The University of Sheffield
Research Associate (Networks Evidence and Evaluation Officer)
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The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
IMPACT (‘Improving Adult Care Together’) is a UK-wide centre for implementing evidence in adult social care, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Health Foundation. IMPACT builds on knowledge gained from different types of research, the lived experience of people who draw on care and support, and their carers, and the practice knowledge of social care staff.
This role is an exciting opportunity to work closely with key stakeholders across adult social care to affect positive change. We are looking for someone who can build and maintain relationships, with strong organisational skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences. We would welcome applications from those with experience of applied research in social care or a related setting.
The Role Will Principally Focus On:
- Supporting the use of evidence within IMPACT Networks.
- Evaluating the difference IMPACT Networks (one of IMPACT’s Delivery models) make on the:
- Use of evidence to shape change.
- Relationships between different stakeholders in adult social care.
- Capacity building of the organisations and stakeholders we work with.
- Facilitators and barriers to using evidence in practice.
- Longer-term impact of IMPACT Networks.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Work with the IMPACT Networks team to prepare evidence reviews and materials for Local Networks, recruit coordinators, and organise and facilitate meetings.
- Work closely with IMPACT’s central Evidence and Evaluation team.
- Draft evidence briefs and accessible summaries to support policy and practice implementation of robust evidence, and contribute to IMPACT-related academic publications.
- Support the evaluation and monitoring of the IMPACT Networks and ensure accurate and timely reporting and the implementation of IMPACT procedures.
- Proactively identify and manage risks and challenges, implementing timely solutions to safeguard the achievement of Centre objectives.
- Contribute to CIRCLE’s research-related activities.
- As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
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Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
| Criteria | Stage(s) assessed at |
|---|---|
| PhD in a relevant subject area (or near to completion), or equivalent expertise. | Application |
| Awareness of the current state of research in one or more fields relevant to adult social care. | Application, interview |
| Expertise in different evaluation approaches. | Application, interview |
| Experience of knowledge exchange and impact work, and of taking research findings into real world application. | Application, interview |
| Ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences. | Application, interview |
| Ability to value and work with lived experience / practice knowledge. | Application, interview |
| An understanding of ED&I principles and how they are relevant to adult social care and high-quality research. | Application |
| Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and skills in coordinating own work with that of others to ensure effective team-working. | Application |
| Good planning, organisational and time-management skills. | Application |
| Commitment to co-production and engagement. | Application |
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784-£47,389
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
As soon as possible until 31 December 2027
Line manager
IMPACT Networks Lead
Direct reports
N/A
Our website
https://impact.bham.ac.uk/delivery-models/networks/
For informal enquiries about this job contact Kate Hamblin, Professor of Social Policy and Networks Lead: on k.a.hamblin@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 3 September 2026. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, you can contact Kelly Davidge on k.s.davidge@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
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We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out, and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support, and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development, access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies:
- Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies.
- Access to menopause support in the workplace.
- Paid time off and support for fertility treatment.
- And more.
- More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job, you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Criminal record
A standard DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches, and insights, it can lead to richer, more creative, and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs, and ways of living for everyone.
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