Capability Development Lead – Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC)

About the role

As our Capability Development Lead, you’ll join the team leading the new Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Greater Essex – part of the emerging network of research centres that are based in local authorities, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and focused on building research capacity and capability between local government and the academic sector.

The team will be hosted by Essex County Council, but you’ll work hand-in-glove with colleagues in Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Councils, and across the University of Essex and Anglia Ruskin University.

You’ll provide leadership to the HDRC Greater Essex’s Capability Development programme, building through this the capability of partner councils to undertake, understand and use research evidence in shaping strategic, commissioning and operational decisions.

You’ll develop and deliver a portfolio of initiatives designed to enhance system and organisational research capability. Your focus will be in identifying future funding opportunities for the HDRC’s research activities, supporting the development of research capability across the workforce and delivering initiatives that create a supportive environment for research across the HDRC’s partner councils. This will include managing professional development opportunities; developing a community of practice for researchers, leading work to develop and embed a new HDRC fellowship programme. The post holder will also explore opportunities to draw on wider resources and opportunities for collaboration in order to strengthen capability in the centre and beyond.

You’ll understand the factors that influence decision-making in political and public service environments and the role research evidence can play in these shaping decisions. You’ll understand the challenge of securing positive behavioural change amongst stakeholders, and have experience of executing effective strategies for securing and sustaining culture change in a large and complex organisation/system. You’ll develop relationships with senior stakeholders across HDRC partners, to facilitate new working practices and to secure meaningful behaviour and culture change within local government.

The role is a great opportunity to influence the future of local public services – driving a stronger research culture that prioritises the use of evidence in shaping policy to improve the health, quality of life for and opportunity for some of our most challenged residents and communities.

In return, you can look forward an excellent rewards package, as well as flexible working and long-term career opportunities.

What you should do next

If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the link.

Interviews for this role will be scheduled between 17 and 28 June.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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