Social Work England are the specialist regulator for social work in England, focused on enabling positive change in social work. Every day, social workers support millions of people to improve their chances in life. We are taking a new approach to regulating social workers in their vital roles. We believe in the power of collaboration and share a common goal with those we regulate – to protect the public, enable positive change and ultimately improve people’s lives.
Working to the Head of Research, the role will lead and execute the organisation’s research activity gathering high quality evidence and insight to inform decision making, policy development and regulatory practice. Our research manager will shape and deliver a strategic programme of research, combining commissioned external work with in-house projects to build a strong and credible evidence base.
Working closely with internal stakeholders, external partners and the wider research community, they will provide expert advice, oversee the delivery of research activity, and promote innovation in how insight is generated and used. Through this role, they will strengthen the organisation’s understanding of key issues, enhance its external profile, and support its ability to deliver effective, evidence-led regulation.
What you will do
- Lead and deliver the organisation’s research, working closely with key senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation to propose and shape our research design and methodology to ensure our research is robust, evidence-based, and clearly aligned to organisational priorities.
- Lead the organisation’s approach to commissioned research and manage procurement from an annual research budget, applying strong public procurement and co-production principles in commissioning.
- Alongside the head of research, provide expert and strategic advice to the executive leadership team and board, bringing knowledge of research in social work and regulation to ensure that the organisation is led by insight and evidence.
- Lead the development and application of robust research methodologies, ensuring our work is consistently shaped by high‑quality engagement, evidence and insight, and remains responsive to evolving business needs. Develop and drive a systematic approach to managing research partnerships, strengthening our influence within key research communities and elevating our external profile.
- Provide leadership to direct reports and the wider team supporting development and providing constructive challenge and feedback. Build capability and continuously improve ways of working, ensuring the work of the team is aligned to our strategic objectives.
- Make effective decisions based on the best available information, with an astute understanding of when to escalate risks, consult with colleagues from across the organisation, and involve executive leaders.
- Work effectively in matrix and project structures, working in a way that clarifies objectives, outputs and responsibilities for members, and contributes to clear, evidenced, advice and recommendations.
- Produce sector-leading insight reports, analysis, and publications, paying high attention to detail and considering external publications strategies with our communications and external engagement colleagues.
- Own and improve our relationships with the research communities in social work and regulation. Elevate our research reputation and national profile with researchers and academics.
- Deputise for the head of research where necessary, and act as an ambassador and advocate for our professional skills with internal stakeholders. Speak to the role of research and undertake sound evaluative work to demonstrate our impact and performance.
- Take a prominent role on matters relating to equality, diversity and inclusion. Consider the potential for bias in our thinking or any unintended impact of our work and take active measures to address this. Support the head of equality, diversity and inclusion in gathering data and insight to inform action.
About you
At Social Work England, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are fearless, independent, ambitious, transparent, collaborative and we act with integrity. We’re looking for colleagues who live these values every day.
In addition, for this role you will need:
- Experience of research development and delivery, including the creation and management of independent research commissions, ideally in regulation and social work.
- Skills and experience in identifying research questions, using quantitative and qualitative research methods to explore lines of enquiry.
- Track record of researching complex issues, generating evidence to support organisation problem solving, reaching conclusions and making strategic recommendations to colleagues.
- Effective leadership skills with an ability to set clear objectives for team members and motivate them to deliver to a high standard, at times under pressure.
- Experience of undertaking and commissioning research with an expert understanding of research methods and sound procurement and coproduction principles.
- Experience of working in matrix-style teams and in formats that cross organisational hierarchies to produce written products that reflect the breadth of the organisation’s expertise and interest.
- Ability to establish credibility, build positive working relationships and exert influence with senior colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Excellent organisation and time management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present information on complex issues clearly and succinctly to a range of different audiences.
- Ability to present arguments orally in a fluent, persuasive manner to a variety of audiences.
- A proven role model for respectful, open and honest behaviour including a demonstrable commitment to inclusion and diversity.
- Strong IT skills with good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
The Benefits
In addition to your salary, we also offer:
- Hybrid working
- 25 days annual leave, rising with service to 30 days per annum, plus bank holidays.
- The option to purchase up to an additional 5 days of annual leave per annum.
- A TIDE award-winning inclusive culture, with staff networks, social events and forums.
- A contributory NEST pension, life insurance, an employee recognition scheme and cycle to work scheme.
Details
- Job type: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full time. We offer flexible working subject to business need.
- Salary: £49,358 per year rising to £51,768 per year after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
- Location: Sheffield/Hybrid
Application
During the application process, you'll be asked to provide answers to three questions from the job description. These answers will be what your application is scored on, please answer in as much detail as possible using examples where necessary.
About us
Join us - Social Work England
Our behaviours and values - Social Work England
What our people say - Social Work England
Pre-Employment Checks
If you are successful at interview, we will carry out a series of routine pre-employment checks. These include verifying your references, confirming your right to work in the UK, and completing a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
These checks are conducted in partnership with our third-party provider, Amiqus, who will guide you through the process.
Please note that all offers of employment are subject to the satisfactory completion of these checks. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our recruitment team via [email protected] and our team will be happy to help.
Contact
If you have any queries about the recruitment process, or would like to discuss the role, please contact [email protected].
How to apply
To apply, complete the application form by the closing date.
Interview
At interview we will seek to further understand your skills, knowledge, experience and motivation and test the key competencies of the role. If you are successful, we will undertake routine pre-employment checks.
Find out more about our application and interview process.
