Local Evidence Lead, Children's Services
Wokingham Borough Council
Contract: Contract
Full Time
DBS Check: Enhanced
Local Evidence Lead - Children's Services
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.
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.
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
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
Learning & Development Opportunities
Employee Networks
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.
Sunday 11 th January 2026 at 11pm
Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.