Research project: ‘The National Wealth Service’

The pandemic created a perfect storm for politicians to sell the lie that private healthcare companies help relieve pressure on the NHS, and we’re already witnessing the emergence of a two-tier health system. The British Medical Association warned that the government’s 2022 Health and Care Act would “do more harm than good”, making “it easier for private companies to win NHS contracts without proper scrutiny”. It contains a sweeping array of amendments designed to benefit multinational companies, private healthcare providers and insurers.

As we write, junior doctors are embarking on another strike to protest declining wages and worsening conditions. Significant NHS staff shortages are now the norm across the board and waiting lists are growing ever longer, in what has been described as a “death by 1,000 cuts”. Alongside this, concerns are growing over awards of multi-million pound NHS contracts to private corporate giants.

This research project aims to investigate and disseminate information on around 200 private companies (many of which are US-owned giants) that have existing NHS contracts and develop our hypothesis that far more has already been paid out to private companies than the UK public is aware of. We’ve recently investigated vast profits paid out to the subsidiaries of just five companies and the results are shocking. With the help of the new fellow, we can push our specialised research methods even further.

The aim is to create a directory outlining the activities, interests and financial track records of these corporate interests, alongside their role in the new NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICS).

The findings collected for the directory would then be used to create an interactive map enabling people to find out which companies are profiting from the NHS at both national and local level. The body of work as a whole will create a tool not only for campaign groups but also for UK residents to fully understand the extent of current NHS privatisation. This embodies our Corporate Watch ethos: to produce Information for Action.

Post Details

Job title: Research Fellow

Working hours: 28 hours per week max with flexible working hours. This post is for one year, with the potential to join as a Corporate Watch co-op member on completion of the fellowship.

Pay: You will receive a tax-free support grant of £20,400 via a monthly stipend from the Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust.

Annual Leave: 5 weeks (pro rata) plus bank holidays

Location: Open to anyone able to work remotely and travel approximately every three months to Bristol or London.

Deadline for applications: 30, August 2023

Interviews: Date TBC

Start date: W/c 2 October 2023 (with the opportunity to join a Corporate Watch in person training on 30 September and 1 October, expenses paid)

Job Description

Research

Over the course of the year, you will be expected to research, analyse, write, and produce a range of short, informative outputs leading up to developing the directory and interactive map. You’ll work collaboratively with other co-op members and later take the lead on developing evidence, analysis and research outputs.

It is expected that research methods will include desk-based research as well as primary research which may include: data gathering and analysis, FOI requests, surveys, interviews, and liaising with campaign groups. Corporate Watch will provide training and mentoring to support building these and a wide range of other research methods.

This Fellowship is intended to provide an opportunity for the fellow to develop their research capability; we do not expect these skills to be fully developed from the outset and encourage those without academic experience to apply. We will offer training in our anti-capitalist research methods, supported by regular one-to-one mentoring.

External Communication, Social Media and Dissemination

The Research Fellow will be responsible for ensuring that information is communicated to a wide audience, with a particular emphasis on ensuring key information reaches those outside traditional academic and policy spaces.

This will include:

• Creating short, accessible written outputs to communicate key research outcomes.
• Drafting press releases and communicating research outcomes to mainstream media.
• Using social media to drive public engagement and understanding.
• We will support the fellow in presenting their research findings to campaign groups and they will have the opportunity shadow us in our workshops, as appropriate. These activities will enable the fellow to build confidence and experience in public speaking and training.

Person Specification

Knowledge: Essential

• Strong knowledge of the ethos behind challenging corporate power and the need for grassroots, anti-capitalist action.
• Strong knowledge of UK politics and political processes including a clear understanding (theoretical or experiential) of current issues relevant to the NHS crisis.

Experience: Essential

• Experience communicating complex ideas in an impactful and accessible manner to those outside of academia, for example through blogs, social media, or other digital communications.
• Experience of working within a social justice movement, for example as a volunteer or activist for a grass-roots campaign.

