Director-Chair for the Institute for Community Research and Development
Location Wolverhampton Campus Faculty/Department Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences Contract Type Permanent Salary £Competitive Salary Closing Date 25/11/2025 Job Reference 14116 Documents
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Chair of the Institute for Community Research and Development
The University of Wolverhampton is seeking to appoint to a new Chair (Director) of the highly successful Institute for Community Research and Development (ICRD).
Launched in 2017, ICRD has been working to improve the lives and life chances of people in the region through research driven policy development, promoting social mobility, and by delivering effective community-based transformational projects. ICRD use interdisciplinary expertise to affect positive change by working collaboratively with local communities and partnership networks.
The Institute for Community Research and Development (ICRD) undertakes research across four key themes, which are: Social and Community Wellbeing; Criminal Justice and Violence Prevention; Tackling Inequalities through Heritage and the Arts; and Migration and Mobilities.
ICRD offers innovative research and evaluation methods, and services, such as:
2. The ICRD model of Community and Peer Research
3. Research and evaluation that supports developments in policy and practice
4. Robust qualitative and quantitative research methods
The University has a long and distinguished history of providing applied research that drives policy developments, of delivering effective community-based transformational projects and of promoting social mobility. It has a unique and unrivalled reputation for working collaboratively with public and private sector agencies to provide social regeneration platforms and for using its partnership networks to champion for change.
ICRD is a thriving, collegiate, and financially stable research institute, which employs a team of research-only staff, has a thriving community of research students, and members from across the university and a number of honorary fellows and professors. The Chair position offers an exciting opportunity for an exceptional research leader to develop and grow ICRD with a talented team and strong reputation for the institute both within and external to the university.
To be successful in this role, you will hold a PhD, or equivalent and have significant senior-level experience, as well as be a recognised international authority in a discipline relevant to ICRD's themes. This will be supported by a demonstrable and impactful portfolio of research publications and societal impact. You will also demonstrate a proven track record of leadership, and mentorship, with the ability to build and manage a high-performing research team. To be considered for this post you will currently be a Reader or Professor or equivalent level with considerable experience of research in the community, aligned to one or more of ICRD’s core a very strong research profile in one or more of the following academic disciplines: social policy, sociology, public policy, public sector reform, social welfare, community health and wellbeing, applied psychology, mental health, criminal justice.
You will be skilled in working to effect change in policy and practice at the most senior levels. You will have a proven track record in securing significant external funding, leading interdisciplinary teams, leading and delivering research projects, and strong flexible teamwork skills. You will have the skills and experience to identify opportunities for, to develop, and to lead, short course and CPD programmes for community partners. You will also be able to demonstrate excellent collaboration with partners from research, practice, third sector and lay communities. You will be committed to the continued development of the ICRD, and to ensuring ICRD’s activities achieve maximum impact.
There will be opportunities to contribute to postgraduate supervision and teaching.
Staff Benefits
You may be eligible to choose from a number of benefits during your appointment, subject to any rules applicable to the relevant benefit (as amended from time to time). Further details of these benefits are available on the intranet.
We believe employees should be recognised for their hard work and contribution to the University's growth and success and offer an attractive range of competitive benefits to all staff:
Your Benefits:
5. Competitive salaries
6. Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
7. Long Service Recognition - £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
8. Free Will Writing Service - Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
9. IT & Mobile Discounts - EE Perk (20% off for family &
10. friends) & software discounts.
Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing
11. Wellbeing and Mental Health Support - 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
12. Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
13. Eyecare Support - Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
14. Flu Vouchers - Free flu vaccinations for staff.
15. Paycare Health Benefit Plan - Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
16. Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.
Valuing You:
17. Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
18. Flexible & Agile Working - Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
19. Free On-site Parking - available across campuses
20. Cycle Benefits Scheme - Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
21. Employee Discounts - Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
22. Travel Discounts - Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.
Training and Development
23. Staff Network and Inclusion - Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
24. Library Access - Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
25. Staff Scholarship Scheme - Funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level
26. Leadership and Management Development - Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.
The University of Opportunity for Students and Staff
As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges)