About Schoolreaders

Schoolreaders goal is for all children, regardless of background, to leave primary school being able to read well so they can go on to access their secondary education fully and maximise their future life chances. We match volunteers to local primary schools, focusing on schools and children with the greatest need. Our volunteers support over 40,000 children each week with a one-to-one reading support session and we have ambition to continuing growing.

The Opportunity

Are you looking to build a standout CV, develop your data-research skills, and make a meaningful impact in the charity sector?

We are seeking an analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive intern to join our team for a 4–6 week summer research project. This is a brilliant opportunity for a college or university student to gain inside experience into how charity income generation and regional partnerships work. Upon successful completion, you are welcome to list Schoolreaders for job references and we will provide a letter of recommendation to help you secure future employment.

What You Will Do

This role is all about building the data foundations that allow our fundraising team to thrive. Your core research projects will include:

• Researching Funding Opportunities: Searching for local and national organisations that give grants to charities, looking at what kind of projects they like to support, and finding the right people for us to contact.
• Keeping Our Records Up to Date: Checking and updating our existing lists of charity trusts, making sure the names of their trustees are correct, and highlighting the ones that look like a great match for our work.
• Mapping Local Community Groups: Creating clear lists of regional community groups and clubs (like local sports clubs, societies, and networks) that enjoy supporting local causes, so we know who is out there.
• Organising Information by Area: Looking at where these different groups and funders are located across the UK, helping us organise our information neatly by county or region, so our team can easily use it.

Structure and Flexibility

• Work from Home: The vast majority of this research can be done independently from home.
• Bedford Office Days: To support your professional development, you will join us one day a week at our friendly office in Bedford. This day will be used to catch up with your manager, receive guidance, review your progress, and immerse yourself in the charity's team culture.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong Research Skills: Comfort navigating public registries, websites, and databases efficiently to extract information.
• Organisation & Accuracy: High attention to detail and proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets is essential.
• Proactive Mindset: Able to manage your time effectively while working independently from home.
• A Passion for the Cause: An interest in helping a growing charity make a difference in children’s education.

Skills You Will Add to Your CV

Guidance and support will be provided throughout your work, and by the end of the internship, you will be able to demonstrate to future employers that you possess:

• Strategic Pipeline Building: Experience identifying and qualifying high-value prospective partners.
• Data Literacy: Advanced skills in auditing, data hygiene, and structural database organisation.
• Sector Knowledge: A strong understanding of UK corporate governance, trust frameworks, and charity finance mechanisms.

Pay: £12.71 per hour

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bedford MK41 7PH