Principal Research and Evaluation Officer - Impact, CSA Centre

About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic, multi-disciplinary team at the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre) as our new Principal Researcher and Evaluation Officer – Impact. The role is central to our ambition to develop, understand and embed evidence‑informed improvements in the response to child sexual abuse.

The CSA Centre aims to inform and improve policy and practice at local and national levels by identifying, generating and sharing high‑quality evidence on what works to prevent and tackle child sexual abuse. Our extensive evaluation and monitoring activity is central to that mission.

As Principal Research and Evaluation Officer – Impact you will lead the CSA Centre’s monitoring and evaluation activity, working closely with other research and evaluation colleagues and our team of multi‑agency Practice Improvement Advisers. You will develop and deliver approaches to evaluation and monitoring that support sustainable improvements to knowledge, understanding and practice, driving real change across England and Wales.

You will:

• Design, plan and oversee programmes of monitoring and evaluation using a wide range of methodologies.
• Apply analytical methods and tools for gathering data and interpreting evidence.
• Manage multiple impact and evaluation projects simultaneously, ensuring effective planning, prioritisation and timely delivery.
• Play a key role tackling child sexual abuse alongside colleagues across practice, policy, communications and training.

We welcome applications from experienced evaluation specialists working in child sexual abuse or closely related fields such as violence against women and girls, violence against children or sexual violence. Candidates should have demonstrable expertise in:

• Designing and leading monitoring and evaluation programmes.
• Applying analytical methods and tools for data collection and evidence interpretation.
• Managing multiple projects with effective planning and prioritisation.

We are the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre), funded by the Home Office and hosted by Barnardo’s. Since 2017 we have worked closely with academic institutions, local authorities, health, education, police and the voluntary sector to improve prevention and response to child sexual abuse.

• Collate and analyse existing research, policy and practice, and fill gaps with new research and insights.
• Use evidence and insight to challenge and improve policy and practice, develop new approaches and increase professionals’ confidence to respond to child sexual abuse.

This role is hybrid, working from home with regular travel, usually to London. Flexible working arrangements are offered and support is available, including access to a therapist if needed.

• Hybrid working initiative based on trust, flexibility and empowerment.
• Annual leave entitlement for full‑time colleagues: 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years of service, 29 days after 5 years, and 30 days after 7 years. Part‑time employees receive comparable pro‑rata leave.
• Option to buy up to 5 additional days of leave via a Buy Your Leave scheme.
• Family‑friendly leave options: maternity, paternity and adoption pay, plus additional leave.
• Service‑related sick pay from day one.
• Group Personal Pension with a matched contribution of 4% or 6% from Barnardo’s (salary sacrifice available).
• Death in service cover of four times annual earnings for pension members.
• Cycle2
  
  Work scheme and interest‑free season ticket loans.
• Discounts and cashback offers at high‑street shops, including Barnardo’s stores.
• Health cash plan for dental, glasses, therapy and other health costs.
• 24‑hour employee assistance programme.
• Access to Barnardo’s Learning and Development offer.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive. We encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and disabled candidates and offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.