Local Authority Research Practitioner

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead; Thatcham; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Berkshire is seeking a Local Authority Research Practitioner to enhance public health research capacity. This full-time role offers a salary of £44,355 - £48,446 and supports evidence-based decision-making within the council. The ideal candidate will possess a Masters in Public Health and extensive experience leading relevant research projects, promoting robust research practices across various levels.

Benefits

32 days annual leave

Generous Local Government Pension scheme

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts with retailers

Qualifications

• Significant experience in leading research in a health-related field or public health.
• Experience in leading research to inform and evaluate health interventions.

Responsibilities

• Assess current research capacity and capability within the organization.
• Build research capability by supporting decision-making with evidence.
• Develop a council-wide research strategy in collaboration with partners.

Skills

Mixed research methods

Leading research

Public health knowledge

Education

Masters in Public Health or related subject

Degree in public health or health related field

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Local Authority Research Practitioner to join us!

This is a full-time, fixed-term role over 2 years with hybrid working, and a salary of £44,355 - £48,446 per annum.

About us:

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Local Authority Research Practitioner to join our Public Health team.

The Role:

Local Authority Research Practitioners (LARPs) play a key role in strengthening the use of research within councils. They identify existing research activity, assess future needs, support teams in securing funding, and build research capability by training colleagues in high-quality research methods.

This role will enhance research capacity across the council, support evidence-based decision making and lead collaborations to develop a council-wide research strategy.

Your role will involve:

• Assess current research capacity and capability within the organisation through engagement, research skills audits and mapping existing research activities.
• Build research capability and confidence by supporting senior officers to identify opportunities where research evidence would enhance decision making.
• Promote and advocate for robust research practices throughout service or programme development.
• Develop a council-wide research strategy, in collaboration with council officers and partners using best practice from other areas.
• Lead strategic collaborations with academic institutions, public health networks, voluntary sector organisations, and NHS partners to identify and secure external funding for public health research projects.
• Contribute to the national LARP network

What we are looking for:

• Masters in Public Health, research methods or related subject.
• Degree in public health or health related field.
• Significant experience relating to leading research in a health-related field and/or public health.
• Experience in leading research to inform and/or evaluate projects and community health interventions.
• Specialist knowledge and skills in mixed research methods.

What we offer:

• 32 days annual leave
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.

If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Interview date: 22nd October 2025

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Antiopi Ntouva, Deputy Director of Public Health at [e-mail] or Chad Witcher, Service Lead for Public Health Strategy and Policy at [e-mail]