British Future works to understand public attitudes and inform debates on issues that can often seem noisy and polarised. We listen to people's views, finding common ground and offering constructive solutions - building consensus for reforms to immigration and integration policy that can work for all of us.
Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future
British Future is an independent and non-partisan think tank focused on issues of immigration, integration, race, and identity. Our objective is to help create a confident and welcoming Britain, inclusive and fair to all. We combine research of academic quality with communications and engagement activities aimed at achieving influence and impact.
Our projects
We typically have at least five research projects at any one time, at different stages and involving different topics and methods. Our confirmed projects for 2025 include wave 18 of the immigration attitudes longitudinal survey with Ipsos; research for the new independent commission on community and cohesion chaired by John Denham and Sajid Javid; and research to support a commission on the future of inclusion and belonging in the London borough of Newham.
What you will gain
The placement will provide experience across all main aspects of British Future’s work on immigration, integration, race and identity. You will gain experience in
- conducting policy-focused research in a non-academic setting. We are a think-tank conducting research to influence policy
- opinion polling, running focus groups, and roundtable discussions
- research design and delivery
- impact evaluation
- proposal writing
- research dissemination and evaluation
- research dissemination and communication management (press, broadcasting, and social media)
- event planning and delivery
- relationship management (with funders, research partners, and stakeholders)
- teamwork and collaboration
Above all, we aim to make the placement a positive and enjoyable experience. We will work with you to fine-tune the placement project so that it meets the interests we share and your individual professional development needs. We have hosted interns for many years, including doctoral placements and he have had the pleasure to see our past interns go on to work in the civil service, public affairs, research, media, and for other leading charities.
Who we are looking for
The successful candidate will have
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a doctoral subject of broad relevance to British Future’s work
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an interest in research which aims to influence policy and practice
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an interest in developing qualitative and quantitative research skills, for example survey design or facilitating focus groups
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the ability to work with and analyse survey data at basic to intermediate level
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strong written and oral communication skills to engage with a range of contacts and audiences
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an understanding of British politics and contemporary public debates around immigration, integration, race and identity
You will join our small, friendly, and supportive team.
To be a good fit you need to have
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an interest in working in the interface between research and policy impact in the future
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the ability to contribute to projects with short time scales and to tight deadlines
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a collaborative attitude, who can work well with colleagues across the organisation
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confidence to work with minimal day to day supervision and put forward own ideas
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good organisational skills
Supervision and collaboration arrangements
The student will have weekly catch ups with Jake Puddle, the BF’s Senior Researcher and placement supervisor. They will be fully embedded in our team, which meets twice per week. We would expect them to work with the Director of Research, the Director of Communications, the Communications Officer, the Events Manager, as well as our Director.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to sponsor the student for a visa covering the duration of the placement, if required.
Vulnerable clients or service users
If the student would like to be involved in fieldwork, a DBS check might be required.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a short cover letter (up to 500 words) in .pdf format by e-mailing placements.gudtp@socsci.ox.ac.uk. These should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria and your motivation to undertake this placement.
If you cannot make the proposed dates please let us know your availability in the e-mail.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed remotely by our Director of Research & Relationships and our Senior Researcher. This will be an opportunity to discuss how we could tailor the placement to your interests and see if we are a good fit for each other.
