Job Description

Cumbria CVS offers help, advice, training and support to the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE) throughout Cumbria, offering support to over 2,500+ organisations. We aim to make a real difference across Cumbria in pursuit of our mission to increase Impact, Influence and Investment in and from Cumbria CVS and the Third Sector VCFSE.

We are looking for people to be part of our team and make a real difference to local communities.

Our

generous employment benefits

include:

Pension Scheme with 7.5% employer contribution

Supportive working environment with a focus on mental health and wellbeing

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all that we do

Hybrid/flexible working - a lot of our staff work part time, so we are used to different working patterns

25 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time staff)

5 Additional days off per year

Company sick pay

Training plan with opportunities for continuing professional and personal development

Join us and help support Cumbrian charities to undertake their critical work responding to emerging needs, helping vulnerable people and improving lives.

Community Co-Researcher (HDRC Cumberland)

Salary - 24,242 FTE or voluntary (you choose)

Part-Time - 6 hours per week

Fixed Term for 2 years

Base - Home base with outreach in your community. Flexible hours of work.

Community Co-Researcher (HDRC Cumberland)

Overview

Do you want to help improve health and wellbeing in your community? Do you have lived experience and a passion for making a difference?

Cumbria CVS, in partnership with Cumberland Council's Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), is looking for Community Co-Researchers (CCRs) to support vital, community-led research across the area.

You can choose to take on this role as a paid opportunity or a voluntary one -- whatever works best for you.

You don't need any prior research experience. Full training and ongoing support will be provided. What matters most is your willingness to listen, learn, and share your insight to help ensure research reflects real lives and local voices.

There will be up to 16 CCRs, linked to the 8 Community Panels across Cumberland.

Job Purpose

As a Community Co-Researcher, you'll play a key role in:

Supporting research that reduces health inequalities Ensuring research reflects real-life experiences Helping build stronger, more research-active communities Influencing local policy and services through community insight

Key Duties

Work with local residents to identify priorities and shape research questions Share lived experience to help design relevant, inclusive research Support others in your community to take part in research activities Help plan and deliver local research projects in partnership with HDRC staff Attend and contribute to co-production and engagement sessions Gather stories, feedback and insights from community members Support engagement across different communities of place, interest and identity Represent community perspectives in meetings and decision-making discussions

Training and Support

All CCRs will receive:

Full training in community research methods Ongoing support from the HDRC engagement team Regular opportunities for peer learning, reflection and personal development

Who We're Looking For

You don't need to be a professional researcher. We welcome people with lived experience who are:

Passionate about improving their community Curious, open-minded, and willing to learn Good communicators and team players Respectful of different views and experiences
This role could suit people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with experience of health challenges, inequality, or community involvement.

Download the job specification and person specification from our website.

To arrange an informal conversation about the role, please email: hr@cumbriacvs.org.uk or becky.clarke@cumberland.gov.uk

How to apply

Please complete the Expression of Interest Form which can be downloaded from our website.

Applicants must also complete and return the separate Declaration Form, which can be downloaded from our website.

We would also be grateful if you would complete and return our Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form, which can also be found on our website.

Please email your Expression of Interest Form, completed Declaration and Equality & Diversity monitoring forms to: hr@cumbriacvs.org.uk by the closing date.

Receipt of your application will be acknowledged, and all applicants will be notified of the outcome of the shortlisting whether selected for interview or not. Applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. References will only be taken up for the successful applicant.

Cumbria CVS strives to be an equal opportunities employer. Disabled applicants and veterans who meet the essential criteria will be interviewed.

Applications should come directly to hr@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Closing date for applications is Friday 5th September, 12 noon

Interviews will be held via MS Teams. Dates to be arranged to suit individuals

Cumbria CVS strives to be an equal opportunities employer.

Disabled applicants and veterans who meet the essential criteria will be interviewed.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 24,242.00 per year

Expected hours: 6 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Flexitime On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Carlisle CA2 5TY