Connecting Care to Combat Health Inequalities Across Berkshire Researcher/Project Officer

Are you an effective communicator who can persuade organisations to share information that will help tackle health inequalities across Berkshire?

Data analysis is an essential tool for healthcare, but the quality and availability of appropriate data limit its efficacy, particularly when it comes to tackling health inequalities. Many people experiencing health inequalities do not engage with healthcare and are missing from the datasets presently used across primary and secondary care. However, other types of data held by local authorities and third sector organisations can provide valuable indicators of areas or households which are likely to be experiencing health inequalities. The relevant organisations are working together via the Berkshire Health Inequalities Group, which is convened by Prof Carol Wagstaff (Research Dean at the University of Reading and co-Chair of the Health Innovation Partnership between the University and the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust). Integration of data from local authority and third sector organisations into the Connected Care database, which is currently used by NHS Trusts across Berkshire, will enable targeted support and direction of services to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our region have access to and engage with appropriate healthcare.

A researcher/project officer is sought to lead the work and provide the necessary liaison between various organisations involved.

You will have:

• Experience of conducting research using qualitative methods
• A postgraduate research degree or equivalent workplace experience
• An understanding of the causes and consequences of health inequalities in different sectors of the population
• Knowledge of how to design and conduct research using qualitative methods, such as structured interviews and focus groups
• Excellent communication skills that give you the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and obtain relevant information from them

Interviews will be held: 17th June 2024

Informal contact details

Contact role: Research Dean for Agriculture, Food and Health
Contact name: Professor Carol Wagstaff
Contact email: c.wagstaff@reading.ac.uk

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route if the successful candidate already holds a Skilled Worker Visa sponsored by another organisation and it was issued before the 4th April 2024. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website. 

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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