Local Evidence Lead – Children’s Services
Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary (Grade 11): £59,009 - £64,673 per annum
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
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.
What you’ll do
* 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.
Why Wokingham?
* 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.
Interview Date
TBC
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact: Jonathan.wilding@wokingham.gov.uk
Closing date: Sunday 11 January 2026 at 11pm
Wokingham Borough Council is an equal opportunities employer.
Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
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