Recruitment for the third ROTA Community Research Partnership, supported with funding from Propel and the City Bridge Foundation, has now begun. We will be recruiting up to 10 Peer Researchers (PRs) to carry out research within their communities on the ways in which structural racism affects them, focusing on the themes of migration and the criminal justice system.
What is the RCRP?
The ROTA Community Research Partnership (RCRP) is the flagship community research project from ROTA enabled by funding from Propel and the City Bridge Foundation.
This project aims to explore the ways in which racial inequities affect the Black and other racialised communities of London. In order to do this, we will be establishing partnerships with individuals and organisations with direct lived experience of these inequalities.
ROTA will train up to 10 PRs, and co-design a programme of research with and for them to undertake, per year. This could involve, for example, handing out questionnaires to PRs local communities, or inviting a number of PRs peers to take part in research interviews. Both research and pastoral support will be available across the length of the programme.
It is hoped that this will both empower individuals and organisations to address and advocate for issues within their communities, and establish long-term partnerships across the diverse communities of London. We are committed to supporting intersectional research throughout the RCRP. Applications that explore the ways in which racial inequity interacts with other forms of discrimination, such as misogyny/misogynoir, ablism or homophobia, along with additional issues faced by care leavers or looked after children, for example, will therefore be favoured. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about intersectionality, or whether your proposal addresses intersectional themes.
Where can I find out more about the 2026 partnership?
On 1st April 2026, we hosted an online information session on Teams. You can watch the session here and learn more about the programme.
What themes will the RCRP focus on?
Each year, the RCRP will centre on two themes which directly affect Black and other minorities communities in London.
Our research themes for 2026 are migration and the criminal justice system. These themes are defined loosely, and applicants are encouraged to consider ways to draw these themes together in their project proposals.
What do I need to become a Peer Researcher (PR)?
To be eligible to apply, you must:
- Be based in London to conduct the research.
- Have lived experience as an individual from a Black & Global Majority Background.
- Have close ties with your community.
- Be committed to developing research skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Possess good people skills.
- Have the ability to engage with and listen to members of your community.
- Have good communication skills in English
What will PRs receive during the partnership?
PRs will receive extensive training and support in conducting research and analysis. They will also be paid a stipend of £3,000.
PRs and their communities or organisations will also benefit from the relationships established during the course of the partnership. ROTA has nearly 3,000 partner organisations and members in the racial equity space, and events during the course of the partnership and moving forward will provide good opportunities for networking.
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form available here.
Applications will open on 18 March and close at 5pm on 20 April 2026. Applications now closed.
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Visit the RCRP project page HERE for more information on the project.
For any queries about the project, please contact Kulvinder and Taranjit at rcrp@rota.org.uk.