Volunteer Researcher

Instinctively Wild CIC is a pioneering social enterprise with big ambitions, set up in 2009, dedicated to reconnecting people with nature through meaningful, inclusive, and transformative outdoor experiences.

Rooted in nature and run from the heart, our work spans Forest Schools, Bushcraft, Eco-therapy, Nature Journaling, Team Building and immersive Outdoor Learning programmes that inspire lasting change. We believe that time in nature nurtures wellbeing, confidence, and connection—for individuals, communities, and organisations alike.

To do the above well, we always need support from people like you to help us develop new project ideas, find out about grants/funding, find out about opportunities, find out about networking events.

We are looking for help to find out about the following:

• Competitor analysis, with organisations locally/regionally.
• Outdoor Learning - governing bodies, conferences, networking events, training courses we can offer.
• Forest School and Bushcraft models - how do other organisations generate an income from it.
• Overview of Bushcraft in the UK, how is it done, who does what, where, how organisations generate an income from it.
• Overview of Forest Schools in the UK, how it is done, who does what, where, how organisations generate an income from it. Networking events, newsletters, conferences, Facebook groups.
• Overview of Eco-therapy in the UK, how it is done, who does what, where, how organisations generate an income from it. Networking events, newsletters, conferences, Facebook groups.
• Becoming a training centre and courses we can deliver.
• Training course development (see above).
• Public sector procurement.
• Corporate team-building (who does it in the Lothian's, how can IW get involved it that sector).
• Social media (what are the best platforms -NOT X or TikTok).
• Keyword SEO analysis - what are the keywords for different services - what are competitors using.
• Updating Policies.
• Grants and funding (for specific project areas).
• Networking/marketing (creating a timeline of Networking events we can attend locally to us)
• Volunteer development (creating list of funds we can apply for volunteer training).
• Or do you have an idea that you think would be of use to us?

What You’ll Gain.

• 1:1 support and guidance – you would be working directly with Pete Carthy - Founding Director.
• Gain first-hand experience of how a social enterprise works.
• A Reference for future employment.
• If appropriate – depending on your role an IW email address.
• Signposted to online training that would be useful for your role.

The Researcher role is a very important job, as it saves us a lot of time and streamlines our approaches to new ventures, areas of work.

Researchers can work from home (anywhere in the UK) as most of the research is desk-based. Once the application process is complete (online/in-person meeting + application form and references) volunteers can stay for a short or long time, depends on how much time they can give. Volunteering might be for one specific piece of research or several - totally depends on the volunteer.

If volunteers wish to come on actual projects, then we will have to do a PVG application (Police Check).