Impact Evidence Coordinator

The Open University; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Open University in Milton Keynes is seeking an Impact Evidence Coordinator to support REF 2029 preparations. You will coordinate evidence gathering, evaluation, and documentation across departments and external partners to strengthen impact case studies.

Role involves developing evidence, surveys, and analyses, with responsibilities spanning operations, governance, and project coordination within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience of literature searches and data analysis.
• Operational, administrative, or secretarial experience.
• Strong organisational and multitasking ability.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience supporting REF or research impact activities is a plus.
• Experience with STEM research or citizen science is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct impact evidence gathering and evaluation.
• Maintain auditable records of evidence and feedback.
• Ensure GDPR and data protection compliant processes.
• Develop surveys, interviews, and other evidence gathering methods.
• Support development of impact case studies for REF 2029.
• Provide guidance to Impact Case Study leads.
• Contribute to policy development for evidence collection.
• Work with colleagues across service and external partners.

Skills

Literature searches

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Project coordination

IT skills

Communication

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department: RKE Culture and Impact Services

Closing Date: 6 September 2026

Weekly Working Hours: 37

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 31 July 2028

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About the Role

As an Impact Evidence Coordinator within Research and Innovation Services, you will be responsible for coordinating and conducting impact evidence gathering and evaluation activities to effectively support the University’s REF 2029 preparations. Working flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues across the Service, academic departments, professional services and external stakeholders, the Impact Evidence Coordinator will play a key role in strengthening the University's Engagement & Impact REF submission by supporting the development of a high-quality evidence base for impact case studies.

This role will be part of the Research Culture and Impact Team, whose aim is support the development of an interdisciplinary research environment, drive forward the Open Research agenda, and support research impact delivery.

Specifically, you will provide specialist support for the identification, collection, verification and management of evidence that demonstrates the impact of the University's research and knowledge exchange activities. This support will include ensuring that research impacts are robustly evidenced, appropriately documented and aligned with REF 2029 criteria and guidance.

Key Responsibilities

Operations and Finance

Providing proactive operational and administrative support, working in conjunction with other members of the project team, colleagues across the Service, wider University and project partners. Activities include but are not limited to:

• Support maintenance of accurate, auditable records of impact evidence, evaluations and stakeholder feedback to support REF 2029 submissions.
• Ensure evidence collection, storage and data management processes comply with GDPR, data protection requirements and organisational standards.
• Conduct literature searches and monitor external websites, databases and other sources to identify and capture emerging evidence, impact developments and relevant achievements.
• Develop and conduct surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and other feedback methods to identify and capture emerging evidence, impact developments and stakeholder insights.
• Conduct impact evaluations and analyse qualitative and quantitative data to assess outcomes, demonstrate impact and support case study development.
• Build and maintain internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships to obtain updates, supporting evidence, testimonials and case study material.
• Provide advice and support to Impact Case Study leads and contributors on evidencing impact and gathering appropriate supporting materials

People Management

• As required, providing line management and/or matrix management of Research and Innovation Services Assistants including working with the Senior Manager to coordinate workloads, staff appraisal and development, induction, and training, monitoring progress and performance, and performance management.

Strategy, Planning, Policy and Governance

• Contributing to the development and coordinating the implementation of policies, procedures, and guidance for impact evidence collection, evaluation and reporting.
• Support institutional preparations for REF 2029 by ensuring impact claims are supported by robust, validated and REF-compliant evidence.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.

Project Management

• Contributing to the development, maintenance, and updating of impact case study project plans and project documentation; monitoring and reporting on progress; and assisting with the administration of impact evidence collection.

Wider Influence

Working collaboratively with others in the team and making an active contribution to the wider work of the Service including:

• Contributing to peer networks and communities to support the identification, dissemination, and adoption of good practice and solving common issues and problems.
• Advising on routine enquiries and providing guidance to academic and professional services colleagues on policy, guidance and processes relating to Research and Innovation Services.

About You

• Degree level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant professional experience and a commitment to reflection and personal/professional development.
• Experience of conducting literature and database searchers and experience of analysing and interpreting both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Relevant and appropriate operational, administrative, or secretarial experience.
• Effective organisational skills with the ability to plan, schedule, and deliver multiple priorities while remaining flexible and calm under pressure.
• Ability to solve problems, using information from a variety of sources to aid analysis and make timely decisions.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, establish constructive relationships and influence others.
• Ability and willingness to motivate and manage others and to contribute to effective team and collaborative working that supports the best collective outcomes.
• Proficient in the use of IT and willing to develop existing skills and learning about relevant IT systems.
• Awareness/understanding of research impact and experience of supporting the development of REF Impact Case Studies.
• Experience of working with or an interest in STEM-related research, including citizen science or other participatory research approaches.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email [e-mail] quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Working location

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that the role holder will be required to work from our Milton Keynes campus at least 1 day per week, with flexibility to attend campus more or less frequently dependent on business need. The role holder may also occasionally need to travel to external locations as necessary for the role (travel to locations other than MK office would be reimbursed or booked directly by the Unit).

Next steps in the Recruitment process

If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place 23rd or 24th September.

Early closing date notification

While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented.

If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.

Early closing date notification

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.