Volunteer Head of User Research (Criminal Justice Hub)

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about understanding user needs and driving positive change? The Criminal Justice Hub seeks a volunteer Head of User Research to lead and develop our user research strategy, ensuring our resources meet the needs of people navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. As our first Head of User Research, you’ll have a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for user-driven insights that will inform our content and accessibility efforts. In this role, you will:

Lead the development and execution of user research initiatives to gather insights into the experiences, needs, and challenges of our target audience. Collaborate with content designers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure our resources are tailored to user needs. Develop research plans, conduct interviews, surveys, and usability tests, and analyse data to inform content and design decisions. Create and manage user personas, journey maps, and other artefacts to guide our content and service design. Mentor and support a small team of volunteer user researchers, fostering a collaborative and user-centred approach.

If you’re looking to make an impact through meaningful user research, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape our platform and ensure it serves as a truly valuable resource for those in need.

What are we looking for?

The ideal candidate will bring:

User Research Expertise: Proven experience in user research methodologies, including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and analysis. Empathy and User-Centred Thinking: Ability to understand and empathise with users, ensuring that their needs are reflected in all aspects of our platform. Strong Analytical Skills: Skilled in synthesising qualitative and quantitative research data to inform actionable insights. Leadership and Mentorship: Experience leading or mentoring a team, ideally in a volunteer or collaborative environment. Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to clearly present research findings and advocate for user-centered design within the team. Commitment to Social Justice: Passion for supporting individuals and communities affected by the criminal justice system, along with a commitment to improving access to resources. 

If you are empathetic, driven by data, and committed to positive social impact, this role could be a perfect fit for you.

What difference will you make?

As Head of User Research, your insights will be at the heart of our mission, ensuring that our resources meet the real needs of individuals and communities affected by the criminal justice system. Your work will help break down barriers, making our platform accessible and genuinely useful for people navigating challenging legal processes. Through your leadership and strategic vision, you’ll ensure that our platform grows to reflect the diverse experiences and needs of those it serves. By helping shape a data-informed approach, you’ll contribute to lasting positive change, allowing individuals to find relevant, accessible, and empowering information during critical moments in their lives. The impact of your work will extend far beyond the screen, fostering understanding, empowerment, and ultimately, justice.