Attributes and Skills: Essential

• Will gain significant benefit from the opportunity offered by the fellowship.
• Demonstrable commitment to Corporate Watch’s work, aims and values and a clear passion for research.
• Willingness to learn about the research process and develop new skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, including accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills across different platforms.
• Self-organising and accountable, with proven organisational and time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

We will base the shortlisting process on the essential criteria above but want to actively encourage people from marginalised communities and/or non-academic backgrounds to apply for this fellowship. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from those who are underrepresented in research and journalism including Black people, People of Colour, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) people, refugees, working class people, disabled people and ex-prisoners.

However, please do indicate if you also have any of the skills/experience listed below; they are genuinely desirable only and shouldn’t be considered a prerequisite or barrier to applying. If you feel you have additional qualities or experience not listed here, please also include reference to these in your application.

Knowledge: Desirable

• Some knowledge, of methods and approaches to corporate research for example, understanding company structures or reading accounts.

Experience: Desirable

• Experience of working within a co-op, small charity or NGO.
• Any experience of undertaking desk and field-based research in a related subject area.
• Any experience using qualitative research methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Any experience using quantitative research methods such as surveys and data gathering.
• Any experience of data-driven investigation.

 Attributes and Skills: Desirable

• Design and multimedia skills (designing infographics, producing short videos etc.).
• Technical ability in using digital tools such as WordPress, social media platforms etc.

To apply:

Please send the following to cwjobs at corporatewatch.org  by 30 August, 2023.

• A cover letter (2 pages max) telling us about yourself, your relevant experience, how you would benefit from the fellowship and outlining how you meet the person specification criteria.
• Your CV (2 pages max).

The post Research Fellowship – application pack appeared first on Corporate Watch.

About the Fellowship

This is a one-year, full-time post with a support grant of £20,400, paid by a monthly stipend from the Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust. The fellow will work in collaboration with the Corporate Watch team.

The pandemic created a perfect storm for politicians to sell the lie that private healthcare companies help relieve pressure on the NHS, and we’re already witnessing the emergence of a two-tier health system. At the time of writing, junior doctors are out on strike again, staff shortages are rising, and the morale of dedicated NHS workers is at rock bottom. Against this backdrop, private companies are scooping up billions in lucrative contracts. The successful applicant will conduct research into the extent of NHS privatisation both now and in recent history and identify which corporations are profiting most.

The findings will be communicated through a variety of media, aiming to ensure information reaches our target audiences. You will be supported in your work by members of the Corporate Watch team, as well as an extensive network of campaigners, and researchers.

The aim of the project is to build the fellow’s research skills and experience, whilst enhancing Corporate Watch’s capacity to carry out strategic investigations in support of struggles for social justice.

The post:

• Income: You will receive a tax-free support grant of £20,400 via a monthly stipend from the Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust.
• Support: This fellowship is intended as an opportunity for you to develop your research skills and we actively encourage applicants from those without an academic background. You will be supported by members of the Corporate Watch team throughout.
• Location: This role is open to anyone able to work remotely and travel approximately every three months to Bristol or London.
• Hours: 28 hours/week with fully flexible working arrangements.

About you:

• You want to develop strong research skills and already have some knowledge of key issues and legislation related to the NHS crisis and the impact this will have on us all, and for vulnerable/marginalised communities in particular.
• You will have excellent written communication skills, including experience producing online communications, campaigning or on fundraising equivalent topics.
• You understand the importance of solidarity, and the value of collaboration within a radical workers’ co-op.
• You are self-motivated and able to work autonomously as well as collaboratively with colleagues.
• You are able to multitask, be flexible, diligent and respond to shifting demands and fast-moving events.
• You are committed to Corporate Watch’s anti-capitalist aims and values.

About Us

Corporate Watch is a research group established in 1996 that helps people stand up against corporations and capitalism. Our motto is ‘information for action’: we know that people can fight and win, even against powerful enemies like corporations and governments. Good information helps people to understand the forces we’re up against, spot their weaknesses, and to campaign strategically and effectively. We provide rigorous, reliable, and strategically useful research and analysis to support groups organising against corporate power and aim to demystify how capitalism and specific industries work to the wider public.

We are a small workers’ cooperative and maintain our independence by never taking money from state or corporate institutions.

We are a rarity in being a research group that is firmly rooted in – and at the service of – grassroots social movements. We work collaboratively with campaigns for much of our research, with most projects starting as a request from such groups. At times our research has played a pivotal role in the success of campaigns – from providing financial information to unions negotiating for pay rises, to exposing airlines involved in the deportation machine.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from those who are underrepresented in research and journalism including Black people, People of Colour, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) people, refugees, working-class people, disabled people and ex-prisoners.

