Local Authority Research Practitioner - Fixed Term Until 30 September 2027

Warrington Borough Council; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a Local Authority Research Practitioner to enhance research and community engagement initiatives. The successful candidate will champion inclusive practices, influence service design, and contribute to health inequalities solutions. This hybrid role requires strong research skills, effective communication, and partnership building. Competitive salary and benefits included.

Benefits

26 days annual holiday

Health & Wellbeing Programme

Attractive benefits package

Qualifications

• Strong background in research and engagement skills.
• Confident communicator capable of collaboration.
• Experience in public health, academic, or local authority settings.

Responsibilities

• Champion inclusive research practices across the council.
• Lead integration of Public Involvement and Community Engagement.
• Build partnerships with academic institutions and the voluntary sector.
• Support on research design and ethical considerations.
• Drive community researchers program and training initiatives.

Skills

Research and engagement

Communication

Collaboration

Influencing change

Education

Background in public health or related field

Job description

Local Authority Research Practitioner - Fixed Term Until 30 September 2027

About us

The post sits within the Public Health Knowledge & Intelligence Team (K&I) and will report to the Research and Evidence Manager. The successful applicant will work with key partners including colleagues across the Public Health Team and in other Council departments, the Integrated Care Board (ICB), Cheshire and Merseyside Public Health Collaborative (CHaMPS), the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector and academic institutions.

The role

Are you passionate about research that makes a real difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive on collaboration and innovation? Warrington Borough Council’s Public Health team is offering an exciting new opportunity to shape and strengthen our approach to research, public involvement, and community engagement.

As our Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP), you’ll be at the forefront of embedding high-quality research and co-production across the council. This is a unique chance to influence how we engage with residents and communities to inform decision-making and tackle health inequalities.

What's needed?

We’re looking for someone with a strong background in research and engagement, ideally within a public health, academic or local authority setting. You’ll be a confident communicator and collaborator, with the ability to bring people together and influence positive change through evidence and insight.

What you’ll do:

• Champion and embed inclusive research practices across the council.
• Lead the integration of Public Involvement and Community Engagement (PICE) into service design and evaluation.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with academic institutions, research networks, and the voluntary sector.
• Support and advise on research design, methodologies, and ethics across departments.
• Drive the development of a community researchers programme and staff training initiatives.
• Represent Warrington in regional and national research forums including National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) and the LARP Network.

As well as a competitive salary, working for us means you get:

• 26 days annual holiday - raising to 31 after 5 years of service (pro-rata)
• Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
• Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme

Key Dates & Further Information

Please fill in the application form on the website. Assessment will consist of formal interview and a presentation. Provisional interview date is Monday 8th September.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact:

Rhonwen Ashcroft, K&I Senior Public Health Specialist

Please note that the position is currently a hybrid post with a mixture of home and office working and it is expected that the post holder would spend at least two days per week working from our offices in central Warrington.

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Sponsorship isnot available for this role; therefore, you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for appointment.

Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer

Warrington Borough Council Offices, 1 Time Square, Warrington, WA1 2NT