About the Project
The British Red Cross has commissioned Neighbourly Lab and Opora to conduct a research project looking at how the UK has provided protection to people displaced from the conflict in Ukraine. The project will explore what part of the UK’s response worked well, what worked less well, and what learnings can be taken and applied to the way that the UK responds to future displacement crises. The learnings that we gather from this project will be used to develop practical recommendations to improve the UK’s system of support for refugees and other displaced people in the future. The project will look at the UK’s “system of support” in a broad way, including but not limited to national policies, local policies, and the support provided by communities and organisations like charities and volunteer groups.
About Neighbourly Lab, Opora, and the British Red Cross
Neighbourly Lab is a research and innovation organisation with a mission to increase social connection across the UK. We specialise in conducting migration-focussed research and working in partnership with communities to deliver impactful learning. The British Red Cross is a UK national charity providing support to anyone who is in crisis and a leading independent provider of support to refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. Since March 2022, it has supported over 68.000 people displaced from Ukraine across the UK with emergency cash, emotional support, distributing SIM cards and a dedicated helpline, as well as casework.
About Peer Researchers
Peer Researchers are researchers who have lived experience of the issues being studied. They will play a vital role in ensuring the success of this project through their expertise, personal experience, and local perspective. They will collaborate with Neighbourly Lab and Opora to document lived experiences, explore the impact of different policies on the lives of Ukrainians in the UK, and develop recommendations for how the UK responds to future displacement crises. No prior research experience is required—just an interest in improving displacement responses and a commitment to understanding more about the experiences of displaced people from Ukraine in the UK.
Responsibilities of Peer Researchers
Peer Researchers will participate in:
● Training: A half-day session to build skills in ethical research, trauma-informed practices, and effective interviewing (online).
● Fieldwork: Conducting interviews with people displaced from Ukraine to gather diverse perspectives (online). This research phase will last approximately a month over March 2025 and although peer researcher involvement will vary, we anticipate this taking 1-2 days of time across the month period.
● Feedback Session: A half-day session sharing findings with the core research team to refine insights (online).
● Survey Distribution: Helping to distribute the survey within their communities, through online networks and some in-person engagement. This research phase will last approximately 6 weeks through May and June 2025.
● Workshops: Participating in 1 recommendation-setting in-person workshop alongside policymakers and stakeholders (a combination of in person and online). This will require half a day of time and will take place in approximately late June / early July.
After the research is complete, there will be opportunities for voluntary involvement in promoting the report, its findings and recommendations.
Total time commitment: 6 days, spread over a six-month period (Starting in early February and ending in September), with flexibility required.
Requirements
● Fluency in both English and Ukrainian.
● Basic IT skills, such as using Microsoft Word and joining Zoom calls. If access to a computer or stable internet is a barrier, we can provide support.
● A curious mind and strong interest in improving support for people who have been displaced.
● Lived experience of forced displacement and the support received in the UK.
● Based in London or Scotland, due to a majority of our research taking place in these locations.
Desirable
● Fluency in Russian would also be beneficial but is not a requirement
Payment
Peer Researchers will receive £150 per day (8-hour day with 1 hour lunch) for their involvement. Payment can be made via bank transfer or vouchers and can be adjusted to accommodate benefits entitlement
Support and Training Neighbourly Lab and Opora will provide:
● Comprehensive training in research ethics and trauma-sensitive methods.
● Ongoing mentorship, debriefs, and emotional support during research activities.
● Opportunities to be involved in the design of the research project (e.g. supporting the development of discussion guides and survey design) and contributing to the analysis of the research findings.
How We Will Support You To Take Part
We are committed to equitable and inclusive research participation:
● Flexible scheduling to accommodate availability.
● Support for accessibility needs, including rest breaks and any in-person activities will take place in an accessible location.
● Assurance of confidentiality, with clear opportunities to step back from the research needed.
● If asked to attend in person activities, all travel and lunch expenses will be covered.
● We will cover childcare costs if needed.
● If there is anything else that would make it easier for you to take part, please get in touch and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Data Protection, Ethics, and Safeguarding
Peer Researchers will be required to adhere to the data protection, ethics, and safeguarding principles of both Neighbourly Lab and the British Red Cross. We will provide this info in our researcher training and will also share comprehensive guidelines with Peer Researchers.
Application
To apply, or if you have any questions or queries, please contact:
● Rebecca at Rebecca@Neighbourlylab.com
Join us in helping make refugee support more effective and compassionate!