Job Title: Local Authority Research Practitioner
Salary: PO6 *GBP*49,764 - *GBP*52,805 pro rata
Hours: 30
Contract: 24 months (temporary)
Location: Merrion House (hybrid working)
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Leeds Public Health.
Our ambition is for Leeds to be the best city in the UK; one that is compassionate and caring, with a strong economy, tackling poverty and reducing inequalities. We want to be a healthy city for all ages, where people who are the poorest improve their health the fastest. Leeds Public Health plays a major part in delivering this vision as part of the highly collaborative approach of Team Leeds and we have the ideal partners and assets in Leeds to succeed.
About you
To be considered for this Local Authority Research Practitioner role you will need to have:
1. An undergraduate degree
2. A Masters degree relevant to public health, health promotion, epidemiology or social sciences*
3. Considerable experience of conducting research relevant to public health
4. Effective leadership skills across a broad programme of work
5. Ability to design, implement, interpret and communicate public health research
6. A strong commitment to addressing health inequalities
* Please note we are aware Masters degrees relevant to public health may have different titles. If you are unsure if your Masters is eligible please contact the recruiting officer to discuss.
About the role
The Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) is an exciting new opportunity to provide leadership on research for Public Health in Leeds City Council.
This new role will support the Public Health function, wider local authority and partners to improve health and reduce health inequalities through decision-making that is grounded in robust evidence.
Leeds City Council has been awarded funding by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for the LARP role. The successful candidate will join a growing network of Local Authority Research Practitioners in Local Authorities across the country.
The Local Authority Research Practitioner will champion research within Public Health and the Local Authority. You will be joining the Public Health team in Leeds City Council and work with colleagues on topics from public health services to wider determinants of health. You will inspire and support colleagues to understand and use research evidence and develop ideas, infrastructure and academic partnerships for future research. You will be committed to involving the public and communities and the importance of research ethics. You will build partnerships, connect with existing networks and work closely with academic partners, universities and wider partners in the city.
This is a unique opportunity for someone who is passionate about the role of research in improving health and reducing health inequalities in Leeds.
Initial priorities will be:
7. Providing expertise and championing research for Public Health.
8. Building capacity and capability within the Local Authority to contribute towards research and the broader public health agenda.
9. Supporting a culture and infrastructure for research in the Council.
10. Building research partnerships and connecting with academic networks.
11. Forging strategic alliances and effective partnerships for public health research.
12. Identifying and supporting public health research funding applications with academic partners.
Please note that this Public Health post is subject to hybrid working arrangements and you will therefore be required to spend regular time in the workplace in addition to home working.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
13. A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
14. Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
15. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (please note that you will be required to spend regular time in the office in addition to home working)
16. A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
17. A range of to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
How to apply
Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying.To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least *GBP*38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job purpose
To strategically lead on research for Public Health in the Local Authority, improving health and reducing health inequalities through decision-making that is grounded in robust evidence. This will be achieved through:
18. Providing expertise and championing research for Public Health.
19. Building capacity and capability within the Local Authority to contribute towards research and the broader public health agenda.
20. Supporting a culture and infrastructure for research in the Council.
21. Building research partnerships and connecting with academic networks.
22. Forging strategic alliances and effective partnerships for public health research.
23. Identifying and supporting public health research funding applications with academic partners.
Responsibilities
24. Lead for Public Health in research.
25. Act as a point of advice and guidance on research for public health
26. Review, update and share a mapping of current Public Health research activity
27. Identify further Public Health team research priorities
28. Lead in preparing material for publication, conferences and dissemination
29. Identify research on priority public health topics, summarise and interpret for the Leeds context
30. Identify current infrastructure and opportunities for Public Involvement and Community Engagement (PICE) and research inclusion, identify gaps and scope additional approaches needed to ensure communities are involved in research
31. Identify good practice for research governance, data protection and good ethical principles in Local Authorities and take part in wider council meetings on research
32. Identify and build links with key research partners across the council, universities, NHS, commissioned services and VCS
33. Connect with existing research and academic networks in Leeds, regionally and nationally
34. Contribute to the sharing of best practice as part of a Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) network and link with Public Health Engagement Leads (PHELs)
35. Proactively identify and share relevant external research funding opportunities
36. Develop collaborative public health research funding applications with partners in the council, universities, NHS, commissioned services, VCS, and communities
37. Maintain an appropriate level of IT and analytical skills
38. Provide effective communication of public health research information to a wide range of stakeholders. This will involve reframing complex data and information into clear and understandable formats appropriate to the target audience.
39. Contribute to shared learning and dissemination of good practice, working in collaboration with colleagues throughout the Leeds health economy.
40. Responsible for the recruitment and selection, appraisal, development, leadership and co-ordination of a group of public health staff.
41. Authorised signatory and budget holder. Monitor or contribute to the formulation of department budgets and financial initiatives as required by Director of Public Health.
42. The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
Relationships
Local
43. Leeds City Council staff
44. Elected members
45. Leeds Universities
46. Leeds Office of the Integrated Care Board
47. GP practices
48. Other independent contractors in Leeds
49. Local residents and communities
50. Voluntary Community and Faith Sectors
51. NHS Provider Trusts
52. Local Media
Sub-Regional/Regional
53. Other academic institutes across the region
54. UK Health Security Agency Yorkshire and the Humber
55. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities in Yorkshire and the Humber
56. NHS England West Yorkshire Area Team
National/International
57. Other academic institutes nationally
58. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
59. Local Authority Research Practitioners and other research networks
60. Department of Health and Social Care
61. UK Health Security Agency
62. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
63. NHS England
64. Faculty of Public Health
65. World Health Organisation
Communicates and has contact with:
66. Other NHS organisations and Public Health Teams within North of England
Qualifications
67. Degree
68. Masters degree relevant to public health, health promotion, epidemiology or social sciences
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Skills required
69. Strong IT skills Microsoft, internet and e-mail.
Research for public health
70. Skills in designing, implementing and interpreting public health research
71. Ability to provide highly specialised advice and expertise on public health research
72. Ability to involve the public and engage with communities on research
73. Ability to plan research ethics and ethical approval
Assessing the Evidence
74. Ability to analyse, synthesise and present knowledge and information about complex subjects and concepts to influence key decisions
75. Ability to search effectively, collate and assimilate the published evidence base and apply to inform practice and policy development
76. Ability to carry out highly complex analysis of public health interventions utilising data where a range of diverse and different opinions may exist from different agencies, some of which may be contentious
Leadership and collaborative working
77. Ability to communicate complex and sensitive issues and information to a wide range of people and abilities in different situations and formats
78. Well-developed communication skills: written, verbal and presentation
79. Leadership skills including the ability to set a clear strategic direction, inspire and motivate others and act as an advocate for public health research within the council and partners
80. Ability to lead multi-agency teams and partnerships in the development of research ideas and work programmes
81. Project and programme management skills
82. Ability to organise, prioritise and deliver high quality work against a background of change and uncertainty
83. Ability to prioritise work to tight and challenging deadlines, managing complex and multiple pieces of work
84. Ability to manage a budget
85. Ability to operate in a politically changed environment
Knowledge/qualifications required
86. Degree
87. Masters degree relevant to public health, health promotion, epidemiology or social sciences
88. Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods
89. Knowledge of project and programme management
90. Engaged in continuing professional development and reflective practice
91. Knowledge of leadership and management theory
92. Knowledge of multi-agency partnership working
93. Knowledge and understanding of health inequalities
94. Knowledge of public health policy and political awareness.
95. Knowledge of the current strategic landscape public health operates within.
96. Knowledge of the key strategic priorities of public health within Leeds
97. Knowledge of working with universities, the voluntary, health and community sectors
Experience required
Research for public health
98. Experience of applying for research funding
99. Experience of sharing research or good practice locally/nationally/internationally by writing articles, presenting at conferences
Assessing the evidence
100. Experience of conducting research relevant to public health
101. Experience of assessing evidence to inform work programmes
Leadership and collaborative working
102. Experience of multi-agency working
103. Experience of leading and management of research
104. Experience of supervising students or managing staff
105. Experience of delivery of substantive objectives/outcomes to deadlines
106. Experience of project or research development within a leadership role
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
107. Commitment to improving health and reducing health inequalities, public health ethics and to fostering a learning environment.
108. Able to work flexibly-hours and location, and willingness to travel.
109. Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
110. Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
111. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
112. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
113. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
114. Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
115. Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
116. Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
117. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
118. The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.
Qualifications
119. PhD relevant to public health, health promotion, epidemiology or social sciences
Skills required
Surveillance and Assessment
120. Ability to translate data about health and well-being to inform decisions and priority setting
Leadership and collaborative working
121. Ability to effectively lead and manage a team
Experience required
Leadership and collaborative working
122. Experience with using and responding to media.
123. Experience of managing/effecting innovation and change
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