Senior Research and Evidence Manager

Are you passionate about using research and evidence to influence policy and practice?

We are looking for a Senior Research and Evidence Manager to lead and strengthen the research and evidence function at Understanding Patient Data (UPD). This is a unique opportunity to shape national conversations about the use of health and care data and ensure public attitudes and concerns are at the heart of decision making.

• Lead UPDs research and evidence function, ensuring UPD remains an authoritative and trusted source of insight on public attitudes to health and care data.
• Monitor emerging trends, evidence gaps and policy developments, providing strategic insight to inform UPDs planning, influencing and communications.
• Design, commission and oversee research and synthesis projects, ensuring delivery to a high standard and proportionate to organisational needs.
• Translate research findings into accessible, high-quality outputs such as research-informed resources, briefings, reports, dashboards and presentations, working collaboratively across UPD.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with research partners, patient and public groups, and policy stakeholders.
• Contribute to funding proposals, partnership development and evidence-based project justifications that support UPDs sustainability.
• Provide senior oversight of project planning, timelines, risks and budgets, intervening early where issues arise.

Established in 2016, Understanding Patient Data (UPD) is an independent initiative, hosted by the NHS Confederation, designed to support better conversations about the use of health data to improve patient care, population health, planning and research. Working with patients, charities, researchers and healthcare professionals, UPD has built a solid reputation as a trusted source of advice and objective, engaging research and information about the use of patient data in the UK.

More information about Understanding Patient Data can be found here: https://und

• Demonstrable experience shaping how research and evidence inform public understanding, policy and practice, including translating insight into action and influence.
• Strong demonstrable understanding of the health and data landscape, including public attitudes, research developments and stakeholder perspectives, with the ability to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust, challenge constructively, and present complex evidence clearly and persuasively to senior and diverse audiences.
• Substantial experience designing, commissioning and leading research or evidence projects, including managing external partners to deliver high-quality, timely and proportionate outputs.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement in a fast-moving environment, balancing competing priorities, managing trade-offs and maintaining quality under pressure.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and remain accountable for delivery, visibility and follow-through.
• Strong project and programme management skills, including setting milestones, managing risk, assuring quality and seeing work through from scoping to delivery and evaluation.
• Demonstrable experience operating effectively in a matrix environment, building alignment across teams and functions to deliver shared organisational goals.
• Experience leading or supporting the co-production of research-informed resources, ensuring outputs are usable, accessible and meaningful for different audiences.
• Experience contributing to funding proposals, partnerships or commercial opportunities linked to research and evidence activity.
• Experience managing budgets or overseeing commissioned research activity, including reporting to funders or partners.
• Experience managing or supporting others work through line management, mentoring or informal leadership, supporting capability and confidence development.
• A relevant research, evaluation, policy or project management qualification, or equivalent professional experience.

£61,039 a yearand £4000 London Weighting (if applicable)

Permanent

Full-time,Flexible working,Home or remote working