Company: Wakefield Council
Location: Wakefield
Posted: May 3rd, 2026
‘Better Decisions, Better Knowledge, Better Lives’
This is an exciting time for Wakefield as we develop our Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC). HDRC Wakefield is one of 30 programmes across the country which are working to increase local authorities’ capacity and capability to undertake research. Equally important is translating the evidence we create into better decisions and policies that will have an impact on our residents’ lives.
Although our initial funding through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is for a five‑year programme, we are aiming to change how we do things in Wakefield and ensure we create sustainable research capacity that will be part of Wakefield Council well into the future.
We are now seeking a highly capable Project Support Officer to manage all the administrative processes of the HDRC. This post is absolutely critical in ensuring that the financial and organisational aspects of the HDRC run as smoothly as possible. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to get involved in supporting a variety of programmes and projects across the full range of HDRC Wakefield’s work.
You will be able to demonstrate the skills and experience required to provide excellent administrative and project support to a developing research programme involving a diverse range of organisations and individuals, including academic partners, VCSE organisations, and directly with our residents and communities. You will enjoy the challenge of working on a developing programme where processes need to be designed and set up. An interest in research and/or health and wellbeing, or other areas related to HDRC Wakefield’s aims, would be an advantage.
Reporting to the HDRC Programme Manager, the post holder will:
GCSE Maths and English Language at grades 4 – 9
Qualifications at Level 3 or above relevant to business or project management or able to demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and skills gained through relevant employment or voluntary work
Ability to use complex information to develop new processes and procedures to support the efficient delivery of HDRC Wakefield’s day to day business
Confident in suggesting solutions to emerging issues and taking a lead in establishing organisational processes to support the delivery of HDRC Wakefield’s day to day business
Knowledge of local government policies and procedures, especially relating to finance
Ability to co‑ordinate complex administrative processes in different organisational contexts within the VCSE, university and local government
To arrange an informal discussion about the opportunity with Melanie Wray, Programme Manager, please contact HDRC@wakefield.gov.uk or call 07471726850
Want to Know More?
If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Melanie Wray.
Tel: 07471726850
E-mail: mwray@wakefield.gov.uk
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