Research And Engagement Officer

Orange Recruitment; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 28,000; Part time

Job summary

A local health and social care organization seeks a Research and Engagement Officer to plan and deliver research and engagement activities in Wakefield District. The ideal candidate is skilled in engaging with various community groups and can manage diverse tasks independently. This part-time role offers a salary of £27,800 annually (pro-rata) and includes benefits such as flexible working and development opportunities.

Benefits

Hybrid and flexible working

28 days holiday per annum

Access to mental health support

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in engagement with diverse community groups.
• Capable of independent work while managing varied tasks.
• Willingness to travel within Wakefield area.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engagement and research projects.
• Conduct outreach sessions in public spaces.
• Analyze data to produce high-quality research outputs.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Experience with hard to reach groups

Teamwork skills

Independent workload management

Experience with surveys and focus groups

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Empathy and integrity

Job description

About us

Healthwatch Wakefield are the local health and social care champion for Wakefield District. From Airedale to South Kirkby, Overton to Knottingley, and everywhere in between, we make sure NHS and Social Care leaders hear peoples experiences and use their feedback to improve care.

The role

Overview

We’re looking for an enthusiastic Research and Engagement Officer to plan and deliver engagement and research for our core and project work. This role involves listening and reaching out into communities to understand the experiences and concerns of local people using health and social care services, and presenting this feedback to those planning and running services.

An ideal candidate is someone who walks into a room full of strangers and comes out with contacts, stories and having built a trusting connection. This role will include going out to geographical and communities of interest with an aim of making sure that we hear from all of the diverse communities of Wakefield District.

Find the full application pack on our website.

Title: Research and Engagement Officer

Location: Healthwatch Wakefield, The Plex, 15 Margaret Street, Wakefield WF1 2DQ, and Wakefield District

Reports to: Operations and Impact Manager

Type: Fixed Term 12 months with potential to extend

Working Hours: Part-time, up to 30 hours per week

Salary: £27,800 per annum (pro-rata) for 30 hours

Pension: 5% employer contribution

Benefits include hybrid and flexible working, 28 days holiday per annum not including Bank Holidays (pro rata), access to mental health and wellbeing support through our employee assistance programme, and training and development opportunities.

Job Purpose:

To plan and deliver engagement and research for Healthwatch Wakefield’s core and project work. To understand the experiences and concerns of people using health and social care services in Wakefield and represent this feedback to service providers and commissioners. The role involves some analysing of data and intelligence to influence change and improve services. The postholder will focus on engaging with seldom‑heard groups and individuals.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Engagement:

• Put together engagement plans for specific projects and core healthwatch work
• Conduct engagement in public spaces appropriate to needs, such as community centres, health venues, and libraries.
• Manage a program of outreach sessions, identifying and arranging visits to organisations and community groups as required by overall organisational needs.
• Employ innovative engagement methods and involve volunteers in outreach activities.
• Follow up on information requests and signpost effectively, ensuring high-quality information standards.
• Engage with health and social care providers, third sector organisations, service user groups and individuals and represent Healthwatch Wakefield as required.
• Take a lead on managing and running engagement panels as required

Research and Project Management:

• Project design such as data collection methods, both quantitative and qualitative, including survey writing, focus group development, and producing interview schedules.
• Take the lead on specific research and engagement projects from beginning to end, including project planning, producing timelines, organising and running project meetings, and keeping the project on track.
• Regular reporting, both written and verbal, on project status to the team and with your line manager as required.
• Provide support and advice for other staff and volunteers conducting research.

Data and Intelligence Analysis:

• Input engagement data into databases as required by the organisation
• Analyse data to produce a range of high‑quality research outputs, including reports and presentations for various audiences.

General Responsibilities:

• Support a positive team environment, ensure compliance with policies, and promote equality and diversity.
• Participate in internal and external meetings and contribute to the periodic review of job roles.
• Plan and manage own workload, set targets and deadlines, and be self‑supporting with regard to administration and IT.
• To undertake specific identified projects and any other duties consistent with the nature and level of the post as assigned by the Director.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Experience of engagement, particularly with hard to reach groups and communities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Capable of working independently and managing a varied workload.
• Experience of using various engagement methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community meetings.
• Experience working with, networking, and developing partnerships with a range of people, including project stakeholders, diverse community groups, and other organisations.
• Experience using various research and engagement methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community meetings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Word.
• Commitment to the principles and values of Healthwatch.
• Demonstrates empathy, integrity, and a drive to influence positive change in health and social care.
• Willingness to travel within the Wakefield area.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Desirable:

• Experience in data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Experience producing impact‑focused reports and summary documents.
• Familiarity with local services and community needs.
• Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector, especially in Wakefield District.
• Good understanding of health and social care sectors, especially within the Wakefield area.

The recruitment process

Submit your CV and cover letter of no more than 500 words by 11.59 pm on Wednesday 10 December. Please note that applications which do not include both elements may not be considered.

Interview date is planned for Thursday 18 December.

Join us in making a difference in local health and care services!