Public and Patient Participation, Involvement, and Engagement (PPIE) in Research Data Analysis Volunteer

At Breakthrough T1D we believe people with lived experience of type 1 diabetes (T1D) should be a key player in every stage of T1D research, from funding to implementation.  This is what we call Public and Patient Participation, Involvement, and Engagement (PPIE), which reflects different possible ways to contribute. Please see below to learn more about PPIE.

Breakthrough T1D’s Research Partnership team is recruiting a volunteer to help with PPIE data analysis and insights.

What will I be doing?

• Inspecting and cleansing data PPIE enquiries, promotion and performance,
• Transforming and modelling data,
• Uncovering patterns and trends within data sets,
• Turning raw data into actionable insights,
• Other support for the team as needed.

What skills and experience do I need?

• Good time management and organisational skills – to manage tasks efficiently and meet project timelines.
• Clear and timely communication skills – to share progress, ask questions, and collaborate effectively with the team.
• Previous experience of data analysis – ideally with tools such as Excel and Power BI, including working with datasets, creating dashboards, and interpreting results.
• Attention to detail – to ensure accuracy and reliability in data handling and reporting.
• Ability to work independently – while also being responsive to feedback and guidance.
• Problem-solving mindset – to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for improvement within the data.
• Understanding of, or interest in, health research and PPIE – or willingness to learn.

How will this benefit Breakthrough T1D?

Your expertise in data analysis will play a vital role in helping us better understand and improve the support we provide through our PPIE activities. By exploring the data behind our processes, you will help us:

• Ensure accuracy and consistency across our PPIE initiatives,
• Uncover meaningful insights to guide strategic decisions,
• Empower Breakthrough T1D to make informed, data-driven choices,
• Translate raw data into actionable, impactful information.

Your contribution will directly benefit individuals living with T1D by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our PPIE work. This will allow us to improve both the quality and quantity of support we provide, ultimately enabling researchers to better reflect the needs and perspectives of those affected in their research.

This work is central to our mission: to make everyday life better for people living with T1D, while driving progress toward a cure.

How will this benefit me?

This role provides a unique and sought-after opportunity to operate within the charity sector and benefit individuals living with T1D. By contributing to this work, you’ll gain valuable experience in applying data analysis to real-world health research and public involvement processes.

You’ll have the opportunity to work with meaningful datasets, exercise your analytical and problem-solving skills, and see the direct impact you have on improving support for people living with T1D.

This role offers a chance to influence strategic decisions, collaborate with a passionate team, and be part of a mission-driven organisation working toward a cure, while making everyday life better for those affected by T1D.

When do you need me?

A minimum of 3.5 hours a week, starting as soon as possible. Hours will be discussed at interview.

This is a short-term volunteering role focused on delivering a specific data analysis project and setting up sustainable processes. While there may be opportunities to support ongoing data maintenance, the time commitment is expected to reduce or end once the initial project is completed.

Where will I be based?

Remotely, with the option to work in Breakthrough T1D’s head office in central London.

What training and support will I receive?

When you sign up to become a volunteer, we’ll send you a copy of our Volunteer Handbook and any relevant policies you’ll need to know about, such as Breakthrough T1D’s Data Protection Policy.

You’ll receive training in any role-specific systems (excluding those listed in requirements), and you’ll have the name and contact details of a staff member who’ll support you in this role and answer any questions you have.

We’ll also reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with Breakthrough T1D volunteering policies.

How do I apply?

Please email your CV and cover letter, briefly explaining why you wish to fill this role, to Maddie Bonser (Research and Involvement Officer) on researchcommunications@breakthrought1d.org.uk.

Please note: For this role, you must be based in the UK. You will also need access to your own laptop.

What is Public and Patient Participation, Involvement, and Engagement (PPIE)?

It is the contribution of individuals (public and patients) from all ethnicities, ages, genders, sexual orientation, and religion to research.

For Breakthrough T1D it means individuals living with T1D and/or those with a connection to someone living with T1D (family members, friends, teachers, colleagues, etc).

Participation is the first area in which the public or patients can be involved. Participation indicates that the individuals are taking part in research to allow for the creation of data, such as taking part in clinical trials or completing surveys.

Involvement is where individuals actively contribute by providing first-hand experience and advice to help with the design and development of research projects, and their implementation. For example, individuals may be part of a scientific advisory group and help ensure the project addresses the needs of people living with T1D and is being carried out in a way relevant to those living with T1D.

Thirdly, Engagement consists of sharing information about research and scientific findings to people with and without T1D. This usually takes the form of presentations to the public during open days, conferences, our Discovery Days event or information sharing via social media.