At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research projects and integrate young voices into safeguarding initiatives.
- Company: Join the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding at Durham University.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, travel expenses covered, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across disciplines.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team dedicated to social justice and safeguarding youth.
- Qualifications: Interest in social justice; ideally pursuing or holding a Master's in Sociology or Social Research.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding (GCCS) launched in September 2025, building on the work of a decade-plus, world-leading, Contextual Safeguarding Programme. It is now part of Durham's Sociology Department, whose members, postgraduate researchers, and students collectively develop 'sociological imagination' and apply it to contemporary processes and issues. The Department was ranked 1st for Criminology in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and ranked 4th for impact in REF 2021.
The GCCS builds on this history - an interdisciplinary Centre based in Durham's Sociology Department with direct integration with Law, Business, Education and Psychology. It brings together departments across the four faculties of the University to:
- Transform how societies understand and deliver services that safeguard young people beyond their homes;
- Create systems that look beyond the capacity of parents to protect children;
- Build sustainable partnerships in which safeguarding is truly everybody's business.
This is a Centre committed to a radical transformation in how safeguarding is conceptualised, studied, and practiced, and by whom.
To continue developing the Centre's capacity to enact this change, we are recruiting a number of roles this year - one of these is a part-time GCCS Research Assistant who will work in the GCCS under the direction of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will sit across multiple workstreams to provide support to centre operations and research projects, with particular attention to integrating and reflecting the voices of children and young people into our developing work programme.
We are welcoming applicants with an interest in social justice; we anticipate such applicants having varied academic and professional journeys, potentially holding, or be working towards, a Masters Degree in Sociology or Social Research Methods.
The postholder will be required to undertake support tasks including:
- Working with other RAs in scoping existing research;
- Converting knowledge generated by staff across the GCCS into accessible and practical resources;
- Supporting the team with a range of research and operational activities across multiple ongoing projects;
- Supporting bid development activities across the Centre.
GCCS activities take place in multiple locations across the UK and beyond, so most team members work to a hybrid model, with research underway in various parts of the UK as well as via online data collection methods. Wider Centre activity takes place mostly online with occasional in-person meetings and working days. Travel to research sites and for impact and dissemination activities may be required, and travel for these activities is paid for by the Centre. The normal place of work is Durham, and you will be expected to be present in Durham for essential GCCS business as required (to be discussed with your line manager).
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GCCS Research Assistant - Durham
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Durham University, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Durham University. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Durham University's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace GCCS Research Assistant - Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Durham University. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Durham University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Durham University.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a GCCS Research Assistant - Durham at Durham University.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Durham University that you're ready to hit the ground running in the GCCS Research Assistant - Durham role.
