Research Officer - Citizens Advice Scotland

The Citizens Advice network in Scotland is the largest independent advice service in the country. Citizens Advice Scotland is a charity within this network – we act as a national organisation supporting and representing the service as a whole and the interests of citizens. At the heart of the network there are 59 individual citizens advice bureau organisations across Scotland, all operating as independent charities in their own right, and generally focusing on providing support directly to clients. Each of these organisations is a member of Citizens Advice Scotland. Also providing significant added value are the national elements of the service run out of Citizens Advice Scotland, such as the Extra Help Unit. We believe that every citizen should have access to free, impartial and confidential advice that helps them make informed decisions, whenever they need it and however they choose to access it.

The Research Officer is part of the Impact Team at Citizens Advice Scotland. The Impact Team seeks to achieve positive change through two main routes:

• informing and empowering individuals to take action through information, education and campaigning; and
• changing policy, practice and law. 

The post role within the Research Team which is an integral and busy section of the Impact Team. We apply an evidence-based approach to all of our work, and so you will play a key role in supporting and co-ordinating research and data analysis in areas identified as priorities for the citizens advice service, our clients and the people of Scotland. 

As the Research Officer, you will use a wide range of statistics, data, and evidence in order to highlight areas for action, develop and promote solutions. You will also work across a broad spectrum of issues, from social security to access to justice and support Policy colleagues to develop research solutions that will deliver a sound evidence base to influence legislation and positive outcomes for bureaux clients and consumers.

As well as working closely with the Senior Research Officer to deliver a wide range of research projects, you will also assist Policy Officers and other Citizens Advice Scotland colleagues to design and undertake research in different policy areas.  Ensuring that research is robust whilst also accommodating of the needs of bureaux and clients alike is vital to this aspect of the work.

For more information, please refer to the Job Pack which can be downloaded using the links below.

Employee benefits 

Citizens Advice Scotland offers excellent terms and conditions. We want our people to have a great work life balance and we have designed our working practices and benefits to support this.  Here are some of things our employees benefit from:  a 35-hour full time working week, 40 days annual leave, genuine flexibility in working hours with a flexi-time system, and blended/hybrid working opportunities for every role. For more details of some of the other benefits on offer to our employees, please see the section on employee benefits in the job pack.

Citizens Advice Scotland is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion.  We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and flexible working arrangements to support all our staff. We are also committed to equality of opportunity for all and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

CAS provides options for blended working to allow employees to balance their time attending the office with time working from home.  The number of days you will be able to work from home each week will be dependent on your job role and can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.  

happy_to_talk_flexible_working_logo_01.jpg

dc_badge.png

boardroom.jpg