About this role
Job summary
The Local Authority Research Practitioner will support the development of a strong research culture across the council by helping to design and implement research governance frameworks, build research capacity, and promote evidence-based decision-making. The role involves working closely with public health teams, council colleagues, academic institutions, NHS partners, voluntary sector organisations and local communities to develop high-quality research and evaluation activity that addresses local health priorities and inequalities.
The postholder will provide expert guidance on research practice, support staff training, contribute to research proposals and funding bids, and help establish partnerships that enable the council to access external research opportunities. They will also support the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of research outcomes, including demonstrating impact to senior stakeholders and external partners such as NIHR networks.
Overall, the role is focused on strengthening public health research capability within the local authority, improving the use of evidence in policy and service development, and supporting research that contributes to better health and wellbeing outcomes for the Slough community.
Main duties of the job Main Purpose of the Job
Support the Head of Research, Insight and Data in developing and implementing a comprehensive research governance framework across the council, with associated training.
Provide guidance and support for those looking to engage with research in the council, sharing knowledge of best practice and current legislation and guidance.
Work collaboratively across the directorate to build research capacity within the council through targeted training and development programmes.
Promote a culture of continuous learning and integrate evidence based practice into decision making.
Facilitate strategic collaborations with higher education institutions, public health networks, voluntary sector organisations and NHS Frimley Integrated Care System to identify external funding for public health research projects, positioning the council for future grant opportunities such as the NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration HDRC, Wellcome Trust grants and other major research funding opportunities.
Lead and support the development and submission of strategically significant research proposals to external funders.
Lead and support the development of local communities of practice, bringing together NHS, local authority and academic teams in relation to research and evaluation.
Present work nationally, regionally and internationally as required.
Support ad hoc requests from the public health team to foster a robust research culture within the council.
Actively promote, support and contribute to the activity of the NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health
Contribute to the sharing of best practice across local authorities as part of the LARP network.
Work with Public Health Engagement Leads (PHELs)
Undertake regular reporting to the SCPH (Newcastle University and partners) to support evaluation of the LARP roles and demonstrate impact on research capacity and capability within local authorities.
Main Accountabilities Develop and Implement Research Frameworks Collaborate with colleagues across the directorate to establish a robust research governance system across the council, ensuring alignment with strategic public health goals and the integration of evidence based practice into decision making processes.
Promote Collaborative Research Initiatives Facilitate partnerships with academic institutions and external stakeholders to co produce high quality research that addresses local health priorities and informs public policy.
Enhance Research Capacity Design and deliver training initiatives to build research skills among council staff, fostering a research active culture within the organisation.
Community Engaged Research Actively involve local communities in the research process, from prioritisation and objective setting to the dissemination of findings, ensuring that research outcomes are relevant and impactful.
Monitor and Evaluate Research Outcomes Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of research projects, ensuring that outcomes are effectively communicated to stakeholders and inform future public health strategies.
Secure External Funding Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and joint initiatives with higher education partners and wider stakeholders, to sustain and expand the councils research activities beyond the initial funding period.
Support Strategic Public Health Goals Contribute to the development of public health policies and interventions by providing research insights that address health inequalities and improve the wellbeing of the Slough community.
About us
As part of Slough Borough Council, you will join an organisation focused on improving outcomes for residents, communities and the local environment. Our Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities works collaboratively with residents, carers, families, colleagues and partner organisations to provide high-quality, person-centred support. The team is committed to strengths-based practice, professional curiosity and making a positive difference in peoples lives.
You will be part of a friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues share knowledge, work together and take pride in delivering services that matter. We value a strong work ethic built on compassion, accountability, innovation and respect. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, learn from one another and play an active role in helping the Council move forward together.
Working with us offers the opportunity to develop your career while being supported to balance work and personal commitments. Alongside a competitive salary, employees benefit from flexible and hybrid working arrangements, annual leave entitlement, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, wellbeing initiatives, employee networks and opportunities to contribute to meaningful change for the people of Slough.
Job description Job responsibilities
Directorate: Public Health & Public Protection, Strategy, Communities and Engagement Pay Level: £41,873 - £43,935 per annum (Fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance) Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (2 years) Working Hours: 37 hours per week Location: Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office) DBS requirement: Basic The closing date for applications is midnight on 21st August 2026
Interviews will be held week commencing 24th August 2026
What you’ll be doing:
We are looking to appoint a highly skilled and motivated Local Authority Research Practitioner to join our dynamic Public Health team. This role will support the Head of Research, Insight, and Data in developing and implementing a comprehensive research governance framework across the council, focusing on building research capacity, facilitating strategic collaborations, and securing external funding to advance public health initiatives.
