Head of Workforce Research

At the Royal College of Nursing, we represent over half a million nurses, nursing support workers, and students across the UK. We are a voice for the profession – and behind that voice is the evidence. We’re looking for an exceptional individual to lead our workforce research, shaping the agenda that influences policy, practice, and the future of healthcare.

Our aim in the Workforce Academy situated in the Institute of Excellence is to use robust evidence as the catalyst for combatting the nursing workforce crisis. We're focused on the systemic causes of trends that are driving up mental ill health and attrition among nursing staff and driving down the quality of patient care.

We're accredited with Investors in People Silver Standard. Our people are our greatest asset, and we want people who can contribute to our purpose in line with our values.

As our Head of Workforce Research, you’ll lead impactful research and analysis that informs national debate, RCN policy, and advocacy. The post holder will provide leadership and management to the Workforce Academy’s programme of research. You’ll oversee major projects exploring critical issues such as staffing levels, workforce planning, recruitment and retention, and the health and wellbeing of the nursing workforce.

You’ll work closely with policy leaders, academic partners, and external stakeholders across health, education, and government to ensure our research is timely, relevant, and influential.

This role sits at the heart of our mission to improve the lives of those in nursing and ensure safe, effective care for patients. We will demonstrate the value of nursing to achieving nursing excellence and identify means of ensuring care is a safe and positive experience for both staff and patients.

You’ll have a PhD in a relevant discipline, with expertise in mixed methods and / or quantitative methodology and excellent knowledge and understanding of workforce research, data analysis, evidence synthesis and philosophy of social science.

You will bring extensive experience of designing, conducting and leading programmes of research, alongside knowledge mobilisation expertise.

You’ll have the ability to build engaging and accessible content to both academic and non-academic audiences (including members, senior leaders, policy makers).

Location: RCN UK HQ with hybrid working

What we offer you

We expect you to look after our members. And we expect you to be rewarded for it. We offer an impressive range of benefits, a broad range of learning development opportunities and an award-winning health and wellbeing programme. We offer annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays and three additional days for the Christmas break plus generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages.

*We offer a competitive pay structure with annual pay progression until you reach the top of the salary scale. We normally offer new employees the first point of the salary range, although you may be able to negotiate a higher starting salary depending on your skills, experience and current salary.

We are a diverse organisation and understand everyone has different needs and many of our employees enjoy flexible working enabling them to deliver results whilst having a good work life balance. Our hybrid working model allows for up to 60% of your working time to be carried out from home. At least 40% of your working time will be spent working in person.

Our selection process

Please click the ‘apply now’ button to submit a CV and answer the supporting questions online demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. You may not be shortlisted if you don’t. Please ensure your CV is in a simple format with minimal tables and sections. Any identifying information in your application will automatically be anonymised for shortlisting purposes.

We want your experience applying for a job with us to be the best it can be. We may hold our interviews and assessments in person or by video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.

Equal opportunities for everyone

Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us and we aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their authentic selves to work. This is integral to our mission to enable you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by all UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients.

As a proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Contact details

For more information or for an informal discussion about the role please contact Dr Kate Kirk, Associate Director of Workforce on kate.kirk@rcn.org.uk

For more information about the recruitment and selection process please contact recruit@rcn.org.uk

Closing date: 13 July 2025.

If we receive many applications after a week of advertising, we may close this vacancy earlier.

Assessment Centre and Interview: TBC

Interview date: TBC