New Opportunity: Peer Researcher
Are you aged 16–20 and ready to make Slough a better, healthier place for young people? Slough Borough Council and Together As One are looking for local Youth Peer Researchers to lead real community research and directly shape local decision-making. No prior experience or qualifications are needed – this is a fully supported, paid, and flexible role designed to fit entirely around your studies, work, or family life. Apply by Monday 15th June 2026 to gain incredible skills, build your CV, and make sure young voices in Slough are truly heard!
Job Description: Youth Peer Researcher
- Job Title: Youth Peer Researcher
- Hourly Rate: £10.85 per hour (plus statutory holiday pay)
- Hours: 60 hours total, delivered flexibly over a 12-month contract
- Contract Duration: 12 months (Fixed-Term, starting June 2026)
- Locations: Slough Borough Council Offices and Together As One (Aik Saath) Office
- Application Deadline: Monday 15th June 2026
Job Purpose
Are you passionate about making Slough a better, healthier place for young people? Slough Borough Council and Together As One are looking for local young people (aged 16–20) to become Youth Peer Researchers.
In this role, you won’t just be asked for your opinion – you will be trained to lead the research itself. You will work as part of a team to explore the real barriers and opportunities young people face when trying to stay active in Slough. Your findings will directly shape a new framework to help the council listen to and value young voices in future local decision-making.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Your work will move through four main stages over the 12-month project:
1. Training & Skill Development (Months 1–4)
- Attend a co-designed training needs assessment to map out your skills and what support you need.
- Actively participate in workshops covering “what research is”, research ethics, safeguarding, interviewing techniques, and creative project methods.
2. Hands-on Research Pilot (Months 5–9)
- Work with the project team to design research questions and youth-friendly project materials.
- Lead and facilitate comfortable, safe peer conversations and interviews with other young people in Slough about physical activity.
- Attend monthly mentoring sessions with project leads to share updates and stay supported.
3. Evaluation & Reflection (Months 9–11)
- Take part in reflective group sessions to review what worked well and what challenges you faced during the research.
- Help identify the key systems, payment setups, and safeguarding structures the council needs to put in place to work well with young people in the future.
4. Sharing the Learning (Month 12)
- Help co-create a practical Youth Involvement Framework and Toolkit.
- Present your insights, findings, and experiences at a final learning and celebration event for council leaders, community partners, and national funders.
Person Specification
We are looking for young people from under-represented communities in Slough (including young carers, those living in deprived areas, young people not in education/employment/training, or those with special educational needs).
You do not need any prior qualifications or research experience to apply. We will provide all the training and support you need.
Criteria Breakdown
| Criteria | Essential (Must Have) | Desirable (Great to Have) |
| Age & Location | * Aged between 16 and 20 years old.
* Lives, studies, or holds strong roots in the borough of Slough. |
|
| Experience & Background | * Identifies with or belongs to a community that is often under-represented or left out of local decision-making. | * Personal experience or understanding of the challenges young people face staying active or healthy in Slough. |
| Skills & Attributes | * Good communication skills (e.g., being a good listener, enjoying chatting with peers).
* Ability to work open-mindedly as part of a small team of 8 researchers. * Reliable and committed to attending planned sessions. |
* Creative ideas on how to make activities fun, welcoming, and accessible for other young people. |
| Values & Motivations | * A passion for social justice, community equity, and improving the local area for youth.
* Curiosity to learn new skills and try out public health research tools. |
* An interest in exploring future project placements or career pathways within community work or local government. |
Support and Safeguarding
- Mentorship: You will receive regular mentoring and side-by-side support from the council’s Research Practitioner and youth workers at Together As One.
- Flexibility: There are some key training dates but other hours can be scheduled around your school, college, work, or care responsibilities.
- Safe Spaces: Sessions will take place in accessible, trusted, and fully safeguarded community and council spaces.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit the following two items:
- A copy of your CV
(Don’t worry if you don’t have much formal work experience yet! We want to see whatever you’ve been up to – whether that is school, volunteering, clubs, hobbies, or looking after family). - A short cover letter
(This should explain why you would like this role, why you are interested in public health or community research, and what makes you excited about joining this project).
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 5pm, Monday 15th June 2026