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Local Evidence Lead, Children's Services

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £59,009 - £64,673 per annum, plus benefits
Location: Shute End, Wokingham
Contract: Contract
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 11/01/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 713335

Salary (Grade 11): £59,009 - £64,673 per annum

Help us put the best evidence into practice—locally, thoughtfully, and with impact. We’re seeking an experienced, strategic Evidence & Practice Lead to drive evidence-informed decision-making across Children’s Services in Wokingham. You’ll work at the heart of our system—advising senior leaders and partners, shaping locally relevant research and tools, and championing a culture where data, insight, and lived experience combine to improve outcomes for children and families.

• Advise senior leaders & partners on increasing evidence use and embedding evidence-based practice—tailored to Wokingham’s diverse socio-economic and demographic profile, changing population, and areas of specific need.
• Design and deliver localised research & evidence products to address gaps across the Children’s Services system, translating insights into delivery plans and service improvements.
• Provide system leadership to embed evidence-use across Children’s Services and multi‑agency partnerships, building capability and setting standards.
• Champion evidence-led practice, empowering leaders and teams to critically engage with research and make informed decisions.
• Work in partnership with Foundations (the Government-appointed What Works Centre for Children & Families) to implement locally relevant recommendations from Practice Guides and the Foundations Guidebook.
• Collaborate across Insight & Intelligence, Strategy, Transformation & Commissioning, and Public Health to apply evidence in the design and delivery of effective services.
• Build communities of practice and use events, webinars, and networks to promote best practice, share learning across neighbouring authorities, and contribute to regional/national knowledge exchange.
• Integrate local insights and data—including Wokingham’s JSNA, feedback from children and families, and demand/trend analysis—into commissioning and the selection of evidence-based interventions.

⭐ Generous Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐ Local Government Pension Scheme

⭐ GP Helpline – Available 7 days a week

⭐ Employee Assistance Programme – Including a 24/7 “Your Care” Helpline

⭐ Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐ Free Onsite Gym – Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham

⭐ Local & Lifestyle Discounts – Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more

⭐ Move through Menopause Course

⭐ Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more

⭐ Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐ Employee Networks

⭐ And more!

Join a forward-thinking council that values insight, innovation, and partnership. You’ll have the autonomy to shape the evidence agenda locally, the support of dedicated teams across the system, and the opportunity to make a measurable difference to children’s lives.

Closing date: Sunday 11th January 2026 at 11pm

Interview Date: TBC

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact: Jonathan.wilding@wokingham.gov.uk

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.