Job Description

Job Introduction

We're recruiting an experienced and motivated individual to help develop the research culture and capability of the city council and wider partners.


Based in the shared Public Health team (working across Milton Keynes, Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire), you will be line managed by the Deputy Director of Public Health.


You'll work with senior managers and project leads across the Council, with a particular focus on ensuring that evidence and evaluation is built into the Council's corporate sustainability strategy.


You'll provide dedicated and skilled resource to develop the capabilities of colleagues, as well as for wider partner organisations, to use evidence to improve service impact. This will help us to ensure we are delivering cost-effective services that meet residents' needs.


The role will benefit from being part of a network of Local Authority Research Practitioners across the shared Public Health service. You'll also be key in developing relationships with local and regional universities and other academic partners.


This role is joint funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and is being offered on a

2-year fixed term basis,

with the potential to extend for a further year.

This role may be suitable for home working, following an assessment. Home-based roles require a minimum of one day in the office/site per week.

Interviews for this role will be held W/C 24 November.

Milton Keynes City Council is a modern and friendly place to work. Find out more about working with us here:

www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk

Role Responsibilities
Develop the research culture, capacity, and infrastructure across Milton Keynes City Council (MKCC) and wider partner organisations. Lead improvements in how we use evidence, monitoring, and evaluation to inform decisions, to ensure we are delivering value-for-money, evidence-based services. Provide specialist advice and guidance on evidence and evaluation to support and inform the delivery of the Council's corporate sustainability strategy, working closely with senior managers and project leads. Strengthen partnerships with local and neighbouring universities, developing research governance and ethics policies that support engagement with research activities and simplify opportunities for collaboration. Develop and embed public and community partnerships, working with for example the Voluntary and Community Sector, parish and town council partners and patient participation groups. Secure external funding - leading funding applications, or support partners with their applications, and managing associated budgets as required.

Ideal Candidate
Experience in the design of research projects using a range of research methods including both qualitative and quantitative methods. Knowledge of research funding systems, application processes, governance and ethics requirements. Experience of managing a budget. Proven experience of applying research and evaluation methods and having informed decisions about implementing, changing, or stopping services, and programmes to improve outcomes and achieve value for money. A good understanding of local government including the roles of elected members and officers, council decision making and the skills necessary for working effectively in a political environment. The ability to communicate a passion for research, evidence and data with experience of partnership working and influencing internal and external partners and involving the public and engaging communities in research. Ability to build and manage collaborative relationships with a range of colleagues, from the community and voluntary sector, public sector, academic institutions, and health partners. Committed to working to the City Council's values - Dedicated, Respectful, Collaborative.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.


We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.


We're very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.


We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it's time for a new role.


If you'd like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
Package Description

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year. Excellent pension - everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available. A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy. Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel. Salary sacrifice car scheme - low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles. Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Why join us? Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes


Our roles are either designated 'site based' or 'home based'. 'Site based' roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst 'home based' roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.