Research Assistant

Overview of the Role

We are seeking to appoint a full-time grade 6 Research Assistant for 2 years starting February or March 2026 to facilitate the development of knowledge of formal and informal information sharing in domestic abuse cases, with a particular emphasis on Clare’s Law/ the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

The aims of the project are to understand how, when, in what circumstances, and with whom police forces in England and Wales share information via DVDS; to examine the strengths and weaknesses of DVDS as a method of information sharing; and to explore the information sharing practices engaged in by victim-survivors and the implications of this.

The four work packages involved in the project are: 1) Policy analysis of national and international approaches to DVDS; 2) Quantitative, statistical analysis of DVDS data from all 43 police forces in England and Wales; 3) Qualitative interviews with key stakeholders (including representatives from police, probation, domestic abuse services, adult and child safeguarding and victim-survivors); 4) Knowledge exchange events and tools to improve DVDS and information sharing.

The role of the RA post will be to conduct the data collection and analysis. This includes supporting the project team with the literature and policy review, conducting the quantitative/ statistical analysis of police data, conducting and analysing the qualitative interviews with key stakeholders (either face-to-face or via an online platform) with Dr Charlotte Barlow as appropriate, support with the organisation and development of knowledge exchange events and tools, support with report writing and project dissemination.

The project is led by Dr Charlotte Barlow at The University of Leeds, with the support of Dr Ellen Reeves, the University of Liverpool. Day to day management will be conducted by Dr Charlotte Barlow.

Any appointee will need to undertake police vetting procedures as part of their appointment.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more! 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Charlotte Barlow, Associate Professor in Criminal Justice/Criminology

Email: C.Barlow@leeds.ac.uk 

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