Data first aid

Get free support from a dedicated volunteer economist who can help charities with data analysis or visualisation, spreadsheets or short pieces of research. We offer pro bono support from a dedicated volunteer economist to help charities with specific data tasks. Whether you’re preparing a funding bid, reporting to stakeholders, or simply looking to better understand your impact, we’re here to support you with practical, expert help.
Request now
Data first aid

We connect charities with professional economists who can:​ 

Analyse and interpret your data 

Create user-friendly data visualisations 

Automate and streamline spreadsheets

Develop templates for ongoing data tracking

Conduct short-term research 

How does it work?

  • Step 01

    Tell us your data request by filling out our submission form
  • Step 02

    If PBE can help you, the team will work with you to develop a short volunteer brief, describing what you need and what the objectives are.
  • Step 03

    PBE will upload your brief on its website and publicise it to over 900 volunteer economists, and match you with the best economist available.
  • Step 04

    The economist will work directly with you to fulfil your needs.

How much support can my charity request?

This is a task-based service, and you’re welcome to submit as many data support requests as you need. However, we’re not able to match volunteers for ongoing or open-ended support. 

Approximately 1-6 days over a period of up to 5 months.
*UK based charities only

What other charities said about PBE's Data First Aid Programme?

  • "It was a quick and easy process, and we got high quality help with thoughtful and generous interactions."

    “It was a pleasure to work with all involved. I really appreciated how quick and easy the whole process was and the level of our consultant, who was really amazing. He was very insightful and did a wonderful job in a really short space of time. The charity has used this research in many ways including funding bids and policy work. I would like to thank him for his time and expertise and also the PBE team for their generous help.”
    Our Time, charity working with young people affected by parental mental illness
  • "The process of setting up the project was extremely easy and quick."

    [PBE Chief Economist] Jon and [volunteer] Tom were both a pleasure to deal with – extremely thoughtful, efficient and helpful. And Tom was very responsive to our questions and suggestions when the project was underway. We were very pleased with the piece of work and it was a core part of our CSR submission.
    Local Trust, charity working to empower local communities across England
  • "Everything our volunteer has provided has allowed us to operate more efficiently and effectively"

    “With improved budget-tracking, project allocation and scenario-planning, allowing us to more quickly respond to funding requests. [Our volunteer] Genna has offered fantastic support, working with us flexibly to get the result we needed to create the right approach for our charity at this time.”.
    AccessEd, charity supporting disadvantaged young people to reach university