Research Assistant - Community Participation

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

LGPS pension scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Research Assistant to support the Community Participation Workstream, helping communities and staff collaborate as equal research partners. You’ll assist with workshops, events and initiatives that inform service improvement and decision-making.

The role emphasizes building skills, confidence and networks for participatory research, with hybrid working arrangements and a focus on health equity and partnerships across the VCFSE sector.

Qualifications

• Experience in public engagement, community engagement, or related field.
• Knowledge and experience of community-engaged or participatory research.
• Experience of working across organisations with community groups and partners.
• Experience designing and delivering public or community engagement activities.
• Degree or equivalent experience in Public Health, Community Development, Social Sciences, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support development of participatory research and evaluation across Somerset Council and the VCFSE sector.
• Help plan and deliver workshops, events and initiatives to promote evidence-informed decision-making.
• Provide tailored support to staff and community researchers embedding participatory approaches.
• Contribute to governance, policies and procedures for HDRC Community Participation Workstream.
• Monitor and contribute to the HDRC Community Participation Workstream's ongoing development.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Relationship-building

Health inequality commitment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Community Development, Social Sciences, or related discipline

Job description

As a Research Assistant within the Community Participation Workstream, you will support the development of community participatory research and evaluation across Somerset Council and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector. You will help build the skills, confidence and networks needed for staff and communities to work together as equal partners in research, evaluation and service improvement, while supporting the delivery of projects, events and initiatives that promote evidence-informed decision-making. How You'll Make a Difference

• Identify opportunities to strengthen and develop community-led research across Somerset Council and the VCFSE sector.
• Work with HDRC colleagues and partners to design, deliver and evaluate workshops, webinars, Community Research Grants and Community Research Support projects that promote evidence-informed decision-making and service improvement.
• Provide tailored support to council staff and Community Research Supporters, helping them embed participatory approaches in research, evaluation and service development.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of research governance arrangements, policies, guidance and standard operating procedures.
• Support the monitoring, evaluation and continuous development of the HDRC Community Participation Workstream.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, community organisations, researchers and other stakeholders.
• Represent the HDRC at meetings, workshops, conferences and partnership events.
• You will join the Community Participation Team, a partnership between Somerset Council, Spark Somerset and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). Together, we bring a range of skills, experience and expertise to support meaningful community participation in research, evaluation and service improvement.

We are committed to tackling health inequalities by working alongside council staff, communities and community research partners to shape evidence-informed decision-making. You will also work closely with colleagues across the wider Somerset HDRC team in a supportive, innovative and values-driven environment that promotes partnership working, learning and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to help transform how research, evidence and lived experience inform strategy, policy and practice across Somerset.

• Experience in public engagement, community engagement, community development, or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience of community-engaged or participatory research.
• Experience of working collaboratively across organisations and with community groups, networks and partners.
• Experience of designing and delivering public or community engagement activities.A degree in Public Health, Community Development, Social Sciences, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building, facilitation and partnership-working skills.
• A commitment to reducing health inequalities and supporting meaningful community participation.

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council.