Research Manager

The Role

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.

The 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.

• 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 escape 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.

At Social Work England, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are fearless, independent, ambitious, transparent,…