Senior Behavioural Scientist - RT02325

Walsall Council; Walsall; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Walsall seeks an experienced Senior Behavioural Scientist for maternity cover. You will lead initiatives applying behavioral insights to improve policy and strategy, guiding teams and stakeholders. The candidate should hold a relevant degree and have proven public-sector experience in behavioral science initiatives. This position offers a salary of £47,754 - £52,805 per annum and flexible working options.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave

Excellent pension scheme

Family-friendly policies

Learning and development opportunities

Wellbeing resources

Travel discounts

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in behavioral science, psychology, data science or a related field.
• Proven experience leading behavioral science initiatives in public sector settings.
• Expertise in applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and evaluation of behavior change interventions.
• Translate complex behavioral insights for various audiences.
• Coordinate and deliver qualitative and quantitative research.

Skills

Leadership

Behavioral insights application

Relationship building

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Degree in behavioral science, psychology, or related field

Tools

Statistical tools

Job description

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Job Description

Senior Behavioural Scientist (Maternity Cover) - Ref: RT02325

Salary Range: G11: £47,754 - £52,805 per annum

This is a fixed term contract (maternity cover) for up to 12 months.

What are we looking for?

Are you interested in taking on a leading role in applying behavioural insights at the forefront of Walsall Council's policy and strategy work? We're searching for an experienced and driven Senior Behavioural Scientist to join our Policy & Strategy unit, providing up to 12 months' maternity cover.

This is an excellent opportunity to guide a behavioural science programme which seeks to deliver evidence-based insight and innovation across Council and Borough priorities. You'll be at the core of embedding behaviour change approaches, working alongside senior managers, stakeholders, and local partners to improve outcomes for our residents.

As Senior Behavioural Scientist, you will:

Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of behaviour change interventions and policy initiatives aligned to Council strategy.

Translate and communicate complex behavioural science insights for a range of audiences, supporting the design and delivery of high-impact projects.

Provide line management, guidance and mentorship to the Behavioural Science Officer (G8) and support the wider team in embedding behavioural science practices.

Advise senior colleagues and partners on evidence-based approaches, and champion innovation and continuous learning across the Council.

Coordinate and deliver qualitative and quantitative research, including survey design, data analysis, and reporting using recognised statistical tools.

Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including councillors, partner organisations, and community representatives, to drive collaborative strategy development.

Shape the development of internal policy frameworks and provide recommendations grounded in the latest behavioural science evidence and practice.

Oversee the behavioural science project pipeline and budget, identify opportunities for external funding and research collaborations, and drive value for money in service delivery.

About You

Educated to degree level in behavioural science, psychology, data science or a related field (postgraduate qualifications highly desirable).

Proven experience leading behavioural science initiatives in public sector settings, including successful project management and strategic impact delivery.

Expertise in applying both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to real-world challenges and translating findings into actionable strategy.

Skilled at building relationships across large, complex organisations and influencing change at a senior level.

Digitally confident, proficient in data analysis and able to communicate insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Committed to diversity, equality, and the values of public service.

Demonstrable leadership, professionalism and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

This post is covered by the Government's Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a skills-based assessment and interview, with further details provided after the closing date.

If you're passionate about making lasting change and want to use your behavioural science expertise to shape the future of Walsall, we'd love to hear from you.

If you have any further questions about the role, please contact Dr. Karen Griffiths: [e-mail].

Benefits of Working with Us

Flexible working options, including remote work

Generous annual leave and bank holidays, with the ability to purchase additional days

Access to an excellent pension scheme

Family-friendly policies and support

Wide range of learning, coaching and development opportunities

Health and wellbeing resources

Discounts on travel and lifestyle benefits

Read more about our benefits at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers-/benefits-of-working-for-us

View Job Description & Employee Specification

Closing date: 31st August 2025

About Us

Here at Walsall, we want to attract the best talent. That's why - as well as a satisfying and rewarding job - we offer a range of attractive benefits. Working arrangements in most jobs are flexible and you can expect generous holiday entitlements, a first-class pension scheme and plenty of opportunities for training and personal development.

We advertise vacancies because we want the best talent available. If that's you, we're waiting for your application.

Walsall Council is committed to Safer Recruitment.

To achieve our commitment, we will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce.

Walsall Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident organisation - we welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.

This post is covered by the Government's Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. We will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children and young people and vulnerable adults.

Note: Applicants appointed to posts that require an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time that they have lived, studied or worked abroad and be prepared to provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC) relating to anytime they were overseas

Information for Applicants

Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them.See our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information.

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting

About Us

Here at Walsall, we want to attract the best talent. That's why - as well as a satisfying and rewarding job - we offer a range of attractive benefits. Working arrangements in most jobs are flexible (you may work flexitime, full or part time and job sharing is usually available) and you can expect generous holiday entitlements, a first class pension scheme and plenty of opportunities for training and personal development.

We advertise vacancies because we want the best talent available. If that's you, we're waiting for your application.

Living in Walsall

Part of the Black Country, famous for its enterprising and industrial past, Walsall is reinventing itself to become a progressive modern community. The borough is centred around the major town of Walsall, but also includes five smaller and distinctive district centres (Bloxwich, Aldridge, Willenhall, Darlaston and Brownhills), together with numerous villages.

Walsall Council is committed to Safer Recruitment.

To achieve our commitment, we will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce.

Social Work Matters - Children's Social Worker Recruitment

Some of our children require a special kind of support: yours. Visit our microsite to find out more about joining Walsall Council as a Children's Social Worker.