Local Authority Research Practitioner

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) to join our Public Health team at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.

In this new and specialist role, you will lead and support the development of a sustainable research culture across the Council. You will act as the main driver of research capability building across the organisation, strengthening research governance, embedding consistent processes, and improving the quality and use of evidence to inform decision making.

The post is primarily focused on building research capability rather than acting as a sole researcher, although there will be opportunities to contribute to and support research activity.

It is an exciting opportunity for anyone enthused by developing a more research‑informed Council by setting up high‑quality collaborations with universities, the NHS, voluntary and community partners, and national research bodies.

This role is offered on a fixed‑term basis for two years
, linked to National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funding.

As the Local Authority Research Practitioner, you will coordinate and support research activity across the Council, helping to build organisational capacity and capability. This will include improving the consistency and quality of research processes such as needs assessments, evaluations, public surveys and other forms of research activity and engagement. You will also support collaborative research projects and funding applications and strengthen research governance and dissemination routes.

You will work closely with public health, corporate intelligence and wider council services, as well as external partners, to ensure that evidence and lived experience meaningfully inform policy, service design and decision making. You will have access to a large and dynamic network of other Local Authority Research Practitioner roles (70+) across the country and other NIHR support.

• Experience of working collaboratively across organisations such as local authorities, the NHS, universities or the voluntary sector
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information to a wide range of audiences
• Enthusiasm and experience to convene others, build networks, and identify and share innovation
• Ability to understand, interpret and communicate research evidence to inform decision‑making
• Knowledge of research governance, ethics, and information governance requirements or aptitude to learn quickly

You will be proactive, well‑organised, and committed to developing research capability and evidence‑informed practice within a local government setting.

Workplace Attendance:
Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro‑rata)
or onsite full time.