To apply:

Please click here to read the full research project brief, job description and person specification before applying.

Please send the following to cwjobs [at]  corporatewatch.org by 30th August 2023.

• A cover letter (2 pages max) telling us about yourself, your relevant experience, how you would benefit from the fellowship and outlining how you meet the person specification criteria.
• Your CV (2 pages max).

The post Research Fellowship: The National Wealth Service appeared first on Corporate Watch.

Dates: 30th September – 1st October 2023, 10-5pm, in person.

9 October – 19 November online.

Location: Bristol (two days in person); remote (over six weeks).

Corporate Watch is running a six-week, hands-on training programme on how to investigate and report on companies sustaining structural racism. This is a fully-funded programme, aimed at Black people, people of colour, and other marginalised groups.

The first part of the programme will be a two-day, in-person course in Bristol. Following this, participants will work with the support and supervision of Corporate Watch to produce a collaborative investigation on a company, or sector, involved in sustaining institutional racism.

They will receive mentoring on writing techniques, fact-checking and editing along the way.

The six-week project will focus on companies sustaining white supremacy. These could be prison, security, or border profiteers; media outlets feeding fear and xenophobia; companies perpetuating social exclusion in health, social care, or education; or arms manufacturers and other companies continuing the legacy of colonialism in the Global South.

The aim of the project is to boost knowledge and expertise among groups most on the receiving end of corporate abuses in the UK, and ultimately strengthen campaigns for justice and liberation.

This project has been funded by Network for Social Change, and made possible by the ongoing support of Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Practicalities

• The course is free, food and accommodation will be provided, and scholarships and travel bursaries are available for eight participants who are Black, people of colour, refugees and migrants, Gypsy Roma and Traveller (GRT), ex-prisoners and other people affected by the criminal “justice” system, or those from other marginalised backgrounds. This is to reduce barriers to participation.
• The training, mentoring time, and investigation work will be paid at a rate of £14 p/h.
• Participants must be based in the UK, since part of the programme takes place in person.
• There will be limited places on the weekend course available for other participants, however these will be unfunded.
• We aim to be as flexible as possible during the six-week part of the training to accommodate those with caring responsibilities and/or other employment commitments.

Who should apply

• This programme is for Black people, people of colour, refugees and migrants, Gypsy Roma and Traveller (GRT), ex-prisoners and other people affected by the criminal “justice” system, or people from other marginalised backgrounds.
• We are especially interested in hearing from applicants who are active in campaigns or projects for social and racial justice.
• If there is space, we will consider opening up the weekend course to other participants (this will be free but unpaid). Please get in touch if you are interested but do not fall under one of the above categories.

Content

The content of the two-day training session may vary slightly depending on participants, but is likely to cover:

• The basics: understanding the different types of company structure and who makes the decisions, developing a research strategy appropriate to each case, and general research tips.
• Core tools for corporate research: how to effectively use key resources such as Companies House, annual reports and contracts databases, as well as advanced internet search techniques.
• Following the money: how to read and analyse company accounts.
• Leverage: Finding other evidence of corporate malpractice, including the revolving door with government.
• Corporate databases: How to use tools like Orbis, Capital IQ, and free alternatives such as OpenCorporates.
• Investigating people: methods of researching shareholders, directors and owners.

We will use examples from companies specifically involved in perpetuating structural racism. Towards the end of the weekend, we will do a mapping exercise on UK companies in maintaining racial inequalities today, with a view to developing collaborative research project ideas to take forward.

Over the subsequent six-weeks, participants will work remotely to put what they have learnt into practice by completing the research project with the support of Corporate Watch staff. A total of up to 18 paid hours per participant are available for this work; hours are flexible around jobs and other commitments. In addition, six hours of funded training sessions will be delivered remotely on writing, fact-checking and editing, as well as 1:1 support.

Background and Aims

Corporate Watch is a research group established in 1996 that helps people stand up against corporations and capitalism. Our motto is ‘information for action’: we know that people can fight and win, even against powerful enemies like corporations and governments. Good information helps to understand the forces we’re up against, spot their weaknesses, and to campaign strategically and effectively.

