*INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY* Research Development Lead

INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY Research Development Lead

Walthamstow, Greater London, United Kingdom

Job Description

INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY

Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest

Contract Type: Full‑time / Fixed Term (24 months)

Working hours per week: 36

Application Deadline: 14/05/2026

Proposed Interview Date(s): 20/05/2026

Reference: 2100

About the role:

This role will help embed an evidence‑based approach across the council, incorporating research into practice and helping support key council priorities in line with Mission Waltham Forest. Based in the Strategy and Change team within the Chief Executive’s Directorate, this post will play a central role in developing corporate research and engagement capabilities and forging relationships with partners. The post is part funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research as part of the Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) Programme and therefore the postholder will have a dotted reporting line to the Public Health team to ensure particular join‑up with the health and care landscape and wider public health & prevention agenda. The post‑holder will have a deep appreciation for evidence‑led policy design and will be responsible for bringing stakeholders together to build internal and external practice networks, seeking new research funding opportunities and working with services to elevate research insights to senior decision‑makers.

To be considered for this position, you should meet the following requirements:

• Understanding of different infrastructures within the higher education sector, Local Authority, NHS, public health and partner organisations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of research and evaluation approaches and underpinning methodology.
• Excellent networking, facilitation and organisational skills, including experience of partnership working.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise reports and communicate effectively with a wider range of people including other professionals and members of our diverse communities.
• Ability to coach and inspire colleagues to learn research skills, and to support them when putting into practice.
• Evidence of an innovative mindset, with ability to drive innovation in the field of research, developing and embedding cutting‑edge techniques for a range of projects and initiatives.
• Experience of applying and complying with information governance, confidentiality and ethical guidance in data sharing and research.
• Ability to write successful grant funding applications.

Indicative Qualifications:

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant subject OR at least two years’ experience in a relevant subject.
• Desirable: Advanced research degree (PhD or equivalent) OR equivalent experience of conducting research (ideally on the wider determinants of health).

Terms and conditions:

• Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks.
• Satisfactory declaration of interest.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and, as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its four equality objectives: promoting equality of opportunity, opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage, ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels, and providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent services to all. Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.

The Council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self‑identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme. For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy.

We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual's personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below or feel free to discuss this during your interview.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Carla Johnson, Senior Research and Consultation Manager at carla.johnson@walthamforest.gov.uk.

The Council’s preference is for online application. However, if you have a disability and are unable to complete an online application, please email recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk so we can arrange an alternative application method.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications online by pressing the ‘Apply’ button below. This includes a supporting statement that outlines to us how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for this vacancy.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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