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About Police Care UK

Police Care UK is the national, independent charity supporting serving and veteran members of the police community, and their families, when they’ve been physically or psychologically harmed through policing.

Demand for our services has grown by more than 400% in the last decade. This reflects the increasing impact of trauma in modern policing – from major incidents and serious violence to cumulative and vicarious trauma. We understand that harm doesn’t end with a shift, and that families are often affected too.

We’ve evolved from a traditional benevolent fund into a sector‑leading organisation delivering evidence‑informed support, trauma‑focused recovery services and practical prevention programmes across UK policing. Our work is grounded in compassion, clarity and evidence, and we’re fiercely independent so we can focus on what people really need.

Our vision is simple: a future where every member of the police community has access to the care and support they need, and nobody faces the impact of harm alone. Based in Woking and working nationally, we’re committed to strengthening the people behind the force – and we’re looking for those who want to be a part of that work.

About the Role

The Research & Environmental Scan Intern will support Police Care UK’s research and insight capability by assisting in the development and maintenance of a quarterly environmental scan. This work will help the charity stay informed about trends, risks, and developments across policing, wellbeing, and the wider public sector landscape.

What you’ll do

• Environmental Scanning:
  • Support the creation and quarterly updating of an environmental scan summarising key developments, policy shifts, research, and media coverage relevant to policing and wellbeing.
  • Track emerging issues across academic, governmental, and charity sources.
  • Help identify implications for Police Care UK’s strategy, research, and service delivery.
• Research Support:
  • Conduct desk-based research and literature reviews on relevant topics (e.g. trauma, occupational health, workforce wellbeing, policing culture).
  • Assist with data collation, analysis, and presentation of findings.
  • Contribute to drafting summaries, briefing papers, and reports.
• Information Management:
  • Maintain structured records of sources and references to ensure auditability and continuity.
  • Support the development of templates and tools to improve future environmental scanning efficiency.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Work with colleagues across Research, Policy, and Communications to ensure findings are shared effectively.
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas to strengthen research and insight activity.

What you’ll bring

Essential

• Currently studying or recently completed a degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. social sciences, psychology, criminology, public policy, or related area).
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written communication and ability to summarise complex information clearly.
• Competent in using Microsoft Office and online research tools.
• Highly organised, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Curious, proactive, and able to work independently with guidance.

Desirable

• Experience or interest in policing, mental health, trauma, or wellbeing research.
• Understanding of the charity sector or public service environment.
• Familiarity with data visualisation or information management tools

What you'll gain

• Experience working within a national charity with a clear social mission.
• Hands-on involvement in real-world research and insight processes
• Mentorship and professional development support
• Opportunity to develop skills in research, analysis, and strategic insight

Internship Duration: 3-6 months

How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a detailed cover letter explaining why you’re the right fit for this role. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as you are able.

Limitations: This job description is neither exclusive nor exhaustive. The duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time in the light of changing circumstances in consultation with the jobholder. The jobholder will be required to work within the rules and regulations of the Charity and accept the authority of the Chief Executive, who has the discretion to delegate authority to the jobholder and to withdraw it.

Equal Opportunities Policy: The Charity is committed to eliminating any discrimination and promoting diversity and equality of opportunity in all it does. The Charity is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and we will not unlawfully discriminate against job applicants, employees of the Charity, volunteers, workers, or contract workers on the grounds of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins) religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.