We occasionally take on volunteers to work on our research projects and other tasks within the organization. Volunteering is intended to provide a benefit for the organization (by assisting paid staff with their work through contributions to research, analysis, publications and other tasks) and for volunteers themselves (by providing an opportunity to obtain new skills and knowledge about the issues on which we work and by gaining work experience).
Work undertaken by volunteers will vary depending on our ongoing projects, but our research is generally focused on the law, the powers and the practices of the state in relation to policing, migration, surveillance, criminal law, prisons and secrecy. Much of our work focuses on the institutions and agencies of the European Union, but we also work on national issues. We undertake research in order to produce news, analyses and reports. We then use this to inform our work with others in civil society to promote education and positive advances in the fields of civil liberties and individual rights.
You can find out more about work and the organization by looking at our website.
What we expect of volunteers
We ask our volunteers to make themselves available for a minimum of one day a week for a minimum period of three months. This period may be extended subject to evaluation and mutual agreement. Normally this would involve working in our office in Fleet Street, London, although due to the pandemic we are all currently working remotely and volunteers will be asked to do the same.
There is no need for volunteers to have any specific qualifications or educational experience, but they must have an interest the issues we cover, a commitment to our vision and objectives and a demonstrable ability to undertake research and writing. Given the European scope of our work, a good knowledge of a European language other than English is considered beneficial, but not essential. We also see involvement in community, local, national or international activism and campaigning as a positive asset.
What volunteers can expect of us
We will assist you with developing your research and writing skills and provide you with experience of working as part of a small, committed team that regularly works and engages with individuals and organisations in the UK, elsewhere in Europe and occasionally further afield. You will be welcome to attend staff meetings, public events and meetings with other individuals and organisations that may arise as part of the project(s) you are working on. We will cover lunch costs and reasonable travel expenses.
Applying to volunteer
We always welcome expressions of interest from volunteers, but will only be able to provide opportunities when time and circumstances permit. If you would like to apply to volunteer, then please do the following:
You are welcome to contact us by phone or email with any questions you may have beforehand. We cannot offer opportunities to everyone who expresses their interest in volunteering, but we will always respond.
If you don't wish to have a volunteer but would like to contribute to our work in another way, you can contribute material for publication - find out more here.
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Statewatch does not have a corporate view, nor does it seek to create one, the views expressed are those of the author. Statewatch is not responsible for the content of external websites and inclusion of a link does not constitute an endorsement. Registered UK charity number: 1154784. Registered UK company number: 08480724. Registered company name: The Libertarian Research & Education Trust. Registered office: MayDay Rooms, 88 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1DH. © Statewatch ISSN 1756-851X. Personal usage as private individuals "fair dealing" is allowed. We also welcome links to material on our site. Usage by those working for organisations is allowed only if the organisation holds an appropriate licence from the relevant reprographic rights organisation (eg: Copyright Licensing Agency in the UK) with such usage being subject to the terms and conditions of that licence and to local copyright law.