Research and Policy Officer

Reports to: Research Manager

Location: London / Hybrid (two days a week in office – EC1V 0JR)

Hours: Full time (35 hours a week)

Contract: 2-year fixed term contract (extension subject to funding)

Salary: £37,213 NJC SCP 22 (band 22–27 inc. London Weighting)

Annual leave: 25 days increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30 days (+ 2 additional days + birthday leave + office closure between Christmas and New Year, in addition to public bank holidays).

Other benefits: 7% employer pension contribution, cycle to work scheme, annual wellbeing budget and employee wellbeing assistance programme.

Introduction

The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) was founded in 1981 to inform and influence public debate on prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners, amidst concerns about a projected prison population of 48,000 by 1984. With the prison population in England and Wales projected to rise to as high as 114,800 by March 2028, the charity remains as important to civic society today as it was then.

Our mission is clear: we are working to create a just, humane and effective prison system by influencing decision makers, opinion formers and the public to 1) reduce the use of prison; 2) improve treatment and conditions for prisoners; and 3) promote equality and human rights in the justice system.

Job purpose

The Research and Policy Officer is a new blended role that reflects the close relationship between PRT’s research and policy functions. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting both activities by helping to deliver research projects that drive policy and legislative change, as well as contributing directly to policy activities through evidence reviews and consultation submissions (functionally line managed by the policy and communications manager). The role will also involve assisting with delivery of the PRT’s flagship publication the Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile.

You will have a solid foundation in quantitative and qualitative research methods and some experience of using them in applied research, together with an excellent understanding of the penal system in the UK and the associated research literature. If this sounds like you, you will be joining a reputable organisation with exceptional leadership, extensive networks and a proven track record of promoting evidence-based policy to achieve reform.

Key responsibilities Research

• Collect, process and manage quantitative and qualitative data from primary research projects. This will periodically involve countrywide travel for prison visits, sometimes overnight.
• Carry out quantitative and qualitative analysis in accordance with agreed research designs and analytical frameworks.
• Support the compilation, management, cleaning and analysis of complex datasets from official sources.
• Assist with the transcription, coding and synthesis of qualitative material.
• Undertake literature reviews and rapid evidence syntheses drawing on academic, policy and practitioner sources.
• Follow established research workflows and quality-assurance processes to ensure outputs are accurate and reliable, including the Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile.
• Support the maintenance of research databases, documentation and project records.
• Assist with the production of research reports, briefings and presentations.
• Contribute to the communication and dissemination of research findings to policymakers, practitioners and the public.
• Support wider research function tasks, including coordinating meetings, stakeholder engagement and general administration.

Policy

• Contribute to consultation responses, parliamentary briefings and other policy-related outputs.
• Conduct desk research and literature reviews to inform policy work
• Assist the Policy and Communications Manager in delivering policy activities.

General responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and contribute to organisational planning.
• Represent PRT externally where appropriate.
• Undertake administrative tasks necessary for the effective functioning of the Policy, Communications and Research team.
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the responsibilities of the post.

How to apply

Please send your CV, cover letter (2 sides A4 maximum) addressing how you meet the above criteria and completed recruitment monitoring form via the 'Apply' button above (e alex.guthrie@prisonreformtrust.org.uk) by 5pm on Monday 24^th August.

We must receive all 3 documents to process your application, and we will request any documents not received. Your recruitment monitoring form will be processed separately from your application.

If you would like an informal chat about the role please contact our research manager Sophie Ellis, sophie@prisonreformtrust.org.uk.

Interviews will be on Monday 21^st September at our offices at 15 Northburgh Street, London EC1V 0JR.

Thank you for your interest in working for the Prison Reform Trust.

For more information and to download the monitoring form please visit our website: www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/opportunities