enhancing the support we provide to our communities.

 As part of the Research and Campaigns Team, you will work closely with volunteers and other team members, support the delivery of research projects and helping to develop research skills across the team. You will provide guidance on research methods, contribute to research design and analysis, and ensure that the evidence is used effectively to inform the organisation’s work.

 You will also work closely with the Marking and Communications Officer to provide data insights on key issues affecting our clients, share research findings and demonstrate the impact of Citizens Advice Plymouth’s services. Together, you will use evidence and communications to raise awareness of local issues, support campaigns and influence decision makers.

 The employer for this post is Citizens Advice Plymouth. The role is 18.5 hours a week on a permanent basis. The start date for this role is expected to be January 2027.

 The Research and Data Insights Officer role is an office-based role primarily based at out Plymouth office. Our office is at Cobourg House, 32 Mayflower Street, Plymouth, PL1 1QX.

About you:

We’re looking for a proactive and analytical Research and Data Insights Officer with a keen eye for detail, who thrives on investigating complex issues, uncovering insights and using evidence to support decision-making and a positive change.

You’ll:

• Be passionate about improving people’s lives and creating positive change.
• Have strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Be highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities.
• Be able to work independently, take ownership of projects and use sound judgement when making decisions.
• Be good at building positive, trust-based relationships with colleagues, clients and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Have a positive, can-do attitude and commitment to continuous learning.
• Be creative, collaborative and open to new ideas, technology and ways of working
• Have experience in social policy research and data analysis.
• Pay close attention to detail while taking initiative and finding solutions.
• Enjoy working with a diverse range of people and is open-minded, empathetic and non-judgemental.
• Have a genuine interest in understanding the experiences of local communities.

Research priorities may change in response to organisational needs, emerging social policy issues and local or national policy developments. You will be adaptable, curious and able to respond to changing priorities while maintaining a strong focus on delivering high-quality evidence and impact.

 As a member of the Research and Campaigns Team, you’ll work closely with volunteers, supporting them with research activities and helping to develop research skills across the team. Therefore, you should be confident supporting others and be able to adapt to different needs.

You will also need to be emotionally intelligent and resilient and able to handle conversations about a wide range of potentially upsetting topics, including mental health issues, difficult life situations.

We’re looking for someone who are receptive to feedback and see it as a chance to continuously improve.

As an organisation we are open, honest and act with integrity and we expect the same from all our staff and volunteers. We treat everyone with dignity and respect, no matter who they are. You will understand the importance of confidentiality and data protection and will uphold the aims, principles and values of Citizens Advice Plymouth and proactively support and champion the charity in all areas of our work.

We value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination.  We encourage and welcome applications from suitably skilled candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who are disabled, or people from Black, Asian, and other racially minoritised backgrounds, as these people are currently underrepresented at Citizens Advice Plymouth. We also actively welcome applications from LGBTQ+ candidates.

To apply for this vacancy:

1. Please complete the application form in full. There are two versions of the same application form in different colours, please complete one form you find easiest to read and return.

2. Completed applications should be returned to recruitment@citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk by 9am on Wednesday 25th November 2026

3. Please let us know if you need us to adapt our application process so there are no barriers for you to apply.