Volunteer Research Assistant - HC623034

Hours: 25 hours per week for a minimum of 30 weeks

Location: Various across Hampshire and Hybrid working

Closing date: Friday 20th February 2026 at 23:59 hours

Research placements with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIOWC) offer an unforgettable opportunity to work in policing while developing valuable skills in research and analysis. The placement will promote the development of transferable skills whilst conducting research and working in an environment where no two days are the same. Students on placement with the force will also have the opportunity to network and spend time with colleagues who work in a wide variety of officer and staff roles.

Research Placement Opportunities:

• Research Evaluating the new Direct Entry Detective Constable recruitment pathway: Conduct a literature review to understand where the new DEDC pathway fits into current entry routes. Brief synopsis of previous review into DC pathway. Conduct survey/interviews with students, trainers and coaches.
• Research Exploring the Internal Recruitment of Detectives: Conduct a literature review to provide an overview and understand PIP and current research on the topic. Brief synopsis of current entry routes. Conduct survey/interviews with those on or have previously been part of the pathway and their supervisors.
• Research Evaluating Current Mandatory and License to Police Continuous Professional Development within HIOWC: Review existing intranet content, engage with key stakeholders, and formulate evidence-based recommendations to enhance future learning delivery and integration. Create a structured data spreadsheet, complete a comprehensive report, and deliver a presentation of findings.
• Research Exploring Policing Futures to inform the Future of Policing in HIOWC: The research will be dynamic responding to current policing needs but will include a mixture of literature reviews, report deep dives and PowerPoint slides. Learn and apply SWOT and Radar Analysis, and Horizon Scanning.
• Research Mapping National Policing Challenges against HIOWC Insights: A Comparative Analysis of Emerging Themes and Future Priorities: Review national reports to produce a literature review focusing on learning, problem-solving and continuous improvement. Undertake a comparative analysis between national and local themes, making recommendations that inform policing. Compile a report and deliver a presentation of findings.
• Research Exploring Operational Boundaries: An Analysis of PCSO Powers in Practice: Review national PCSO powers and roles, producing a comparative analysis across forces. Conduct survey/interviews with current PSCOs and their supervisors. Compile a report and deliver a presentation of findings.

What would be expected and what you will achieve:

You will be expected to write up your research and findings into a report, and then present these to a small, appropriate audience of policing colleagues, so good communication skills both written and verbal will be essential. You will have the opportunity to refine your research skills and create work with the potential for publication. In addition to academic benefits, you will gain first-hand insight into how Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary operates—its Code of Ethics, values, purpose and strategic goals. The placement will develop new skills, equipping you with practical knowledge and professional capabilities that will be pivotal for your future career.

The Work Placement Year is an accredited module of study, assessed via the completion of a portfolio. Students will be required to submit an interim report, a work diary, an updated CV and a final 2000 word reflective report on the completion of their placement and this will be assessed as part of a 120 credit unit.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is an inclusive employer and strives to have a workforce representative of the communities we police and serve. We recognise that we are not fully representative and are working to address this imbalance through a variety of initiatives. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is an equal opportunities employer that positively promotes flexible working, enabling officers and staff to achieve a healthy work-life balance whilst meeting operational requirements of the constabulary. We actively encourage applications to be made on a full time, part time or flexible working basis.

The Equality Act 2010 allows us to promote equality within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary by adopting Positive Action to support people from under-represented groups. Our aim is to recruit talented people with a diverse range of skills and experience and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Our Positive Action team are available to provide support through the application and assessment process.

We will accommodate requests for reasonable adjustments where possible throughout our recruitment and promotions processes and encourage anyone requiring reasonable adjustments to disclose this at the earliest opportunity.