Please note this is a fixed term maternity cover position for up to 10 months. In regards to location this role is home-based and can be based anywhere within the UK. There will be some requirement to travel to our London Headquarters for team meetings.
Working hours: Minimum of 35 hours per week
Interview Date: 24th June 2026
Are you an experienced Christian researcher who wants your work to make a meaningful difference? We are looking for a thoughtful, collaborative and skilled Senior Researcher to join The Salvation Army’s Research & Development team. In this role, you will lead significant research and development projects that inform mission, shape decision-making and strengthen how we serve communities across the UK and Ireland.
This is a rare opportunity to combine strong research practice, strategic thinking and faith-based reflection in a role that contributes directly to real-world change. You will work closely with senior leaders, frontline practitioners and external partners to explore missional trends, generate insight and help translate evidence into action.
What you’ll be doing
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Leading the design, delivery and review of major qualitative and quantitative research projects.
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Producing high-quality reports and insights that inform policy, practice and strategic decision-making.
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Supporting faith-based reflection on mission, change and emerging trends across The Salvation Army.
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Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, universities and other external partners.
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Contributing to a culture of learning, reflection and innovation within the Mission Service.
What we’re looking for
Committed and practising Christian
Strong experience in a senior or equivalent research role within a complex organisation.
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Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, with the ability to apply them in practical and meaningful ways.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience of report writing and presenting to varied audiences.
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The confidence to work collaboratively with senior leaders and external stakeholders while managing projects independently.
A master’s degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience.
Ability to lead prayers
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Experience of working with research data and tools such as Office 365 and specialist applications including SPSS.
You may also have;
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A postgraduate qualification or PhD.
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A publication record or experience of contributing to academic or policy discussions.
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Experience in church, charity, voluntary sector or faith-based settings.
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An interest in the ethical use of AI in research.
The role includes travel to locations across the UK, with occasional overnight stays where required.
Why join us? If you are looking for a role where your research can support meaningful mission, influence strategic thinking and help create lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
Use your research expertise to help shape mission, influence policy and support transformational change across the UK and Ireland.
This role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate must be a committed and practising Christian who is actively involved in your own church. Who will also be in sympathy with the doctrines of, and supportive of, the purposes and the aims and objectives of The Salvation Army.
In order to complete your application please download and read the job profile and any other attachments.
In the job profile you will find the criteria required for the role please make sure that you address this in your supporting statement as this forms the basis of our shortlisting.
Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and evidence of your Right to Work in the UK in line with Home Office requirements. As we are not a licensed sponsor, applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Details on how to prove your Right to Work can be found here.
The Salvation Army actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential, and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records.
Please note that any Salvation Army employees who are under notice of redundancy and apply for this position will be given priority consideration.
We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications.
Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident leader scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet all the minimum essential criteria for the vacancy.