What we do:

• Targeted research for grassroots campaign groups, e.g. profiling a particular company, digging into its accounts, uncovering scandals, finding weak points.
• Broader research and analysis to demystify how capitalism and specific industries work to the wider public.
• DIY training to share our research skills. This includes our free online course: Know Your Enemy: Practical Research Training. We also offer bespoke training to groups and organisations.

We have a long history of “skilling up” groups and movements on how to do company research. But we know that this information is not always easily accessible to campaigners, community organisers and activists – especially as people need to juggle their political work around jobs and other life commitments. Since those most impacted by corporate power are often least in a position to engage with our training, we recognise that more investment of time and money is required if we are to minimise barriers to participation. Therefore, we have decided to offer this as a funded programme.

Deadline and how to apply

Please download and complete this form, telling us a bit about yourself, your motivation for applying, and any involvement in grassroots campaigning or activism you feel able to share. Return it to: training [at] corporatewatch.org by 30th August 2023.

All information will be dealt with confidentially. If you would like to send us your message via PGP encryption, you can find our key here (note, you will have to complete the form questions within the text body of the email). We will respond as promptly as we can.

The post Research Against Racism: investigating companies that sustain structural inequalities appeared first on Corporate Watch.

About the Course

Do you have a problem with a company or industry and want to know more about it? Do you feel frustrated not knowing how to find the info you need? Do you want to fight back more effectively but get overwhelmed trying to find things online? Do you wish you could get a step ahead and finally find contracts and government plans before they hit the headlines?

The Know Your Enemy online course is designed for you. Whether you are a single mum fighting a landlord, a worker challenging your boss, part of a grassroots movement or campaign,  a student campaigner or a freelance writer – this course is designed to give you the practical skills you need to ‘Know Your Enemy’.

What will I learn?

This self-paced, online training, through a series of video tutorials, gives you practical skills to be able to:

• Get clear and organised – know what you need to research and how
• Research securely – learn simple tactics for online security
• Use search engines effectively – prevent overwhelm and find the info you need faster
• Build a company profile – mapping its ownership to the highest level
• Find directors, board members and other key players – find out who pulls the strings
• Find shareholders
• Read company accounts – learn simple strategies for cutting through the jargon and finding the information you need quickly
• Find government contracts
• Connect the dots between lobbyists, companies and politicians – know how to find donations to political parties and more
• Write and submit a Freedom of Information request
• Map out company supply chains and get industry insight about risks and vulnerabilities
• Undertake offline research – from speaking to workers to physical surveillance of factories
• Write up and share your research with the world

Interested? Enrol here for free.

The post Course launch! Learn online with Corporate Watch appeared first on Corporate Watch.

About the Course

Do you have a problem with a company or industry and want to know more about it? Do you feel frustrated not knowing how to find the info you need? Do you want to fight back more effectively but get overwhelmed trying to find things online? Do you wish you could get a step ahead and finally find contracts and government plans before they hit the headlines?

The Know Your Enemy online course is designed for you. Whether you are a single mum fighting a landlord, a worker challenging your boss, part of a grassroots movement or campaign,  a student campaigner or a freelance writer – this course is designed to give you the practical skills you need to ‘Know Your Enemy’.

What will I learn?

This self-paced, online training, through a series of video tutorials, gives you practical skills to be able to:

• Get clear and organised – know what you need to research and how
• Research securely – learn simple tactics for online security
• Use search engines effectively – prevent overwhelm and find the info you need faster
• Build a company profile – mapping its ownership to the highest level
• Find directors, board members and other key players – find out who pulls the strings
• Find shareholders
• Read company accounts – learn simple strategies for cutting through the jargon and finding the information you need quickly
• Find government contracts
• Connect the dots between lobbyists, companies and politicians – know how to find donations to political parties and more
• Write and submit a Freedom of Information request
• Map out company supply chains and get industry insight about risks and vulnerabilities
• Undertake offline research – from speaking to workers to physical surveillance of factories
• Write up and share your research with the world

Interested? Don’t forget to join the waiting list and be told as soon as the course is available to join.

The post New Online Course coming soon! appeared first on Corporate Watch.