Field Interviewer - Guildford

National Centre for Social Research; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading company in social research seeks a Field Interviewer to engage with communities and gather important insights affecting public policy. This freelance role offers flexible hours and performance-based pay, making it suitable for those passionate about social impact and public service.

Benefits

Freelance work flexibility

Travel time compensation

Mileage reimbursement

Performance bonuses

Qualifications

• A valid UK driving licence and sole use of a car.
• The ability to commit to at least 20 hours per week.
• A high standard of verbal and written English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field interviews in local communities.
• Guide conversations using a tablet to capture people's stories.
• Handle rejection and bounce back positively.

Skills

Resilience

Excellent people skills

Job description

Field Interviewer - Guildford

Out on the doorsteps, in tune with the nation.

As a Field Interviewer, you’ll play a vital role in capturing the voices that help shape public policy and services across the UK. You’ll visit people in their homes, using a tablet to guide conversations that uncover real stories about daily life — from routines and opinions to the challenges people face.

This isn’t a desk job — you’ll be out in the community, knocking on doors in your local area. While the people you visit will have received a letter about the research, they might not always be expecting you — or even want to take part. You’ll encounter doors closed, refusals, or no answers at all. That’s part of the job — and it can be tough at times. But if you're the kind of person who doesn’t take it personally and can bounce back with the same energy at the next door, this could be the perfect role for you.

What makes this role special is when someone says yes. When they open up and share their thoughts, you’ll know you’ve captured something that could genuinely improve public services and support for communities.

You’ll need resilience, confidence, and excellent people skills. If you're comfortable with rejection, motivated by meaningful conversations, and enjoy working independently, this could be the perfect role for you.

About Us

We’re Britain’s largest independent social research organisation. Every day, we help shape policies that impact millions of people — from transport and education to healthcare and housing.

Our work is trusted by government departments, charities, and universities because it’s powered by the real experiences of people like you. And that’s where you come in.

With a nationwide team of over 700 interviewers and nurses, we go out into communities to ask the questions that matter — the ones that help Britain understand itself better.

Our Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process blends human expertise with technology to ensure every application is thoroughly assessed.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Application
2. One-Way Video Interview (via Willo)
3. Final Interview (including role play)
4. Offer
5. Background Checks
6. Hired

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the process, please let us know at the application stage.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

We’re looking for someone who’s curious, confident, and driven by the desire to make a real difference. This role isn’t always easy — you’ll face knockbacks, unanswered doors, and the occasional difficult conversation. That’s why resilience matters just as much as people skills. You’ll need to bounce back quickly, stay positive, and keep going with the same level of energy.

If you thrive on meaningful conversations, enjoy working independently, and are passionate about contributing to research that shapes public policy and services, we’d love to hear from you.

To be considered for this role, you’ll also need:

• A valid UK driving licence and sole use of a car.
• Class 1 Business insurance.
• The right to work in the UK.
• A willingness to complete a DBS check.
• A reliable broadband internet connection at home.
• A laptop or tablet with a camera (for training purposes).
• Confidence with basic technology.
• The ability to commit to at least 20 hours per week.
• Flexibility to work across weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
• A high standard of verbal and written English.

If you've worked with customers or members of the public before — whether in retail, hospitality, admin, driving, freelance, or sales — this role could be a great fit for you. You don't need specific experience; we're looking for friendly, reliable people who enjoy helping others. It’s also ideal if you’re looking for freelance-style flexibility, part-time hours, or a role that fits around other commitments.

Benefits & Pay

This is a freelance role with flexible hours and performance-based pay. Typically £18–£20 per interview, plus additional admin fees and holiday pay (12.1%).

We also offer:

• Travel time (for most projects) at £4.68/hour.
• Mileage at 36p per mile (up to 10,000 miles).
• A £250 bonus after your two-day launch, plus two more £250 bonuses after two and four months of active work.

On average, our interviewers earn around £15.12 per hour (including holiday pay), with many earning more as they gain experience and build confidence.