Compensation & Working Conditions
* £25,000-28,000 p/a pro rata (dependent on experience)
* 3-4 days a week (availability for monthly Saturday working and some evening working - TOIL provided)
* 6 month fixed‑term contract (potential for longer term role)
* Remote role with regular travel to Cowbridge office (South Wales)
* All applicants must have a valid, unrestricted right to work in the UK; proof of identity and eligibility will be required before an offer is confirmed
Praesidio is a safeguarding and child protection organisation which specialises in digital safeguarding. We have a broad portfolio of services ranging from providing strategic advice, research and prevention project creation. You can read more about us at www.praesidiosafeguarding.co.uk.
Since setting up in 2018, Praesidio has developed an outstanding reputation for the quality of our work; our clients include the UK and devolved governments, regulatory bodies, global tech companies, local authorities, large national and international charities as well as smaller community and grassroots organisations.
Praesidio is currently seeking to appoint a Research and Project officer with experience of undertaking research to support a range of research and policy projects, including participatory research projects with big tech and NGOs and also some focused on child sexual exploitation prevention projects in Africa. This role is suitable for an individual with an interest in this area of work and experience of conducting research. A background in engagement with young people, schools, vulnerable groups and/or safeguarding would be a benefit.
About the Role
We are looking for a Research Officer to join our dynamic team at Praesidio Safeguarding. This is an exciting opportunity to work on innovative research projects relating to child online safety and child protection and to ensure that the voices of young people, their parents, and carers are heard and acted upon in shaping policy and practice.
The ideal candidate will have some experience of conducting research, delivering interviews and focus groups, and supporting the administration and running of complex research projects. This role would be suitable for someone early in their research career looking to grow or for someone with more experience looking to work flexibly/ remotely.
Responsibilities
* Support major global projects on online safety and digital technology and child protection, conduct interviews and focus groups, and support the administration of these projects.
* Undertake desk‑based research and produce summaries of meetings and focus groups. Present, consider, discuss and analyse these within the Praesidio team.
* Work with the Praesidio team on research, policy and safeguarding projects, supporting research analysis and assisting with drafting research reports and project outputs.
* Contribute to strategic projects through developing specialist knowledge and expertise in relation to safeguarding and digital safeguarding.
* Draft communications products for Praesidio and its projects.
* Support data gathering work and initiatives for delivering primary research such as focus groups and classroom sessions.
* Actively promote Praesidio’s vision and values in relation to safeguarding, equality and diversity and represent Praesidio at local, regional and national forums and events as required.
* Attend and contribute to internal team meetings and external client‑facing project meetings.
* Assist with grant applications.
* Assist with any other project tasks as needed.
General
* Willingness to work flexibly, including support for participation events that may occur in the evening or weekends.
* Maintain the integrity of any information received through work undertaken for Praesidio and uphold data protection, GDPR, copyright and intellectual property rights.
* Undertake a range of administrative tasks as required.
* Work on highly sensitive and emotionally challenging topics, including child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). Candidates must be willing to engage with distressing topics, demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and ethical responsibility and have emotional resilience, discretion and a trauma‑informed approach. We offer training and support to ensure staff wellbeing, including regular supervision and access to mental health resources.
Qualifications and Skills
Essential
* A degree or relevant qualification or experience
* Policy and research experience – experience of producing desk‑based research, journal reviews and online searches.
* Experience and understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods
* Organised and proactive
* Presentable and articulate
* Excellent understanding of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint.
* Professional or voluntary experience of working with children and young people
* Understanding of digital technology and an interest and willingness to develop expertise in this area.
Desirable
* Experience of working sensitively with vulnerable or excluded groups
* Safeguarding experience
* Experience of working on online safety issues
How to Apply
To apply, please send:
* A CV (Word or PDF)
* A supporting statement (max 2 pages) explaining why you’re a great fit for this role, with examples of how you meet the criteria.
Deadline
Thursday 21st May 2026 12pm
Email to
info@praesidiosafeguarding.co.uk
We welcome informal enquiries before applying, please feel free to get in touch if you’d like to chat about the role.
Research shows that people are often reluctant to reply if they cannot tick every box. We know that great candidates can come from all kinds of backgrounds. What matters most to us is your attitude: if you’re enthusiastic, ready to learn and bring a positive approach to your work, we’d love to hear from you. We believe skills can be taught, but passion, commitment and willingness to grow are what truly make a difference. So, if this role excites you, please apply – you might be exactly who we’re looking for.
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