Research Practitioner

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated applied researcher to join our dynamic Evidence Islington team.Evidence Islington is a NIHR-funded Health Determinants Research Collaboration that aims to improve how local authorities gather, link and use evidence to inform decision-making and practice, with a particular focus on wider determinants of health (e.g. housing, environment).

We are curious, collaborative and committed to producing efficient, effective and timely evidence to inform policy and practice, and to meaningful engagement with council colleagues, residents and other organisations throughout our work.

This post-holder will be an integral part of an HDRC-affiliated fellowship research project investigating local authority levers to address wider determinants of health. The Research Practitioner will be responsible for gathering, analysing, synthesising, interpreting and presenting information from national, regional and local sources. They will conduct policy mapping and undertake a comparative evaluation of a large, local authority-led intervention. They will need to present findings verbally at meetings and conferences and in written reports and journal articles.

In addition to working with other members of the Evidence Islington team and colleagues across Islington council, the post holder will collaborate with colleagues at other HDRCs and local authorities, universities, the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and other partner organisations. The Research Practitioner will spend time co-located with collaborators and will therefore need to be able to work independently.

We are looking for someone with substantial knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods and experience conducting outcome evaluations, applied research, policy analysis and primary data collection (i.e. surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, participatory methods); working in multi-disciplinary and cross-organisational teams; and strong communication skills.

Following shortlisting, the selection process will involve a data interpretation and evaluation design task, a panel interview and review of a writing and evaluation sample. The in-person panel interview will be held the week of 13th July (likely Wednesday 15th July).

To learn more about the role, contact Anne Buffardi, Head of Research (anne.buffardi@islington.gov.uk).

Benefits

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised. Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Disability Confident Scheme Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.