Do you have a background in coproduction, and managing community engagement and research programs?
Have you successfully delivered in an interim capacity?
Start date: April/May 2026
Reporting to: CEO
Contract & hours: 1 FTE. Fixed term contract for 12 months.
Direct Reports: Research Officers (3) & Community Engagement Lead
Hybrid: Remote, with occasional planned travel to Hertfordshire (one-two days per month on average with cost reimbursable).
Healthwatch Hertfordshire are an independent champion for people who use health and social care services. Being a values-driven organisation with a national reputation for our research and engagement work, we are here to find out what matters to local people and help ensure their views shape the support they need.
This is a fixed-term appointment to lead our engagement and research work during a period of transition in the run-up to changes to how patient voice is funded as part of national and broader health and social care reform.
As our Head of Research & Community Engagement, you will ensure that research programs are delivered effectively and on time, with specific responsibility for:
* Overseeing and project managing our community engagement and research programs
* Providing leadership and management to your team
* Facilitating internal collaboration across the team, while instilling a culture of knowledge sharing
* Coordinating the recruitment of additional staff within the department
* Liaising with senior external stakeholders, including local charities, NHS social care bodies, and community organisations that represent marginalised groups
You will also support and inform the CEO on research-based outcomes, producing analysis, briefs, reports, and providing considered recommendations and solutions.
To be considered, you must have a background of co-production and community engagement, having worked with senior leaders across health, government and the charity sector, and preferably with organisations which represent marginalised groups.
Healthwatch Hertfordshire are seeking an experience leader and programme manager who:
* Thrives in a busy role while manages competing deadlines
* Is comfortable operating within a changing and shifting sector
* Can adapt, reprioritise, and effectively take their team with them
* Communicates with confidence
Experience of research and report writing in the health and/or social care field, and a background working with underserved and marginalised communities in a coproduction and community engagement setting is highly desirable, but not essential.
This is a remote role with occasional planned travel across Hertfordshire (1-2 days per month). All travel costs will be reimbursed.
To apply, please submit your CV to Louis Eastwell of Hire Purpose before 12pm on Monday 30th March.