Role: Research Fellow
Location: Westminster, London, UK (with the option of hybrid working)
Apply Before: 29 May, 23:59
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Work Duration: 15 June 2026-14 September 2026
Job Schedule: Full time
Scholarship: £8,000 (three‑month full‑time Fellowship)
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The Fellowship
The Constitution Society invites applications for a three‑month Research Fellowship to lead a project exploring the position of protest in the UK constitution. This Fellowship will support an early‑career scholar to conduct a study of the shifting legal framework surrounding protest rights, restrictions, policing powers and civil liberties.
Recent legislative reforms, including the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023, have significantly changed the landscape and nature of protest in the United Kingdom. Despite featuring prominently in political debate, there remains limited public understanding of the restrictions and rights relating to protest.
The successful candidate will propose and produce a 15,000‑word report offering a clear, rigorous and publicly accessible account of these issues. They will also design and deliver a targeted public engagement strategy, including events and media output, to ensure the research reaches the public, policymakers and civil society. The Fellow will work under the supervision of the Constitution Society’s Director of Research and will join a small team dedicated to advancing public understanding of the UK constitution.
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The Fellow
• Educated to postgraduate level (or equivalent experience) in law, political science, public policy, history, or a related field
• Strong research experience, including analysis of legislation, case law or constitutional materials
• Evidence of high‑quality academic writing or policy analysis
• Ability to independently design, manage and deliver a research project
• Interests aligned with the Society’s work on constitutional principles
• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with stakeholders, practitioners, and media
• Experience in public engagement, event organisation, or outreach is beneficial but not essential
• Previous research or policy experience relating to the topic of the fellowship
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Key Responsibilities
• Conduct in‑depth research on protest rights, legislation and the UK constitution
• Propose and produce a research project and 15,000‑word report for publication by the Constitution Society
• Organise a schedule of events and/or other public and policy‑facing outputs to launch and disseminate the report
• Develop and implement a media and communications strategy to publicise the findings
• Draft supplementary educational or outreach materials as required
• Maintain accurate documentation, citations, project plans and engagement records
• Liaise with civil society organisations, academic experts and practitioners where relevant
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Anticipated Breakdown of Work (Summer 2026, subject to adjustment)
Research and report preparation, 55%
Public engagement, events and media strategy, 25%
Reporting and administration, 10%
Stakeholder liaison and background research, 10%
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How to Apply
The first stage of the application consists of a cover letter (one page maximum), CV (two pages maximum) and initial research proposal (two pages maximum). These should be uploaded in a single PDF or Word document in the appropriate section below.
The second stage will consist of at least one interview, likely in person at the Society’s London offices.
Informal queries may be directed to the Constitution Society’s Director of Research.
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Details
Applications close: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 (GMT).
Interviews: Dates to be confirmed.
Start date: 15 June 2026.
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You Can Expect
• Access to deskspace at the Society’s offices in the heart of Westminster
• Opportunities to engage directly with policymakers, journalists and academics
• Significant independence to shape a high‑impact research project
• Experience in public engagement, media work and policy-oriented writing
• Opportunities for future association with the Constitution Society’s research programmes
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Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Constitution Society is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from under‑represented backgrounds and will consider flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
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About Us
The Constitution Society is an independent educational foundation promoting public understanding of the UK constitution. We conduct and commission research, monitor constitutional developments, host public events and publish material for scholars, journalists, policymakers and the wider public.