Social Care Research Facilitator (Secondment Opportunity) Location : Flexible working across the West Midlands region with West Midlands Association of Directors of Adult Social Services Salary : Secondment at current salary plus £1,000 per annum honorarium for 12 months Hours : Flexible – typically 1 day per week (negotiable) About the Role Are you passionate about improving adult social care through research? We are seeking 3 enthusiastic and committed individuals to join the West Midlands Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) research project team as Social Care Research Facilitators. This is a secondment opportunity designed to build capacity and capability in social care research across the West Midlands, supporting the development of a region wide infrastructure for research engagement. As a Research Facilitator, you will work collaboratively with colleagues from 14 local authorities, universities, and community partners to champion evidence-based practice, promote research participation, and help shape the future of adult social care. You will be part of a dynamic team driving innovation, inclusion, and impact across the sector. Key Responsibilities Act as a point of contact for research activity within your organisation and across the region. Raise awareness of research and encourage staff to engage with research journals and evidence. Support colleagues to identify learning and development needs to become research-ready. Facilitate collaborative projects, knowledge exchange, and the development of research pathways. Promote participation in research events, forums, and communities of practice. Showcase achievements and share learning through case studies, social media, and regional events. Contribute to thematic leadership, innovation, and the embedding of a research culture in adult social care. Represent your organisation in regional research forums and support the development of inclusive, ethical, and impactful research practices. Experience and Skills Required We are looking for candidates who: Are currently employed in adult social care (e.g. commissioner, social worker, occupational therapist, nurse, social care practitioner, or in-house paid carer). If you are in another role and interested, please contact us to discuss. Have a demonstrable passion for using research to inform and develop practice, policy, and procedure. Have experience in evaluating or analysing social care and / or health services. Are keen to contribute to and lead research initiatives, and champion the embedding of a research culture. Have excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across teams and organisations. Are committed to improving the lives of people who draw on care and support, and to promoting diversity and inclusion in research. Secondment Arrangement and Employer Support This is a 12 month secondment opportunity. Applicants must have the support of their employer to participate in the programme. The secondment will enable you to work with the West Midlands ADASS research project team, contributing to the region’s ambition to establish a sustainable infrastructure for research engagement and to build research capacity and capability in adult social care. Please ensure you have discussed this opportunity with your line manager and secured agreement before applying. What We Offer A platform to shape research culture and practice in adult social care across the West Midlands. Opportunities for professional development, networking, and collaboration with leading partners. Flexible arrangements to fit around your existing role. Support from a vibrant research community and access to training and mentoring. £1,000 per annum honorarium How to Apply Please submit your CV and a short statement (maximum two pages) outlining your interest, relevant experience, and what you hope to achieve in the role by 11:59PM on Monday 5 January 2026 to Kathryn.hudson@wm-adass.org.uk. Key Contact For questions or an informal discussion, please contact Dr Kathryn Hudson PhD, West Midlands ADASS Associate for Research on: Email: Kathryn.hudson@wm-adass.org.uk Phone: 07967138410 Candidates will be invited to interview, and a provisional date of Tuesday 20 January 2026 is to be confirmed. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require support, please let us know.