At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with locals, capture their stories, and help shape important decisions.
- Company: Join ScotCen, a trusted research organisation making a difference in Scotland.
- Benefits: Earn £20-£30 per interview, plus holiday pay and travel reimbursements.
- Other info: Flexible hours perfect for students; full training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by giving people a voice in your community.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid UK driving licence, car, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 30 £ per hour.
Help ensure Scottish voices are heard - and turn everyday experiences into insight that shapes decisions. Can you commit to at least 20 hours per week over 3 days, including availability across weekdays, evenings and weekends?
As a Field Interviewer, you'll visit people in your local area and carry out in-home research interviews on issues that matter - including health, housing, transport, and everyday life. This is about listening, not selling. You'll represent a trusted research organisation in your community, helping make sure the realities of life in Scotland are reflected in the decisions that affect services, funding and policy.
People you visit will usually have been contacted in advance. Your role is to make it easy for them to share their perspective - with warmth, respect and good listening. You'll be assigned a defined area, with practical route planning support to help make your patch manageable. In many Scottish communities, travel is a key part of the role, and you'll need to be comfortable travelling throughout your assigned area. Some projects may also require longer journeys and occasional overnight stays. Paid travel time is available on most projects, alongside mileage allowance.
Using a NatCen device, you'll guide thoughtful, respectful conversations and accurately record responses. The stories and experiences you capture help inform decisions made by governments, universities and charities - ultimately helping improve lives across the country.
You'll be fully trained before you go out on your own, including:
- Shadowing experienced interviewers
- Role-play and guided practice
- Supported doorstep visits
Once you're up and running, you won't be doing this alone. You'll have regular check-ins, practical route planning support and a named contact to help you stay on track, build confidence and keep improving.
What you'll earn:
- £20-£30 per completed interview
- Holiday pay + admin fees
- Paid travel time
- Competitive mileage reimbursement rates
- Bonus payments up to £750 in your first 12 months
Additional support in this area:
- Work with visible public value - helping people in Scotland be counted and heard
- Route planning support to make your week efficient
- Paid travel time on most projects and mileage allowance
- Full training and support from day one
What you'll need:
- Valid UK driving licence and sole use of a car
- Class 1 Business insurance
- Right to work in the UK
- Willingness to complete a DBS check
- Reliable home broadband
- Confidence using basic technology
- At least 20 hours available per week (minimum 3 days a week)
- Flexibility to work across weekdays, evenings and weekends
- Strong verbal and written English
Who this role suits:
This role suits people who enjoy talking to others, are comfortable working independently, and want flexible work with purpose. You don't need a particular accent or background - just the ability to build rapport, ask questions with empathy, and listen carefully. If you're curious about people and motivated by work that truly matters, you'll do well. It's a great fit if you've worked in retail, hospitality, admin, driving, sales, or any other customer-facing role. You don't need previous research experience; full training is provided.
We're looking for reliable, approachable people who take pride in doing work that matters. It's especially well suited if you're looking for flexible, part-time hours that can fit around family, studies, or other commitments.
Personal qualities:
- Good at talking to people
- Friendly, respectful and professional
- Resilient and confident
- Self-motivated and independent
- Good time management and prioritising skills
About the Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen):
At ScotCen, we believe that social research has the power to make life better. By really understanding the complexity of people's lives and what they think about the issues that affect them, we give the public a powerful and influential role in shaping services that can make a difference to everyone. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, we focus our time and energy on meeting our clients' needs and delivering social research that works for society. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer.
Field Interviewer - Galashiels employer: Natcen Social Research
At NatCen, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values flexibility and community engagement. As a Field Interviewer, you'll enjoy competitive pay, including bonuses and travel reimbursements, while working in a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and meaningful contributions to society. Join us in making a difference in people's lives through vital research, all while enjoying the freedom of part-time hours that fit your lifestyle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Field Interviewer - Galashiels
✨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 Natcen Social Research, 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 Natcen Social Research. 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 Natcen Social Research's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Field Interviewer - Galashiels
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 Natcen Social Research. 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 Natcen Social Research.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natcen Social Research
✨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 Natcen Social Research.
✨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 Field Interviewer - Galashiels at Natcen Social Research.
✨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 Natcen Social Research that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Field Interviewer - Galashiels role.
