Local Authority Research Practitioner

Posting date:	04 July 2025
Salary:	£49,764 to £52,805 per year
Additional salary information:	£49764 - £52805 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	17 July 2025
Location:	Leeds, LS2 8LX
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Contract
Job reference:	F0100-25-0012

Summary

To apply for this role, please click the link under "supporting links" on the right hand side to apply on the Leeds City Council jobs website. Job purpose To strategically lead on research for Public Health in the Local Authority, improving health and reducing health inequalities through decision-making that is grounded in robust evidence. This will be achieved through: Providing expertise and championing research for Public Health. Building capacity and capability within the Local Authority to contribute towards research and the broader public health agenda. Supporting a culture and infrastructure for research in the Council. Building research partnerships and connecting with academic networks. Forging strategic alliances and effective partnerships for public health research. Identifying and supporting public health research funding applications with academic partners. Responsibilities Lead for Public Health in research. Act as a point of advice and guidance on research for public health Review, update and share a mapping of current Public Health research activity Identify further Public Health team research priorities Lead in preparing material for publication, conferences and dissemination Identify research on priority public health topics, summarise and interpret for the Leeds context Identify current infrastructure and opportunities for Public Involvement and Community Engagement (PICE) and research inclusion, identify gaps and scope additional approaches needed to ensure communities are involved in research Identify good practice for research governance, data protection and good ethical principles in Local Authorities and take part in wider council meetings on research Identify and build links with key research partners across the council, universities, NHS, commissioned services and VCS Connect with existing research and academic networks in Leeds, regionally and nationally Contribute to the sharing of best practice as part of a Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) network and link with Public Health Engagement Leads (PHELs) Proactively identify and share relevant external research funding opportunities Develop collaborative public health research funding applications with partners in the council, universities, NHS, commissioned services, VCS, and communities Maintain an appropriate level of IT and analytical skills Provide effective communication of public health research information to a wide range of stakeholders. This will involve reframing complex data and information into clear and understandable formats appropriate to the target audience. Contribute to shared learning and dissemination of good practice, working in collaboration with colleagues throughout the Leeds health economy. Responsible for the recruitment and selection, appraisal, development, leadership and co-ordination of a group of public health staff. Authorised signatory and budget holder. Monitor or contribute to the formulation of department budgets and financial initiatives as required by Director of Public Health. The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post. Relationships Local Leeds City Council staff Elected members Leeds Universities Leeds Office of the Integrated Care Board GP practices Other independent contractors in Leeds Local residents and communities Voluntary Community and Faith Sectors NHS Provider Trusts Local Media Sub-Regional/Regional Other academic institutes across the region UK Health Security Agency Yorkshire and the Humber Office for Health Improvement and Disparities in Yorkshire and the Humber NHS England West Yorkshire Area Team National/International Other academic institutes nationally National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Local Authority Research Practitioners and other research networks Department of Health and Social Care UK Health Security Agency Office for Health Improvement and Disparities NHS England Faculty of Public Health World Health Organisation Communicates and has contact with: Other NHS organisations and Public Health Teams within North of England Qualifications Degree Masters degree relevant to public health, health promotion, epidemiology or social sciences ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTSIt is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements. Skills required Strong IT skills Microsoft, internet and e-mail. Research for public health Skills in designing, implementing and interpreting public health research Ability to provide highly specialised advice and expertise on public health research Ability to involve the public and engage with communities on research Ability to plan research ethics and ethical approval Assessing the Evidence Ability to analyse, synthesise and present knowledge and information about complex subjects and concepts to influence key decisions Ability to search effectively, collate and assimilate the published evidence base and apply to inform practice and policy development Ability to carry out highly complex analysis of public health interventions utilising data where a range of diverse and different opinions may exist from different agencies, some of which may be contentious Leadership and collaborative working Ability to communicate complex and sensitive issues and information to a wide range of people and abilities in different situations and formats Well-developed communication skills: written, verbal and presentation Leadership skills including the ability to set a clear strategic direction, inspire and motivate others and act as an advocate for public health research within the council and partners Ability to lead multi-agency teams and partnerships in the development of research ideas and work programmes Project and programme management skills Ability to organise, prioritise and deliver high quality work against a background of change and uncertainty Ability to prioritise work to tight and challenging deadlines, managing complex and multiple pieces of work Ability to manage a budget Ability to operate in a politically changed environment Knowledge/qualifications required Degree Masters degree relevant to public health, health promotion, epidemiology or social sciences Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods Knowledge of project and programme management Engaged in continuing professional development and reflective practice Knowledge of leadership and management theory Knowledge of multi-agency partnership working Knowledge and understanding of health inequalities Knowledge of public health policy and political awareness. Knowledge of the current strategic landscape public health operates within. Knowledge of the key strategic priorities of public health within Leeds Knowledge of working with universities, the voluntary, health and community sectors Experience required Research for public health Experience of applying for research funding Experience of sharing research or good practice locally/nationally/internationally by writing articles, presenting at conferences Assessing the evidence Experience of conducting research relevant to public health Experience of assessing evidence to inform work programmes Leadership and collaborative working Experience of multi-agency working Experience of leading and management of research Experience of supervising students or managing staff Experience of delivery of substantive objectives/outcomes to deadlines Experience of project or research development within a leadership role Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics Commitment to improving health and reducing health inequalities, public health ethics and to fostering a learning environment. Able to work flexibly-hours and location, and willingness to travel. Understand and embraceLeeds City Council Values and Behavioursand codes of conduct. Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering theBest City Ambitionof Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies. Carry out all duties having regard to an employees responsibility under Health and Safety Policies. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities. Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities. Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures. Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person. The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters. DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTSIt is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates. Qualifications PhD relevant to public health, health promotion, epidemiology or social sciences Skills required Surveillance and Assessment Ability to translate data about health and well-being to inform decisions and priority setting Leadership and collaborative working Ability to effectively lead and manage a team Experience required Leadership and collaborative working Experience with using and responding to media. Experience of managing/effecting innovation and change