Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Applications are invited for the post of Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Law and Criminology. This full-time post is for up to 18 months from January 2025.

The main purpose of this role is to contribute to the work of an NIHR funded project: Improving the analysis of socio-economic context and intersectionality in Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews. This project aims to improve the quality of Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (LCSPRs) by developing an evidence informed understanding of the contribution that the intersectional socio-economic context of children's lives makes to incidents in which maltreatment results in serious harm or death.

This post is for a Research Fellow, who will be working as part of a research team. The Principal Investigator is Professor Anna Gupta, with Co-Is - James Blewett (Kings College), Kar Man Au (Family engagement lead) and Guy Skinner (Cambridge University). The team will also be supported by two consultants - Prof. Paul Bywaters (Huddersfield University) and Tim Fisher (East Sussex County Council).

The objectives of the research are:

To identify whether socio-economic factors and intersectionality are addressed in LCSPRs

To identify how the connections between socio-economic factors, intersectionality and other factors are understood and addressed in LCSPRs

To develop and disseminate, in discussion with key stakeholders, recommendations for improving the quality of LCSPRs based on this analysis.

The project will employ a mixed-methods design involving four stages over 18 months. In Stage 1 (months 1-6) a quantitative content analysis of all LSCPRs (c 250) placed in the NSPCC's open access repository will be undertaken.

In Stage 2 (months 7-12) a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis of LSCPRs will be undertaken, with two sample groups analysed: LCSPRs which were identified as considering intersectional socioeconomic factors and LCSPRs which were identified as not considering intersectional socioeconomic factors in Stage 1.

In Stage 3 (months 13-15) the project team will further analyse the meaning of the findings in consultation with parents with experience of services and relevant professionals.

In Stage 4 (months 16-18) the project team, working with key stakeholders, will develop and publish a report and guidance for future reviewing practice, and hold various dissemination events.

The postholder does not need to reside in the London/South East England area, but will need to undertake travel to our central London office for project group meetings, stakeholder and dissemination events.

The post will suit someone who is dynamic, proactive, flexible and can work well as part of a team and independently. Knowledge of the child protection system in England is essential, as is an understanding of the impact of poverty and intersecting structural inequalities on family life. Experience of participatory research with family members with lived experience is highly desirable. The postholder will be involved setting up the study, data collection, analysis, creation of outputs and dissemination activities. Qualitative data collection and analysis experience is also essential.

The post holder will be offered opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills through professional development training opportunities through the university and from the team. Regular team meetings and 1:1 meetings with to P-I and Co-Is will be arranged to support the postholder.>

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.

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

Generous annual leave entitlement
Training and Development opportunities
Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing
Free parking

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.