Data Poverty Lab Associate

Terms of Reference: Data Poverty Lab Associate

Good Things Foundation, the UK’s leading digital inclusion organisation, is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Associate to join our dynamic charity as a Data Poverty Lab Associate (short term consultancy contract). This position is integral to the advancement of our data poverty advocacy and research initiative, the Data Poverty Lab. The Associate will play a key role in interrogating and evaluating existing innovative solutions (mainly but not exclusively in the UK), focusing on their potential to drive transformational, structural change.

Purpose of Associate

Over the course of a year, the Associate will develop a ‘green paper’ based on their research, collaborative and close working with Good Things Foundation, and skilled stakeholder engagement across Government, industry, and civil society. The green paper will set out the most suitable solutions to eradicate data poverty, with considered rationales and recommendations. While the green paper is the tangible output, the fundamental purpose of this work is to drive forward change to eradicate data poverty in the UK – working with Good Things Foundation’s Data Poverty Lab affiliate staff and key stakeholders, generating and using evidence to identify what needs to happen and be part of making that a reality.

Associate Responsibilities

• In-depth research: Interrogate existing data poverty solutions with a focus on feasibility. Including – but not limited to – solutions such as: Broadband social tariffs, Good Things’ National Databank, EE’s Stay Connected, Jangala’s WiFi in a Box, and Zero-rating essential online public services. Other international approaches also included, and solutions will also be appraised against different demographics / circumstances, if and when applicable.
• Framework exploration: Assess solutions’ feasibility for scaling (including commercial levers and competitive advantage) in future PESTLE uncertainties using SAFS (Scalability; Adoption; Feasibility; Sustainability) and the Data Poverty Lab’s CHESS (Cheap; Handy; Enough; Safe; and Suitable) frameworks.
• ‘Green Paper’ development: Generating a comprehensive paper that serves as accessible research and guidance – providing insights and recommendations.
• Advocacy: Advocate for solutions to eradicate data poverty based on ‘green paper’ and move Government and industry stakeholders forward – through events, briefings, and other activities.

Associate Qualifications

• A strong background in research, evaluation, advocacy, policy development, thought leadership
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills – both the big picture and an eye for detail
• Familiarity with data poverty issues and digital exclusion more broadly
• Political acumen – given the likely policy and political operating context in the year ahead
• A strong communicator, able to deliver complex research through an easy-to-understand narrative
• Demonstrates Good Things’ core values: curious, creative, collaborative, people-focused and positive

Associate Timeframe and Remuneration

The position is offered as a short term consultancy contract for a year (April 2024 until April 2025) up to a maximum value of £45,000*, with an additional £5k to cover reasonable travel and subsistence costs (to be agreed with Good Things in advance – the Associate will be subject to procedures laid out in Good Things’ Expenses Policy). There is a budget dedicated to research, advocacy, and policy activities (covering costs such as events and partnership opportunities) subject to business case approval.

The Associate (or team) will be expected to work closely with the Good Things’ Advocacy Manager as well as relevant senior leaders at Good Things Foundation and Nominet.

Payments will take the form of the Associate invoices, alongside timesheets, submitted to Good Things Foundation monthly.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the Expression of Interest (EoI) form here by Sunday 18 February: https://forms.gle/X8dquD4mPavM2cuk7

We will be in touch with all applicants to let them know the outcome of their EoI week commencing Monday 19 February and invite successful candidates to the next stage of the recruitment process, which will involve submitting a research proposal in line with the Terms of Reference (candidates will have c. three weeks to submit this).

Any questions about the opportunity please contact Hannah Whelan at Hannah.Whelan@goodthingsfoundation.org.

Open Webinar via Zoom

There is an open webinar to ask questions about the Associate opportunity on Tuesday 13 February at 5-5:45pm which we invite all potential applicants to attend should they be willing and able.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82729599711?pwd=cFRYREJqTllIcXJiNGd4c1Q1UjVudz09

Meeting ID: 827 2959 9711

Passcode: 998902

The webinar will be recorded and shared shortly afterwards, on Good Things Foundation’s website.

Notes

• We are ideally looking for an individual Associate, though we remain open to applications from small teams.
• This is a hybrid role, which will be predominately remote. Occasion travel (such as to Good Things’ office in Sheffield) will be required. Other ways of working will be established once the successful applicant is hired (including a fixed morning per week for appropriate staff to be online together).
• The successful applicant is expected to provide their own IT equipment.
• All applicants must have the right to live/work in the UK.
• All applicants will be required to sign a criminal declaration disclosing any “unspent” convictions or offences or anything else deemed relevant to the role.
• A DBS check may be required depending on the Associate’s approach to the project.
• Arising IPR from the work will be owned by Good Things Foundation with licensed rights given to the Associate to use the Arising IPR in their own work following first publication by Good Things Foundation.
• *Applicants will have to provide details of the legal form that they intend to supply these services (Limited Company, Freelancer, Contractor etc) and indicate whether they are VAT registered when submitting their proposal. All quotes should be provided exclusive of VAT. The selected supplier will be required to enter into a contract with Good Things Foundation, and will need to pass our standard supplier due diligence checks which may include verification of the right to work in the UK and a DBS check (as stated above), as well as an Employment Status For Tax Check.