Volunteer Head of Research
Volunteer role: Head of Research
Team: Research
Location: Remote
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer / Chief of Staff
Hours: 5-10 hours per week
About our research
Established to promote fairness and integrity across a number of key aspects of the national game, Fair Game has been at the forefront of efforts to improve football governance.
Since our formation in early 2021, we have published ground-breaking research on a range of issues within the professional game including: gender, the environment, fan engagement, financial sustainability, ethics and governance.
Our work is frequently cited in parliament and has directly influenced government policy and led to real long-term change.
Fair Game is now entering a new phase, where we want to build new relationships with stakeholders, academics and funders to develop realistic long-term solutions to the problem the game faces.
Our research also provides the metrics for our flagship Fair Game Index, which assess the professional football clubs in England and Wales.
In short, this is an exciting time to be part of our expanding team and play a part in shaping the future of football.
About the Role
As the Volunteer Head of Research, you'll report initially to the Chief Executive Officer and then to the Chief of Staff when they are appointed later this year. You will play a key role in coordinating our research strategy and ensuring our outputs are to the highest standard.
Roles and Responsibilities
Commission and manage research: identify research themes that support strategic and operational goals. Draft project briefs, select methods/vendors/partners, and oversee commissioned work from inception to completion.
Sourcing funding and grants: Work with the fundraising team, academics and other stakeholders to identify and find potential funding streams
Project management: Create and maintain integrated project timelines, ensuring deliverables are met on schedule. Coordinate with internal teams (e.g. engagement, comms and advocacy) and external academic or policy stakeholders.
Communications: Review interim outputs; flag gaps in data, methodology, or relevance; coordinate revisions with authors. Help prepare summaries, briefs, or webinars to promote research findings.
Monitoring & Reporting: Compile periodic updates on research progress, risks, and upcoming opportunities to the Board and senior team. Assist in reviewing draft reports, flagging insights, data quality, and policy relevance.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
Demonstrable experience in research project delivery
Strong project management skills: setting milestones, tracking progress, and coordinating diverse input
Excellent analytical and written communication skills
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, virtual team environment
Passion for football and appetite to influence positive change in the game
Desirable:
Academic / professional background in sports policy, governance, or related fields
Experience commissioning third-party researchers
Knowledge of academic funding streams
Familiarity with timelines and team coordination tools (e.g. Trello, Gantt, ClickUp)
What You’ll Gain
Shape Fair Game’s evidence strategy at a pivotal time for football’s future
Build collaborative relationships with academics, policy experts, and internal teams
Gain hands-on experience in commissioning and managing impactful research
The chance to be part of a passionate, reform-driven movement
Volunteering
We are seeking dedicated individuals who are genuinely passionate about contributing to our cause. This voluntary role demands more than just an initial burst of enthusiasm; it requires a steadfast commitment and a deep-seated desire to make a difference.
We kindly ask that only those who are prepared to invest their time and energy, with a serious intent to contribute and grow with us, consider applying. This is not just a role, but a journey towards creating meaningful impact. If you are looking for a casual commitment or are uncertain about your availability and dedication, this might not be the right opportunity for you. We value the contribution of our volunteers immensely and wish to build a team that shares our commitment to the cause.
How to Apply
To apply for this role please send a short note of interest and a CV to niall.couper@fairgameuk.co.uk
We strongly believe in having more diverse voices in our team and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those currently under-represented.
