Research Assistant - SOLUTIONS Trial

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in the UK seeks an experienced researcher to join the research and development team. This role involves recruitment for The Solutions Trial aimed at helping children affected by Child Criminal Exploitation. Key responsibilities include engaging with teams and conducting data analysis. The ideal candidate must possess strong research skills and communication abilities. Opportunities for flexible working arrangements are available, and applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Inclusive workplace environment

Qualifications

• Experience in recruitment within research settings.
• Proficient in both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct participant recruitment for The Solutions Trial.
• Engage with liaison and diversion teams and police custody suites.
• Travel to various NHS sites as required.

Skills

Research skills related to participant recruitment

Qualitative data collection and analysis

Quantitative data collection and analysis

Strong communication skills

Job description

We are looking for an experienced researcher to join our delivery team within the research and development department at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. The role is focused on recruitment and engagement for the ongoing research study The Solutions Trial ( https://youthendowmentfund.org.uk/funding/who-we-fund/lancashire-and-south-cumbria-nhs-foundation-trust/ ) within the liaison and diversion service and in broader settings across England.

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) forms part of the contextual safeguarding agenda and has been identified as a strategic priority by the Children's Safeguarding and Assurance Partnership (CSAP) in Lancashire. The liaison and diversion service is provided by LSCFT in 12 custody suites across Lancashire and Cumbria. The Solutions trial aims to test whether offering these children and young people a psychological treatment called Brief Solution Focused Therapy is helpful. Brief Solution Focused Therapy is a short‑term therapy that helps people to change by focusing on building solutions rather than getting stuck thinking about problems.

The post-holder will work in the LSCFT Research & Development Department, based at the Lantern Centre in Preston. Recruitment will take place primarily across Lancashire and other sites in the Northwest and involves working with the liaison and diversion team, safeguarding teams and police custody suites. The post‑holder will need strong research skills related to participant recruitment, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. They will be required to travel to NHS sites and use communication skills to engage staff and patients.

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups. If you’d like to discuss your application, please ask.

We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

LSCFT supports flexible working; we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours, and flexi‑time.

For further details or informal visits, contact: Name: Farah Lunat, Job title: Research Operations Manager, Email address: [e-mail], Telephone number: 07790387718.