Temporary Graduate Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Officer

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council; Wales; Híbrido; GBP 26.000 - 32.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Hybrid working

Pension Scheme

26 days annual leave

Financial management scheme

Leisure centre discounts

Descripción de la vacante

RCT Council’s Graduate Programme 2027 offers a 20-month contract in the Rhondda Cynon Taf Health Determinants Research Collaboration. Graduates learn through evidence synthesis and knowledge mobilisation, with training funded toward a Level 4 Project Management qualification or job-related training.

Based in Cardiff and Ty Elai, Williamstown, the role blends academia and local government, with a start date in April 2027 and a strong emphasis on collaborative, evidence-based decision making.

Formación

• HDRC Graduate role requires a minimum 2:1 degree or above in any discipline.
• Interest in health determinants and evidence-informed practice.
• Ability to work across partners and academic settings.

Responsabilidades

• Support evidence synthesis and knowledge mobilisation within HDRC projects.
• Collaborate with Cardiff University and council teams to drive research impacts.
• Contribute to the learning and professional development of the Graduate cohort.

Educación

2:1 degree or above

Descripción del empleo

Mae'r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg / This document is also available in Welsh

RCT Council's Graduate Programme 2027

A Graduate placement with Award Winning RCT Council is a step in your journey to excellent career opportunities.

Making A Difference with RCT Council

This is both an exciting and challenging time for RCT Council as it seeks to continue to provide high-quality services alongside delivering value for money. The role of local government in shaping the future of local communities is more important than ever. Working in Local Government offers some of the most intellectually stimulating challenges, as we provide services that affect thousands of lives in many ways.

Maximise Your Potential

RCT Council Health Determinants Research Collaboration (RCT HDRC) is again recruiting another Graduate to learn new and transferable skills, meet people from a range of backgrounds and develop a professional career in Rhondda Cynon Taf. All Graduate Officers will be supported to complete either a Level 4 Project Management qualification or job-related technical training (all fully funded) as part of the programme.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Health Determinants Research Collaboration

The Council is committed to improving the life chances of its citizens through innovation, evidence informed practice and collaboration. We have secured funding from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) to establish a new and innovative Rhondda Cynon Taf Health Determinants Research Collaboration (RCT HDRC). The HDRC involves teams across the Council, Cardiff University and academia, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTM UHB), Interlink RCT and third sector partners, and Public Health Wales as well as citizens working as a partnership, to break the cycle of poverty and improve outcomes for residents.

RCT HDRC offers a new and innovative opportunity to work with academia, partners and our communities to establish a culture of evidence informed decision making, providing essential capacity to develop LA capability to undertake research and generate knowledge. This will enable the Council to make positive progress to achieve the vision of tackling poverty and reducing health inequalities in RCT and improving the lives and health of our residents into the future. Check out our website Make a change for information of our work here Make a Change RCT

Who We’re Looking For

Successful candidate must have a minimum 2:1 degree or above in any discipline.

The HDRC Graduate role is a 20-month contract working in the RCT HDRC team, the contract will include working in Cardiff University (Wales Centre for Public Policy - WCPP) and the Council at Ty Elai, Williamstown. The job role will not start until April 2027.

The Graduate Officers will undertake the role of an Evidence Synthesis Support Officer as part of the central HDRC team, maximising opportunities to build their understanding and skills in relation to knowledge mobilisation whilst working on HDRC projects. The aim is to use these skills, learnings and experience to support and further the transformational priorities of the Council, as directed by SLT, sharing their expertise in the use of evidence to support decision making and service change.

Having practical work experience in both academia and public services, upon completion graduates will be in a strong position to utilise these skills to secure roles in either environment.

We are looking for flexible and motivated graduates with a good understanding of research techniques and evidence gathering and a keen interest in the wider determinants of health who are passionate about improving the life chances of residents in RCT.

Key Recruitment Dates

• Applications are welcome from 2nd November to 17th December 2026
• Online psychometric assessments will be issued on 18th December 2026 and must be completed by 23rd December 2026
• Online group assessments will take place in February 2027
• In-person interviews will take place at Sbarc, Cardiff University on 24th February 2027
• Successful candidates will commence their positions on 5th April 2027

Staff Benefits Package

• Tailored induction programme
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Graduate Coordinator
• Hybrid working
• Pension Scheme
• 26 days annual leave
• Financial management scheme
• Subsidised membership fees for Leisure Centres within RCT
• Vivup discount card for businesses

Use of AI Tools

If you decide to use AI tools to assist with drafting, reviewing, or refining your application, make sure that:

• The content accurately represents your own experiences and qualifications
• You can clearly and confidently explain all aspects of your submission
• Your unique perspective comes through clearly

Application Form/Competencies

Each competency response must be limited to a maximum of 200 words. Any response exceeding this limit will result in the application not being reviewed or shortlisted.

Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council.

In addition to this safeguarding responsibility, the successful applicant for this role will also be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.

The Council values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, including those with non-binary identities, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity. We offer a number of staff networks for employees including the Allies Network, a Disability and Carers Network and Perthyn our LGBTQ+ Network.

An application submitted for this post in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.

As part of the Council’s longer term objectives in relation to the Welsh language and its Workforce Planning Strategy, it is committed to a guaranteed interview scheme for Welsh-speakers of Level 3 and above. If you meet the essential criteria as identified in the person specification for the job and are a Welsh-speaker of Level 3 and above, you will be invited to interview if you choose to participate in the scheme.

In view of the large number of Application Forms which are currently being submitted individual applications are not acknowledged. Consequently if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application is unsuccessful on this occasion. In which case you are thanked for the interest you have shown in applying for a position within the Council.

In support of the Council’s voluntary pledge to support the Armed Forces, the recruiter must always be prepared to ensure that applicants who have identified themselves as members of the Armed Forces including Service Leavers, Veterans or Reservists and who meet the essential criteria of the person specification, are offered an interview.

Care Experienced Leavers – Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of the Council’s corporate parenting role it is committed to supporting its care experienced leavers. This means anyone who has spent time within the care system at any point in their life. We encourage applications from individuals who are care experienced to enable them to access employment, education, experiences and volunteering opportunities.

The Council will guarantee an interview for any care experienced leavers who wish to take part in the scheme who meet the essential criteria for the role.