The successful candidate will work with colleagues across the directorate to foster a research-active culture within the council, leading collaborative research projects, and ensuring that evidence-based practices are at the core of our public health decision-making. You will work closely with higher education institutions, public health networks, NHS partners, and community organisations to drive research that addresses local health priorities and informs public policy.
Key Responsibilities:
Support the development and implementation of a research governance framework across the council, with associated training and capacity-building initiatives. Lead strategic collaborations with academic institutions, public health networks, voluntary sector organisations, and NHS partners to identify and secure external funding for public health research projects. Design and deliver targeted training programs to build research skills among council staff and promote a culture of continuous learning and development. Facilitate the creation of local communities of practice that bring together NHS, local authority, and academic teams to support research and evaluation. Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of research projects, ensuring that outcomes are effectively communicated and inform future public health strategies. Lead and support the development and submission of significant research proposals to external funders, positioning the council for future grant opportunities. Present research findings at national, regional, or international levels to raise the council's research profile The role is part funded by the NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health, and the postholder will be expected to actively promote, support and contribute to the activity of the NHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health, alongside their work within the Council
Our Council:
Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.
What we offer:
We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard. You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged.
We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months’ service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached.
Alongside a competitive salary, we provide:
26 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years’ service. The Local Government Pension Scheme Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality. Tax-free childcare and childcare services Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work. Accessibility and Support:
Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. If you need support during the application process or reasonable adjustments for interview, please contact our Recruitment Team: [email protected].
Information shared will be treated confidentially and used only to provide appropriate support throughout recruitment and beyond.
Our staff networks represent diverse colleague groups and help make the Council a place where people feel included and can thrive.
Follow the link HERE to learn more.
Right to Work and Checks:
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
How we recruit at Slough Borough Council
Our 8 Core Skills
At Slough Borough Council, we are moving Forward Together. Our core skills reflect what we value and will form part of your interview.
Click here to find out more - How we recruit | Slough Borough Council
How to Apply:
Please click on the Apply button below to submit your application.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Join Slough Borough Council and help accelerate our transformation and growth.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early should we receive a number of suitable applications.
Join Slough Borough Council – Move Forward Together!
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Significant experience in public health research Experience in delivering and evaluating research projects and community health interventions Experience in engaging with stakeholders and communities Experience in project management, including reporting on outcomes and managing budgets Experience of evaluation and reporting on outcomes to senior management and/or elected members Experience of writing external funding bids, project managing and successful completion of externally funded projects
Desirable
Experience in securing external funding for research
Skills and Abilities Essential
Takes account of the context in which the service is delivered and gives technical advice. Able to prepare high quality written reports setting out information, its analysis and interpretation in a lucid and persuasive manner. Self-motivated with ability to plan and progress own workload Presentation skills (verbal and written) of a high standard suited to a range of settings. Quality checks documents, decisions and / or presentations before delivery. Ability to work flexibly, develop good working relationships, develop community links and communicate effectively with internal / external organisations / partners and stakeholders and to clarify changing organisational requirements. Ability to work independently as well as in a team Ability to apply principles of audit and service evaluation Ability to communicate research outcomes to a wide range of audiences Project and programme management skills
Desirable
N/A
Knowledge and understanding Essential
Knowledge of major burdens of disease and health inequalities across physical, mental and social wellbeing, together with an appreciation of the wider determinants of health. Behavioural change theories relevant to promoting and improving Public Health and Wellbeing Good understanding of methods of developing evidence-based practice and measuring health gains Knowledge of UK health policy and strategy Knowledge of health intelligence and data sources Understanding of the use of health indicators in Public Health Applied knowledge of use of Excel, Word and PowerPoint In-depth knowledge of public health research, health inequalities, and wider determinants of health
Desirable
N/A
Qualification Essential
Degree in public health or health-related field Masters in public health or related subject
Desirable
Advanced research degree (PhD or equivalent) OR equivalent experience of conducting research (ideally on the wider determinants of health). Project management qualification Demonstrable commitment to continuous professional development.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Slough Borough Council
Address Observatory House, 25 Windsor Rd,
Slough
Berkshire
SL1 2EL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.slough.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)