Public Health Principal (Local Authority Research Practitioner)

Bedford Borough Council; Bedford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Bedford is seeking a motivated officer to enhance research practices within the council. The role involves promoting the use of research evidence and collaborating with senior colleagues to foster a culture of informed decision-making. This 2-year fixed-term position includes an opportunity to make a significant impact on residents' health and wellbeing. The council embraces diversity and will consider all applications fairly, including from candidates with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic about research evidence and data.
• Ability to communicate effectively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Promote and support research across the Council.
• Develop the research culture and build infrastructure.
• Collaborate with senior colleagues to translate insights into action.

Skills

Children Activity

Graduate Engineering

Flight Operations

Adobe Photoshop

Content Marketing

Broadcast

Job description

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic officer to promote and support research across Bedford Borough Council, influencing the delivery of better value and improved outcomes through the use of evidence based practice. You will work with a range of senior colleagues across the Council to develop the research culture and infrastructure capacity and capability for research supporting the Council to deliver its aims, including improving residents' health and wellbeing. You will have the ability to communicate your passion for research evidence and data and support colleagues to translate those insights into action.

You will be joining the shared public health team for Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes; reporting directly to the Deputy Director for Public Health and working closely with LARPs from Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes City Councils. The post is offered for a 2‑year fixed term with the potential to extend for a further year.

Responsibilities

Promote and support research across the Council, develop the research culture, build infrastructure capacity, communicate enthusiasm for research evidence, and collaborate with senior colleagues to translate insights into action.

How to Apply

When you are ready to apply, click on the "Apply for Vacancy" button; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please ensure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role. An optional CV template is provided below.

Closing Date: 16th November 2025
Interview Date(s): W/C 1st December 2025

Key Skills

• Children Activity
• Graduate Engineering
• Flight Operations
• Adobe Photoshop
• Content Marketing
• Broadcast

Additional Information

Visa Sponsorship: Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, and pledges to interview any eligible applicant who meets the minimum criteria. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.