Researcher (April 2024)

About the role

We are looking for someone to provide research support to various projects focusing on improving policing and reducing crime.

You will be excited by the idea of contributing to the development of public policy and be ready to work flexibly across a range of different projects.

This is an exciting time to be involved in policing policy and practice at a time of significant change in the police service, government and the wider public sector.

Main responsibilities

• To provide research support to the Police Foundation’s senior staff, contributing to projects aimed at improving police policy, practice, and crime reduction. Including by: organising, conducting, and analysing research interviews and other fieldwork; managing and analysing data; and reviewing academic and policy literature and conducting desk research.
• To lead and manage discrete pieces of work under the supervision of senior staff.
• To contribute to disseminating the findings of the Police Foundation’s research projects through written reports, briefings, and articles, and by giving presentations and engaging with stakeholders.
• To carry out project-administration tasks and to contribute to the broader work of the Police Foundation, as requested by the organisation’s Director.
• To work with colleagues to identify and capitalise on opportunities to develop new project proposals.
• To contribute intellectually to the Police Foundation’s research agenda and policy development work.

Person specification

Essential

• Experience of analysing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ability to quickly digest written material and produce clear written content, suitable for a range of audiences.
• Ability to work independently, and to manage own time and workload, appropriate for remote working environment.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work as part of a small team.
• Willing and suitable to undergo police vetting (NPVV3), likely to require three years continuous residency in the UK.

Desirable

• A postgraduate qualification in the social sciences.
• Awareness of current practice and policy developments in policing and crime reduction.
• Experience of using analytical software packages including NVIVO and Excel.
• Experience of using social media platforms in a professional capacity.
• Experience of writing funding bids or proposals.

Employee benefits

• Homeworking with expenses paid travel across the UK.
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• The opportunity to work with a small and friendly team.
• Pension with 5% employer contribution.

About the Police Foundation

The Police Foundation is the only independent think tank focused exclusively on improving policing and developing knowledge and understanding of policing and crime reduction. Our mission is to generate evidence and develop ideas which deliver better policing and a safer society. We do this by producing trusted, impartial research and by working with the police and their partners to create change.

In 2022 the Police Foundation published the Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales, a far reaching and influential review on the future of policing which was the first report of its kind for many years.

How to apply

Download and complete the forms below and email to jobs@police-foundation.org.uk (via the ‘Apply’ button above)

Application form – Researcher

Equal opportunities form

Closing date: 30th April 2024.

Please note if we receive a sufficient number of high quality applications we may close this position early. 

No applications from agencies please.  

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