Job Introduction Do you have experience of working in active partnerships with members of the public to shape research? Are you skilled in working with voluntary and community sector organisations to identify research topics and questions of importance to communities and service users? This role within the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) North Yorkshire offers a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in public involvement and community engagement in a research context. You will lead the HDRC North Yorkshire’s Public Involvement and Community Engagement in Research activity, acting as a key connector between local communities, people and voluntary sector organisations, and the HDRC North Yorkshire team. Why work for us? As England's largest county, North Yorkshire's natural beauty is captured in its stunning coastlines, scenic rural villages and market towns, as well as two spectacular national parks. North Yorkshire really is a beautiful place to live and work, rich in heritage and culture. North Yorkshire Council is committed to becoming England’s most local large council. We work in partnership with our communities to understand their needs and ensure that the places where people live, now and in the future, create new opportunities, promote wellbeing and reduce inequalities. We are the region's largest employer with a workforce exceeding 15,000 people. We are a loyal and committed workforce who are resilient, innovative and stay ahead of the curve. Health Determinants Research Collaboration – North Yorkshire HDRC North Yorkshire is a collaboration with the Universities of Hull and York to develop the research culture of the Council and build Council-University partnerships to conduct and use research that improves health and wellbeing and reduces inequalities. For more information on the programme visit https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/?query=NIHR158758 HDRC North Yorkshire is part of a wider £50 million investment from the NIHR for a series of local government partnerships across the country to improve local authorities’ capacity and capability to conduct high-quality research to tackle health inequalities. The investment will embed a culture of evidence-based decision-making within local government and will help to stimulate economic growth, particularly in some of the most deprived areas, and contribute to the Government’s plans to take actions for the longer-term health and wealth of the country. What is the job role? Public Involvement is integral to the delivery of HDRC North Yorkshire. The Research Involvement Officer will play a central role in strengthening this activity, acting as an effective bridge between the HDRC, researchers, statutory and voluntary sector partners, and local communities. The role is public facing and requires regular engagement with residents, people with lived/living experience, and partner organisations. The postholder will support our 20-member Public Advisory Group to bring public voice into the work of HDRC North Yorkshire and help ensure that outputs from the HDRC are impactful for our communities. They will manage the delivery of two public involvement funds: Involving People in Research Funding (open to North Yorkshire Council staff to involve public members in the development of external research grant applications) and the VCSE Engagement Fund (available to voluntary and community organisations to engage in research that aligns with HDRC North Yorkshire Areas of Research Interest). The postholder will work closely with the University of Hull Public Involvement Officer and will hold an honorary contract with the University of Hull. This arrangement will support collaboration and provide access to academic networks, researchers and library services. The role will also involve close working with HDRC Senior Researchers to ensure that public and community perspectives inform research activity. This includes contributing to the development of research materials such as participant information sheets, interview guides and questionnaires, as well as supporting the sharing of research findings and the application of research evidence in practice. Who are we looking for? You will be: Able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of research involvement, engagement, and co-production methods. Experienced at working with a diverse range of people in an empowering, accessible, and person-centred manner. Possess strong communication and negotiation skills to manage the differing expectations and needs of a wide range of stakeholders. Experienced in the design, delivery, analysis, and evaluation of research involvement activities. Experienced in partnership working within public sector or community/voluntary sector. Able to operate with a high degree of autonomy to effectively manage a range of projects. Able to work effectively in teams and independently to meet deadlines. Able to demonstrate relevant job experience for this role. For an informal conversation about the role please contact Joanne Smithson at joanne.smithson@northyorks.gov.uk Key Documents Job Description Research Involvement Officer Grade JK.docx