Senior Specialist, Social Science - ( Ref : 6671 )

The Post Holder Will Be Responsible For Overseeing Research Design, Analysis And Presentation Of Results, With a Focus On The Children’s People And Nature Survey. As Well As Building Partnerships With Academia, Across Government And The Third Sector And With Survey Users To Maximise The Research Value For The Survey, They Will Work With Natural England, Natural Resources Wales And Defra Colleagues, Contractors And External Stakeholders To Maximise The Research Impact Of The Survey. The Post-holder Will Lead On Social Science / Technical Input, As Well As Supporting The Senior Responsible Officer, Survey Steering Group And Project Team In Strategy And Decision Making. Work Areas Will Vary But May Also Include Some Of The Following:

• Contributing to the development and delivery of NE’s Services and Enabling teams, including helping to scope opportunities where social science evidence and approaches can support programme delivery.
• Involvement in external networks to promote the use and impact of social science within the natural environment sector.

We are seeking someone who is confident and capable of working at a strategic level and with the ability to quickly understand and respond to current needs and challenges.

The role of the senior specialist for social science includes:

• Leading social science input to Children’s People and Nature survey, including developing research questions and identifying and prioritising themes for analysis (e.g. inequalities and access, climate change concern). Providing quality assurance for products and publications based on PANs/CPANs data and leading evaluation of the survey. Oversee survey review and development (including methodological and ensuring quality and compliance with the Code of Practice for Statistics and accredited official statistics). Working with wider Defra policy teams’ team to ensure the survey meets data and evidence needs, and that results are understood and used.
• Undertaking primary research (e.g. quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods) including research design, data collection and analysis (methodological approach dependent on successful candidate’s knowledge and expertise) in line with organisational needs to support social science delivery against Natural England’s priorities. Development oversight/project management and quality assurance of other colleagues social research in NE, including support for procurement and contract management of research projects.
• Providing evidence based social science advice and guidance in relation to a wide range of NE’s work (for example, to help progress the effectiveness and scope of the People and Nature Survey). Provide analysis and synthesis of critical evidence to support Natural England teams (including rapid evidence reviews, policies and summary briefings). Delivery of workshops, webinars and presentations to raise awareness of social science research findings and support others to use and understand these to maximise the robustness of research delivered across NE.
• Supporting the Social Science Team to continue to deliver and improve on our evidence standards and impact on priority areas of NE work. Working in and helping to build interdisciplinary teams, including with our Natural Capital and Economics Team and Evaluation Team.
• Maintaining their specialism (keeping up to date with the latest research/developments in their specialist area of environmental social science expertise), including contributing to relevant networks (for example, the cross-government Natural Environment Social Research Network) and building links with social researchers and analysts in the Government Social Research (GSR) community.

The exact work areas to be supported will depend on the successful candidate’s knowledge and expertise and responsibilities will develop and change over time. The post holder will need to maintain a flexible and adaptable attitude and approach and will be expected at times to use their skills in an agile way, working outside their core specialism as required by Natural England.

The cross-cutting nature of the role means there is significant scope for personal development and developing areas of personal interest. The post holder will be provided with support in the role by Senior and Principal Specialists working on social science. We also have a strong informal and formal training offer.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• A good under-graduate and post-graduate degree in a specific environmental and social, science specialism or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least two-years of post-graduate work experience in the application of a specific environmental and social science specialism.
• Chartered status or membership of a relevant professional body (or be eligible).
• Be considered by their organisation and external partners as a recognised expert in their individual area of specialism, with clear external profile and credibility.
• Ability to apply effective communications skills (verbal and written) in communicating about their specialism to multiple audiences (staff, public, stakeholders, scientific/technical groups).
• Ability to gather and synthesise evidence, interpret, and use it to inform and influence decision-making.
• Experienced in producing impactful evidence, reflecting their understanding of Natural England’s and partner’s needs.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team and explaining complex specific environmental and social science specialism concepts in a meaningful way to Specialists, non-specialists, and scientific/technical groups.
• Experience of building and leading networks and establishing effective working relationships with a wide range of colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.

Benefits

At Natural England, we support a healthy work-life balance by offering full-time, part-time, and flexible working arrangements.

We provide excellent opportunities for career progression, training, and development tailored to your role. This includes ten days annually for personal learning and development, plus three additional days for volunteering.

You’ll receive a generous leave allowance of 25 days per year (pro rata), increasing by one day for each year of service up to 30 days (pro-rata), access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, and a range of benefits such as shopping discounts and a cycle-to-work scheme. Staff can also join the Civil Service Sport club for discounts on sports, leisure activities, and social events.

We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Our employee-led diversity networks help foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Locations

Natural England has adopted hybrid working – which means our staff work from a flexible range of locations, encompassing home, offices (ours and our partners) and relevant sites. All new staff will be formally linked to one of our 25 offices across England, and the expectation is that all new staff will be able to access their local office to be part of the community of staff in their geographical area. Staff are expected to attend their associated office for 20% of