Lucy Street

Current Employer/Organisation Name

5Rights Foundation

Can you give us an overview of what you have done since you completed your research degree?

Spent some time researching in the law school, then working in wider legal practice both in house and in firm. Now working in policy and advocacy.

How did you become interested in the area you work in?

Through my research on online harms and NCII.

How did you find opportunities in the area you work in and how did the recruitment process work?

LinkedIn and other networking sites. It moved quickly but it was hard to find the right opportunities!

What does your current role involve?

5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people today and for future generations. We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No.25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).  

The core responsibilities and tasks of my role are:

• Leading on analysis of UK policy and political developments and legislative and regulatory materials. Supporting on drafting briefings, position papers, consultation responses and reports in line with 5Rights positions.  

• Supporting building and maintaining relationships important to the UK team’s working with key partners, political stakeholders, and stakeholders in civil society and beyond, both individually and as part of coalitions. 

• Supporting on briefing political stakeholders, senior colleagues, or external partners on 5Rights positions and taking the lead on arranging events for a range of different audiences.   

• Supporting research projects with partners at the LSE.

What skills are involved in your work and how did your research degree help develop them?

Research and policy experience engaging with legislative frameworks, academics, civil society and contemporary tech harms. Research and writing skills, which I now use supporting EdTech projects with the Digital Futures for Children Centre.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I like that I’m making a difference and doing something meaningful.

What are the challenges in your role?

Sometimes the content and bereavement events, and the lack of support from government bodies.

What has surprised you about your role?

The huge levels of expertise in a small organisation.

Did you engage in any additional activities or roles (i.e. organising conferences, entering PGR showcase, being a PGR Rep etc.) during your research degree, and how did these help prepare you for a career beyond academia?

Postgraduate teaching associate – developed confidence and speaking skills.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Teaching, speaking, engaging with civil society.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

You have time. Choose the right opportunity, not just the first one.

What are your plans for the future?

Perhaps return to research/academia later down the line. Perhaps spend some time in the civil service.