We are a mission-driven organisation dedicated to ensuring that essential services work for everyone, especially those in vulnerable circumstances. As the UK transitions toward net zero and an increasingly digital infrastructure, we focus on preventing individuals and communities from being left behind.
Our work spans critical sectors including energy, water, telecommunications, and broadband. We champion fair outcomes, promote inclusive policy solutions, and work to ensure that vulnerable customers - particularly those in debt or at risk of financial hardship, are protected and supported.
We are seeking a Research & Policy Intern to deliver high-quality research across essential service sectors, with a particular focus on vulnerability and inclusion.
This role will build insight into how markets, regulation, and industry practices impact vulnerable customers. You will explore how these sectors are evolving—particularly in the context of net zero and digital transformation—and identify risks, gaps, and opportunities to ensure that no one is left behind. This role offers an opportunity to develop skills in analysis, research and stakeholder engagement while contributing to projects at the intersection of utilities supply, government policy, social impact and digital services.
We expect the role to spend 1-2 days a week in the office in Peterborough, with some travel and overnight stays (expenses paid).
Key Responsibilities
· Maintain a positive and alert eye on the press, key stakeholders and others to support the executive, identifying and responding to emergent matters of interest.
· Conduct desk top research across energy, water, telecoms, and broadband sectors.
· Track regulatory developments and policy changes.
· Assess how sector evolution (e.g. decarbonisation, digitisation) affects different customer groups.
· Identify and assess the needs of vulnerable customers, including those experiencing financial hardship, debt, or digital exclusion.
· Evaluate how organisations identify, support, and engage these groups.
· Support & administer SROI reporting and work with 3rd party providers
· Highlight systemic risks that may exacerbate inequality or exclusion.
· Examine how the transition to net zero impacts affordability, access, and customer outcomes.
· Identify barriers preventing vulnerable customers from participating in or benefiting from low-carbon initiatives (e.g. smart meters, energy efficiency, digital services).
· Develop insights and recommendations to support a fair and inclusive transition.
· Produce high-quality reports, briefings, consultation submissions and policy papers.
· Translate regulatory information into clear, actionable insights.
· Support thought leadership within the organisation and externally.
· Liaise with ministerial teams and coordinate wider stakeholder meetings, prepare briefings, content and support the creation of awareness content relating to the work undertaken by Charis both directly and on behalf of clients.
· Engage with regulators, industry stakeholders, consumer groups, and charities as directed.
· Monitor best practice and innovation in supporting vulnerable customers.
· Support collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
· Provide research and insight support to the Client and wider teams where required.
· Maintain the customer relationship management system (Hubspot) for Managed Services, creating reports and dashboards to support Client lead generation through to contract.
Skills, Experience and Attributes
· A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g. social sciences, economics, public policy, data analysis, or similar).
· Strong evidenced interest in policy, research and government.
· Understanding of vulnerability, financial hardship, debt and affordability.
· Passionate about social impact and fairness in essential services.
· Interest in working on net zero, sustainability, or climate-related policy.
· Good analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and information.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills.
· Attention to detail, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely.
· Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
· Comfortable working in a collaborative, team-based environment.
· Willingness to learn and develop skills across research, data and policy.
Desirable:
· Experience (academic or in employment or placement) in research, analysis or policy-related work.
· Basic knowledge of data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, Power BI, or similar).
· Experience of using a CRM system.
· Awareness of sectors such as energy, utilities or public services.
· Understanding of research methods and/or impact measurement concepts.
Pay: £27,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Education:
Language:
- English fluently (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Peterborough PE2 6FZ
