About The Role
Job Title: Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP)
Hours: 37
Contract: Fixed Term for 2 years
Salary: £36,363 to £38,220 per annum
Location: Plough Lane, Hereford
Closing date: 25th May
Interviews: 1st/ 2nd June
We are seeking a motivated and skilled Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) to join our Public Health team at Herefordshire Council. In this new and specialist role, you will lead and support the development of a sustainable research culture across the Council. You will act as the main driver of research capability building across the organisation, strengthening research governance, embedding consistent processes, and improving the quality and use of evidence to inform decision making. The post is primarily focused on building research capability rather than acting as a sole researcher, although there will be opportunities to contribute to and support research activity. It is an exciting opportunity for anyone enthused by developing a more research‑informed Council by setting up high‑quality collaborations with universities, the NHS, voluntary and community partners, and national research bodies. This role is offered on a fixed‑term basis for two years, linked to National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funding. Due to the funding conditions, the successful candidate must be in post no later than 30 June 2026. Prospective candidates should only consider an application if they are able to start in post no later than 30 June 2026.
What will you be doing?
As the Local Authority Research Practitioner, you will coordinate and support research activity across the Council, helping to build organisational capacity and capability. This will include improving the consistency and quality of research processes such as needs assessments, evaluations, public surveys and other forms of research activity and engagement. It will also involve supporting collaborative research projects and funding applications; and strengthening research governance and dissemination routes. You will work closely with public health, corporate intelligence and wider council services, as well as external partners, to ensure that evidence and lived experience meaningfully inform policy, service design and decision making. You will have access to a large and dynamic network of other Local Authority Research Practitioner roles (70+) across the country and other NIHR support.
About You
* Experience of working collaboratively across organisations such as local authorities, the NHS, universities or the VCSE sector
* Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information to a wide range of audiences.
* Enthusiasm and experience to convene others, build networks, and identify and share innovation.
* Ability to understand, interpret and communicate research evidence to inform decision‑making.
* Knowledge of research governance, ethics, and information governance requirements or aptitude to learn quickly.
You will be proactive, well‑organised and committed to developing research capability and evidence‑informed practice within a local government setting.
What we Offer
A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
* Salary range of £36,363 – £38,220
* Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme
* Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period.
* Flexible working: including the potential for job‑sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
* Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
* Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
* Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
* Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme.
* Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
* Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
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