Local Authority Research Practitioner

About Us

North Somerset Council is dedicated to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Local Authority Research Practitioner to join our Health and Care Public Health team within the Healthy and Sustainable Communities Directorate. The team is responsible for improving the health and wellbeing of the population of North Somerset and to reduce health inequalities.

In this role, you will enhance our joint research strategy and governance for the Local Authority area by strengthening the delivery and performance of research projects and championing the role of research across the Council, North Somerset NHS Localities, and the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Integrated Care System.

You will support research investigators, collaborations, and the funding and delivery of other studies, such as service evaluations. This is a key role needed to support the development of evidence-based approaches to policy and practice, and to create a culture of continuous learning and improvement for the benefit of the health and wellbeing of our population and to reduce health inequalities in North Somerset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Improve the research skills and confidence within the council and partner organisations.
• Establish collaborative networks with academic, community, and health partners and examine common research interests and funding opportunities.
• Set up systems to support research and evidence-based service delivery and provide expert advice on research and evaluation methods.
• Develop, embed, and promote best practice research governance processes.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about research and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Postgraduate qualification in a health research area, such as a Masters degree in Public Health or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in the design of research and evaluation projects using a variety of research methods.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
• Good understanding of research ethics and governance and application processes for research funding.
• Ability to produce high-quality presentations and reports which are accurate and easy to understand by all stakeholders.
• Experience of finding, interpreting, critically evaluating, and synthesising national and international research.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in primary and secondary health care data collection and analysis.
• Experience in obtaining research funding in the UK.
• Experience in the use of research and evaluation tools in complex systems.
• Project or programme management qualification or equivalent experience.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Staff groups.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice cycle to work and electric vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact in North Somerset, please select the apply button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information:

For further information about the role, please contact Sandra Shcherba, Public Health Researcher, at Sandra.Shcherba@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Important Information

Interview Date: Monday 24^th March 25 and Tuesday 25^th March 25.

We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council, we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.