Research Matters Magazine Copyeditor - freelance ; approx per quarter

About the Social Research Association (SRA)

The SRA is an educational charity and the leading professional body for social researchers across the UK. Our members have diverse methodological and policy area expertise and interests, and work in different sectors including central and local government and government agencies (23%); academia (22%); research agencies and institutes (21%); freelance researchers (13%); voluntary and non-government organisations (15%); and others (5%).

Our quarterly magazine, Research Matters, is a valued publication for members and the wider research community, offering insight, commentary and updates. It is published in March, June, September and December. Previous issues are on our website. There is a voluntary editorial board comprising SRA members, managed by a commissioning editor. The copy editor is accountable to the commissioning editor.

The copy editor is responsible for copyediting content for Research Matters, and supports the production process to ensure each issue is delivered on time and includes the correct elements. The role helps maintain high editorial standards and ensures content aligns with SRA editorial guidelines, house style and values.

• Prepare the annual publication schedule for Research Matters (using the existing template) in time for the December issue each year.
• Circulate the publication schedule to relevant stakeholders.
• Attend occasional online meetings as required (typically one to two per year).

• Copy-edit all content to house style, ensuring accuracy, clarity, consistency and inclusive language.
• Fact-check articles, verify links, edit for length, raise queries with authors or the commissioning editor as appropriate and proofread all content.
• Follow up with contributors as required.
• Ensure content is correctly ordered, pages are labelled and a contents list is created for each issue.
• Source suitable images if authors have not provided them.
• Manage the production workflow with the graphic designer, including booking production slots, agreeing deadlines and liaising throughout the production process.
• Request and collate contributions from SRA staff (for example book reviews, training dates, external advertisements and SRA notices).
• Receive and manage content submissions from the commissioning editor, editorial board members and external contributors.
• Review first proofs, making length adjustments to fit page layouts, adding pull quotes, addressing queries from the designer and providing consolidated corrections.
• Review subsequent proofs, coordinating all feedback to ensure a single, clear set of corrections is provided to the designer.
• Secure final text sign-off from the commissioning editor prior to production.

• Maintain and apply editorial guidelines and house style.
• Review and update guidelines as required, including consideration of AI‑related checks and processes.
• Support the SRA’s exploration of improved storage, tagging, dissemination, and readership measurement for Research Matters content.

• Strong editorial and copyediting skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience of managing editorial workflows and working with designers.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines and coordinate contributions from a range of stakeholders.
• Sound judgement in handling editorial queries, tone and sensitive issues.
• Familiarity with inclusive language and good practice in publishing.

• Highly responsive and flexible.
• Self‑sufficient, dependable and well organised.

If you're interested in this role please complete this form: