Local Authority Research Specialist

Nottingham City Council has an ambition to become an effective research partner and research active organisation, embedding evidence in all decision making. In order to achieve this, we will need to develop a systematic approach for guiding colleagues, provide training and support on finding and applying evidence to inform decisions and processes, and develop research infrastructure including governance, to support research proposals and their delivery. We are looking for a colleague who is passionate about evidence informed practice to lead on this developmental workstream, and to join a national network of research practitioners supported by the NIHR Research Support Service Specialist Centre for Public Health (SCPH) working to embed research across local authorities by sharing best practice and protocols. If you have applied research experience, particularly within a large organisation, we would love to hear from you. Key objectives of the role will include: - supporting networking and influencing senior colleagues across the Council to promote the value of research and evidence to inform practice - delivering research awareness and knowledge mobilisation activities - facilitating and providing training on finding and using evidence - assessing Council's research readiness (including skills and capacity audit) and identifying development needs with regards to research culture, collaboration, dissemination and infrastructure - supporting development of research infrastructure/processes - facilitating networking (across all Council's directorates responsible for functions related to wider health determinants) for colleagues interested in research and enabling access to relevant guidance, support and training - promoting, supporting and contributing to the activity of the Specialist Centre for Public Health (SCPH), The post holder will also be expected to develop a close working relationship with colleagues at University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. What to do next:

• Locate and review the job description and information pack provided. Consider how you will evidence the required competencies and prepare your application.
• We are keen to give all applicants an opportunity to shine and show their full potential. Therefore, in addition to your application we are asking all applicants to send us their response to the following question:
"Thinking about where you live, what three things could or already do, make a big difference to the local community's health and wellbeing?" You can provide this response in any format you like - it can be a word document (no more than 1000 words), a set of Powerpoint slides, a short video or something else entirely! In responding to this question we are interested in your personal thoughts and reflections, as well as how you approach the question and communicate your answer. There is no textbook answer, however in order to make this a meaningful part of the process we ask that you do not use AI text generators such as ChatGPT or similar. Responses will be checked for the likely use of AI and the result of this will be considered during shortlisting. Responses should be emailed to hannah.stovin@nottinghamcity.gov.uk before the closing date and named using the name provided on your application. Important - Applications will not be considered during shortlisting unless this requirement has been met. You can find the job description for this post here - A DBS check for a regulated activity is required for this post. - The postholder will need the ability to live and work in the UK

The ideal candidate will have: . Knowledge, skills and experience in a broad range of applied research and evaluation methods applicable to public health including wider determinants of health. - Knowledge of research funding systems, application processes and governance - Understanding of the challenges in translating evidence into practice and experience of facilitating this - The ability to influence and engage with senior leaders and Nottingham City Council teams - Experience in designing and delivering training and knowledge mobilisation activities related to research and finding and using evidence to inform practice - Project management skills and experience - The ability to lead, motivate, mobilise and build capacity in others - Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to present complex issues clearly and in an engaging manner to a range of audiences, both professional and public - Experience of working well against a background of change and uncertainty, can work with people of all capabilities and attitudes The role will be based within our Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence team but will work across all Council's directorates responsible for functions related to wider health determinants., Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.

The starting salary is £43,421 per annum (level one) with annual incremental rises to £46,464 per annum (level four), subject to satisfactory completion of a probation period. The salary is pro-rata for part time employees. This role is advertised as a 2 year (24 months) fixed term post. Secondments may be considered (approval must be sought from your line manager). We've got an exciting opportunity available for talented individuals to join our workforce - perhaps this is the opportunity you've been looking for? Read on to find out more… Working for Nottingham City Council has great benefits. As well as competitive pay, great leave entitlement and access to a generous pension scheme, we strive to create an innovative, inclusive and progressive work culture where everyone is supported to do and be their very best. In return, we are looking for people like you - people who are innovative, driven and committed to serving and improving Nottingham. So, if you are passionate about making a difference to the lives of those who live and work in our city, we want to hear from you.
• You can read more about the different benefits offered to colleagues working for Nottingham City Council here.