Local Authority Research Practitioner

• LARP_JD_

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Local Authority Research Practitioner to join our Public Health team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, 2-year fixed-term basis.

As the Local Authority Research Practitioner, you will lead, promote and support evidence use, evaluation and research across Wokingham Borough Council, influencing the delivery of improved outcomes and value through evidence-based practice. You'll work within the Public Health Intelligence team, contributing to building a culture of research and evidence use across the council, while championing equity and inclusion throughout all research activities.

This role requires expertise in research methodologies, including the design, development, ethical approval and administration of research studies. You'll raise awareness of public health themes and priorities, engage with diverse local communities, and build partnerships with academic institutions, health services, voluntary and community organisations, and research-active councils across the Thames Valley.

You'll develop a strategic approach to research and evidence use, identify and apply for research funding opportunities, and ensure research studies have appropriate ethical approval. You'll also actively promote and contribute to the activity of the NIHR Specialist Centre for Public Health, including regular reporting to demonstrate impact on research capacity and capability and participating in a national network of Local Authority Research Practitioners.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic, collaborative professional with experience in academic research environments, evidence generation, and stakeholder engagement.

The role is part-funded by the NIHR Specialist Centre for Public Health. A requirement of this funding is that the post holder starts in post no later than 30 June 2026.

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐Generous Annual Leave – 28 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme

⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week

⭐Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham

⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐Employee Networks

⭐And more!

Key Responsibilities

• Work across the council to develop knowledge, understanding and skills for evidence use and research, ensuring relevance to policy, practice and residents, including through provision of training and ad hoc support. This is with the aim of helping to build a culture of evidence-based practice and research in the council.
• To act as a point of advice and guidance for the council on research methodologies, including the design, development, ethical approval and administration of research studies.
• Raise awareness of public health themes and priorities that need to be addressed by national and local research and develop local knowledge of the range of relevant public health research studies.
• Champion equity and inclusion in evidence-use and research, working with colleagues to engage residents from diverse local communities in local authority research. To include ensuring priorities and outcomes are co-developed with residents, (e.g. through community researchers), creative and inclusive research methods are used, and under-represented and marginalised groups are included in research. Ensure that participants in research are kept informed of study outcomes using appropriate forms of communication.

Candidate Requirements

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Experience of working in academic environments on programmes of research, evidence generation or knowledge mobilisation or application
• Able to apply of quantitative and qualitative research methods and design research projects using a range of research methods
• Knowledge of research funding systems, application processes, governance and ethics
• Must be able to start in post no later than 30 June 2026 to fulfil NIHR funding requirements.

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.

Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Wokingham Borough Council is a Marmot borough. This means we have committed to tackling inequalities, including by embedding prevention and early intervention in all our work, and strengthening the building blocks of health so everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This is especially important given the significant and continued growth of our Borough and the diversity of its residents.

Click the link below and Apply Today!

Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Deborah Newton, Public Health Intelligence Manager, via Deborah.Newton@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).

Closing date: Wednesday, 15th April 2026, 11pm

Interview date: Provisional date 23rd April 2026

Start date: Successful candidate to be in post by 30th June 2026

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.