Researcher Internship - Environment & Net Zero Funding Diocese of Oxford

Project Summary

There is a need for better knowledge gathering about ongoing access to both governmental and philanthropic funding for net zero improvements as well as other environment response work. Presently this knowledge is piecemeal and different people hold different pieces of the knowledge puzzle. Within the Oxford Diocese there is recognition of the need for additional support for many aspects of a strong environment response – for individuals, groups, schools and churches. We know that there is funding available but we need additional support to identify and classify this. It is important to research this area and to share this information. Therefore, the diocese is exploring the potential of creating a live database collating all [or at least a substantial percentage of] the available streams of funding in the NetZero arena and in environment response more widely. We believe that such research and the database of funding opportunities would be an asset for the Environment Action Programme within the area the Diocese services; i.e. Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. It would also be shared widely and be a great asset to other diocese and groups. This kind of knowledge service as part of the Eco Hub would add real value for users. We envisage a database search online that is flexibly searchable by different criteria, e.g., geographic location, task specific, qualifying criteria would be even more useful. Based on this potential the diocese is seeking temporary internship support for doing desk- based and relational research in this area.

The Organisation

The Diocese of Oxford is the administrative area of the Church of England covering the three counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The diocese sits between the Cotswolds in the west and London to the east, organized into 626 parishes. There are 815 churches in our Diocese – more than any other diocese in the Church of England. Recently the diocese has started an Environmental Action Programme in response to the climate emergency.

The new Environment Action Programme focuses the whole Oxford Diocese on achieving its environmental commitments and being a voice for climate justice. It follows from the Oxford Diocesan Synod vote in March 2020 that declared a Climate Emergency and committed the Diocese to a 2035 target for net-zero carbon emissions. The programme focuses on being a vital support for change and awareness-raising for clergy, parishes, schools, families and individuals; providing a comprehensive range of theological and practical resources and support.

Details

This internship fits into the organisation as part of the new Environment Action Programme. This programme is a key focus area for the Diocese and is being funded from the Common Vision strategy of the diocese. The programme is focused the whole Oxford Diocese on achieving its environmental commitments and being a voice for climate justice. It follows from the Oxford Diocesan Synod vote in March 2020 that declared a Climate Emergency and committed the Diocese to a 2035 target for net-zero carbon emissions. The programme focuses on being a vital support for change and awareness-raising for clergy, parishes, schools, families and individuals; providing a comprehensive range of theological and practical resources and support. The programme has two main goals; 1) a net zero target goal, which is focused on achieving of the net zero target - for church buildings, clergy housing and church schools; and 2) a collective change goal, which is focused on collective transformation around responding to the climate emergency. To achieve these goals the programme has established a strategy and action plan that includes activities in technical advice, information resourcing, awareness-raising, education and capacity development. The NetZero work is focused on doing research and technical audits, consultations, gathering and sharing of technical knowledge and technical refits with regular periods of measurement of achievements against targets. Work in promoting and supporting collective change around environment response is focused on ‘meeting people where they are’ in terms of their needs: for example information needs –about the crisis, including both the scientific and the theological context; motivation and inspiration needs – particularly to counter ‘eco despair’, and to help people feel empowered and motivated to change changes that will have an impact no matter how small – whether it is in personal lifestyle or larger collective actions.

Applicant Profile

Experience in research required. Knowledge of environmental sector desirable.