Principal Research and Information Analyst

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Strategy and Policy Team for a dynamic and committed individual to support the council’s research and information function as a Principal Senior Research and Information Analyst.

You will provide the Council with a robust evidence and analysis service across all levels and departments. You will deliver and contribute to high profile Council priorities including Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) as well as analyse, interpret, report and present information, and make recommendations to assist the Council to understand the communities it serves and how well it serves them, supporting effective decision making and strategy development.

What will I be doing:

• Use a wide variety of national and local data sources to provide information and reports to support the Council’s management of evidence and insight
• Provide robust evidence, insight and recommendations to inform the Council’s strategic decision making
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to evidence, develop and implement wider corporate initiatives and programmes
• Lead and support on a variety of research, policy and performance projects
• Use a variety of software to perform a range of statistical analysis on topics such as census, deprivation, economy, population, Council performance and consultation and engagement results
• Support and develop the Derbyshire Observatory website including dashboard creation using Power BI and SQL
• Managing and motivating a team of Research colleagues and contribute to the maintenance of a highly competent and professional working environment

This list is not exhaustive, take a look at our comprehensive job profile for more detail.

What skills and experience do you need to have:

• Be enthusiastic, versatile and self-motivated with the ability to work well as part of a team
• Confidence to work under pressure and manage several tasks simultaneously
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject with knowledge of legislation and current initiatives affecting local government
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills with attention to detail
• Intermediate/advanced skills in Microsoft Excel with the ability to utilise dashboard generation and geographical systems
• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Proven ability to motivate people at all levels to make decisions in a complex and emerging evidence-led strategy and policy environment

We're always pleased to hear from talented people so if you're looking to join a dynamic team and have the skills and experience we're looking for, then we'd like to hear from you.

Support & Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (27 days increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encouraging environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
• & much more

If you would like to have an informal chat about this role, get in touch with Mel Turvey mel.turvey@derbyshire.gov.uk

Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 21st January 2026

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Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.