Social Work England
Research Officer
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The Role
Social Work England are the specialist regulator for social work in England, focused on enabling positive change in social work. Every day, social workers support millions of people to improve their chances in life. We are taking a new approach to regulating social workers in their vital roles. We believe in the power of collaboration and share a common goal with those we regulate – to protect the public, enable positive change and ultimately improve people’s lives.
Working to the research manager, the research officer will provide support to enable the delivery of Social Work England’s research activity. This role will support the design and delivery of research projects, working with internal colleagues, external stakeholders and people with lived experience to help build a strong and credible evidence base.
The research officer will monitor developments in the external environment, developing bespoke briefings to support the organisation’s understanding of key issues, contributing to effective, evidence-led regulation that protects the public and maintains confidence in social work.
What you will do
- Conduct horizon scanning across relevant research areas, identifying, critically evaluating and synthesising emerging evidence and developments to inform the research team's current work and future programme priorities.
- Facilitate effective functioning and continuous improvement of the research team’s governance and operational processes, coordinating key documentation, monitoring and evaluation, equality impact assessments, and other quality assurance requirements.
- Coordinate project activity across the research team, maintaining project plans, monitoring delivery against agreed milestones, deadlines and quality standards, and proactively identifying and addressing issues that may affect successful delivery.
- Act as the main point of contact within the research team for members of the National Advisory Forum, liaising with the wider team and EDI colleagues about how to effectively include people in the development of our research work.
- Apply research expertise and problem-solving skills to analyse business issues and evidence needs, working with stakeholders to design research questions, identify appropriate methodological approaches, and generate useful insights.
- Commission and manage external research projects, including developing procurement briefs, evaluating tenders, managing provider relationships, monitoring delivery against agreed milestones, making decisions on routine contract management and payment matters, and escalating more complex issues where appropriate.
- Analyse and synthesise research evidence, translating complex findings into accessible outputs that communicate key messages and proposals, influence internal and external stakeholders, and support evidence-informed decision-making within Social Work England and across the social work sector.
- Represent Social Work England in external meetings and networks, building and maintaining productive relationships. Communicate research findings and core messages clearly, using evidence and insight to influence stakeholders, maximising the impact and reach of our work.
- Design and deliver workshops, stakeholder engagement activities, and other events including planning and coordinating associated logistics where required, and represent the research team at external meetings and events.
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About You
At Social Work England, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are fearless, independent, ambitious, transparent, collaborative and we act with integrity. We’re looking for colleagues who live these values every day.
In Addition, For This Role You Will Need
- Knowledge and experience of applying qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, including activities such as survey design, qualitative interviews, and data analysis.
- Experience of working in a research, analytical, or evidence-related role, or equivalent postgraduate study, with an understanding of how research informs decision-making and practice.
- An understanding of health and social care, or regulation would be an advantage, or willingness to build knowledge in these areas.
- Experience of identifying, analysing and synthesising emerging research developments and evidence, with the ability to produce high quality outputs for a range of audiences.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability and commitment to deliver high quality, accurate work to agreed deadlines.
- Experience of co-produced research or working with people with lived experience of social work would be an advantage.
- Experience of coordinating projects, governance processes or team activities, including maintaining documentation, monitoring progress and supporting delivery against agreed objectives.
- Experience of building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of colleagues, stakeholders and partners, contributing positively to collaborative work while maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism.
- Experience of supporting or contributing to collaborative projects across teams and organisations, demonstrating initiative, sound judgement, adaptability and effective management of competing priorities.
- Strong IT skills with good knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, Forms and SharePoint, with a disciplined approach to data and file management, including version control.
- A track record of respectful open and honest behaviour including a demonstrable commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity.
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The Benefits
In Addition To Your Salary, We Also Offer
- Hybrid working
- 25 days annual leave, rising with service to 30 days per annum, plus bank holidays.
- The option to purchase up to an additional 5 days of annual leave per annum.
- A TIDE award-winning inclusive culture, with staff networks, social events and forums.
- A contributory NEST pension, life insurance, an employee recognition scheme and cycle to work scheme.
Details
- Job type: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full time. We offer flexible working subject to business need.
- Salary: £30,080 per year rising to £31,262 per year after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
- Location: Sheffield/Hybrid
Application
During the application process, you'll be asked to provide answers to three questions from the job description. These answers will be what your application is scored on, please answer in as much detail as possible using examples where necessary.
About Us
Join us - Social Work England
Our behaviours and values - Social Work England
What our people say - Social Work England
Pre-Employment Checks
If you are successful at interview, we will carry out a series of routine pre-employment checks. These include verifying your references, confirming your right to work in the UK, and completing a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
These checks are conducted in partnership with our third-party provider, Amiqus, who will guide you through the process.
Please note that all offers of employment are subject to the satisfactory completion of these checks. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our recruitment team via recruitment@socialworkengland.org.uk and our team will be happy to help.
Contact
If you have any queries about the recruitment process, or would like to discuss the role, please contact recruitment@socialworkengland.org.uk.
How to apply
To apply, complete the application form by the closing date.
Interview
At interview we will seek to further understand your skills, knowledge, experience and motivation and test the key competencies of the role. If you are successful, we will undertake routine pre-employment checks.
Find out more about our application and interview process.
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