Join Us in Driving Meaningful Change
Communities hold deep, lived experiences that are invaluable in shaping policies and research that truly reflect their needs. At BVSC Research, we are committed to shifting the traditional research model—where research is conducted ‘on’ or ‘to’ communities—to a more inclusive approach where research takes place ‘with’ communities who actively participate in shaping the research that affects them.
What is a Community Researcher?
A Community Researcher is someone who is passionate about their community and wants to contribute to meaningful research that drives change. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds, including grassroots organisations, citizen groups, and local volunteers. With the right support and training, Community Researchers help capture valuable perspectives, ensuring research is representative and impactful.
Why Community Research Matters
Birmingham is a vibrant and diverse city, but many of its communities face significant social and economic challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have only deepened existing inequalities, particularly for marginalised groups. To create lasting change, we must ensure that research is not just ‘about’ communities—but ‘by’ communities.
The voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector plays a vital role in bridging the gap between services and underserved populations. By recruiting and training Community Researchers, we support individuals to contribute their insights, shape research, and influence policy decisions that impact their lives.
Opportunities and Benefits
By becoming a Community Researcher, you can:
· Develop valuable research skills through AIM Quality Marked training
· Contribute to studies that influence policy and service provision
· Connect with a network of like-minded individuals and organisations
· Earn supplemental income on an ad-hoc basis
· Help build a database of trained Community Researchers accessible to academic, health, and local government partners, enabling you to continue developing your skills and research experience
Training Details:
Community Researchers will receive full training and ongoing support to ensure they feel confident in their roles. Depending on the project, researchers may be involved in conducting interviews, gathering community insights, or helping shape research findings that will inform policies and services.
· Training will be provided at BVSC (an AIM Accredited Centre) in Birmingham city centre or online, depending on the project requirements.
· Community Researchers will receive payment for their contributions where applicable.
· AIM Quality Marked training programs tailored for Community Researchers
· Collaboration opportunities with universities and research institutions
· A co-designed suite of research training resources that incorporate best practices from academia and the VCFSE sector
Get Involved
We are actively recruiting Community Researchers for a variety of projects across Birmingham. These projects focus on diverse topics, including health, social issues, community wellbeing, and inequalities. No prior research experience is required—just an interest in your community and a willingness to learn new skills.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved, please complete the interest form below or reach out to communityresearch@bvsc.org
Register your interest: