Researcher / Senior Researcher – Hybrid (London) | Help Shape the Future of Social Value Measurement
We’re hiring a Researcher / Senior Researcher to help develop the next generation of social value measurement and impact analysis at Social Value Portal, the UK’s market leader in social value reporting. You’ll join a passionate, growing research team driving innovation across the UK and internationally. Enjoy hybrid working (2–3 days in our London office), a salary of £30–50k (depending on experience), private medical insurance, and 6 paid volunteering days each year - all while making a real difference to people, places, and the planet.
Why Join Us
At Social Value Portal, we’re on a mission to deliver £100 billion in social value, helping organisations across public, private, and voluntary sectors measure their impact and create change that lasts.
Our evidence-based TOM System (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) is the gold standard for social value measurement, used by hundreds of organisations across the UK and beyond. We’re now expanding globally - and you could help shape the methodologies, insights, and data behind the movement.
The Role
As a Researcher or Senior Researcher, you’ll play a key role in developing, maintaining, and expanding our frameworks for social value measurement, management, and monitoring. You’ll work in our TDI (TOMs, Development, Impact) department - a collaborative, intellectually curious team that balances academic rigour with real-world application
Day-to-day, you’ll:
Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to refine and expand the TOM System across sectors and geographies.
Analyse and model social value data to create evidence-based proxies and measures.
Contribute to the design of new frameworks and innovative solutions for national for international clients. (mostly framework but it contains other products)
Translate complex research into clear, practical insights for clients and partners
Support or lead collaborative projects with universities and research partners.
Deliver internal and external training on social value measurement.
Drive innovation and thought leadership within a fast-evolving field.
(Senior Researchers will take greater ownership of projects, mentor others, and lead client-facing research initiatives.)
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for people who are curious, analytical, and purpose-driven — those who want their research to make a measurable difference.
You’ll likely bring:
A degree (or equivalent experience) in economics, social sciences, or a related analytical discipline.
Strong research and analytical skills, with experience interpreting data and drawing insights.
Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
A passion for social impact, sustainability, or public value.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
For Senior Researcher level, you’ll also have:
Proven experience in social impact evaluation, theory of change modelling, or social value analysis.
Experience managing or mentoring researchers and engaging with external stakeholders.
What You’ll Get Social Value Portal believes in rewarding purpose with progression.
Salary: £30–40k (Researcher) / £40–50k (Senior Researcher), depending on experience
Hybrid working: 2–3 days a week in our London office, with flexibility for remote work
Private medical insurance and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays + your birthday off
6 paid volunteering days each year to give back to causes you care about
Ethical pension scheme (up to 5% employer match)
Annual learning budget to support your professional growth
Enhanced parental leave and life assurance (4x salary)
Inclusive culture: 60% of our decision-makers are women, and 10% of our team are trained Mental Health First Responders
This is your chance to join a purpose-led business where research drives real-world change, not just reports.
Location & Working Hours
Contract: Full-time, permanent (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Hybrid – London office (2–3 days per week)
Flexible working options and remote flexibility available
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you’re analytical, creative, and care about helping organisations deliver real social impact, we’d love to hear from you.
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