Job Introduction
Evaluation and Learning Specialist
22 hours per week - working pattern to be discussed at interview.
Do you enjoy making sense of complexity, using evidence to support change and helping organisations learn and improve?
Your new role
We are seeking an Evaluation and Learning Specialist to support the evaluation of Portsmouth's Place Partnership programme. The programme is funded by Sport England and managed through Energise Me as the accountable body. Hosted by Portsmouth City Council within the HDRC Portsmouth team, this exciting role will lead evaluation activities that help partners understand what works, improve delivery and maximise impact for local communities.
Portsmouth’s Place Partnership work is systems-based, involving Portsmouth City Council, Energise Me (our local Active Partnership), voluntary sector organisations, communities, and academic partners.
The postholder will establish practical evaluation and learning frameworks, drawing on best practice, including learning from Sport England’s National Evaluation and Learning Partner.
The role will then be responsible for implementing these frameworks, utilising both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. They will ensure learning is fed back into the Place Partnership, helping partners decide what to start, stop or continue.
The role will also play an important part in building capacity in evaluation and learning across the system. You will help us understand what works, for whom, under what circumstances and why.
Hosted within HDRC Portsmouth, you will benefit from a supportive research environment while playing a central role in delivering evaluation and learning for the Place Partnership programme.
Who is the person summary:
We're looking for someone with strong research and evaluation skills, excellent relationship-building abilities and a genuine interest in systems thinking, learning and tackling health inequalities.
Help us build understanding, strengthen learning and create the conditions for a more active Portsmouth.
For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire.
We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority.
This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
More information about Local Government Reorganisation can be found on our website: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/your-council/devolution-and-lgr/
Additional Information
Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post.
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Interview date: 29 September 2026
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact [email protected] or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
