Local Authority Research Practitioner

LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health service organization in Greater London is seeking a Local Authority Research Practitioner to enhance evaluation and research within their team. This role will focus on developing essential frameworks for research governance and supporting public health initiatives in the community. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in health research management, negotiation skills, and a commitment to improving public health outcomes. This is a full-time, fixed-term position requiring a proactive and energetic individual.

Benefits

40 days annual leave including Bank Holidays

Flexible working hours

Generous pension plan

Qualifications

• Experience in managing or undertaking health related research or evaluation projects.
• Good understanding of research infrastructure and systems including governance.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills for engaging others in evaluation.
• Ability to develop an effective programme of work and form working relationships.
• Understanding of public health approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develop an approach to evaluation and research at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.
• Support the delivery of the South West London research strategy.
• Build governance and ethics frameworks within the council.

Skills

Health related research management

Understanding of governance and ethics

Strong negotiation and influencing skills

Ability to develop effective work programs

Understanding of public health approaches

Job description

Local Authority Research Practitioner

£38,976 - £47,229

2 Year Fixed Term

Full time

Richmond & Wandsworth

Do you want to think bigger? If the answer is yes, this may be the job for you! At Richmond and Wandsworth Better Service Partnership our work is important and challenging so thinking bigger is key to doing our work well. The Local Authority Research Practitioner is a new and exciting role that will be instrumental in developing evaluation and research capacity and capability in the Public Health team and across the council.

As a public health team, our goal is to improve, promote and protect the health and wellbeing of the residents of Wandsworth and Richmond. The Local Authority Research Practitioner will contribute towards the Public Health team’s priorities and application of research and evaluation findings across the council to help strengthen our evidence-based approach to prevention in health and social care.

About the role

We are looking for someone with enthusiasm and a passion for helping others to support us to achieve the best health outcomes for the residents of Wandsworth and Richmond. You will help our residents through developing an approach to evaluation and research at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils and South West London Integrated Care Board. This work will help develop the infrastructure and processes needed to support robust evaluation and application that will go on to inform workstreams and intervention development.

This will include supporting the building of appropriate governance and ethics frameworks within the council, strengthening relationships with local universities and establishing the best approach for engaging in future evaluation and research opportunities, such as through funding awards and grants.

We are looking for a highly motivated, outcome-focused, energetic and enthusiastic individual to join our inclusive and exciting team.

This post will work within Richmond and Wandsworth Council’s Public Health team for 3 days a week supporting evaluation development, and for 2 days a week with the Integrated Care System Director of Health Improvement to help support the delivery of the South West London research strategy.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone:

• Who has experience in managing or undertaking health related research or evaluation projects.
• Who has good understanding of research infrastructure and systems including governance, ethics and funding processes.
• Who has strong negotiation and influencing skills and is passionate about engaging others in the value of robust evaluation.
• Who has the ability to act with initiative to develop an effective programme of work and forms good working relationships.
• Has an understanding of public health approaches.

Please see the job profile for a full list of requirements.

For an informal conversation please contact Isabel Monger Public Health Lead – Adults and Older People via [e-mail]

Closing Date:05/01/2026

Shortlisting Date:08/01/2026

Interview Date: 20/01/2026

Test/Presentation:TBC

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.