Senior Research & Data Officer - Sussex

About Us

Changing Futures is a Pan Sussex system change programme focussing on improving the system for people experiencing multiple disadvantage. It is one of 15 national Programme's bringing together public and community sector partners to redesign ways that local systems and services are delivered, designed and commissioned to better meet the needs for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage. Multiple disadvantage is defined by the national Changing Futures Programme as 'people who experience three or more of: homelessness, current or historical offending, substance misuse, domestic violence and mental ill health'. To find out more please visit Social Care | Changing Futures Sussex.

The Changing Futures Programme Sussex aims to create an environment where individuals experiencing multiple complex needs, who repeatedly fall through the net of service provision, receive flexible, trauma informed, person-centred support. The Programme aims to enable positive changes in services; to make them better connected, and easier to access. Changing Futures Sussex works in partnership and is embedded across the three Local Authority areas: East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove.

"Changing Futures is a great programme to work on. Our team is made up of a diverse group of committed individuals all united by a passion try and bring about real social change for vulnerable people" Jo Rogers, Changing Futures Programme Lead.

About The Job

Salary: £42,708 - £45,718 per annum
Working Pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week
Contract Length: Fixed term to 31/03/2026 (secondment applications welcomed please discuss and agree this with your manager before applying)
Location: Horsham office base with hybrid working available, working across Sussex.
Interview Date: Monday 11th August

We're looking for someone who understands that success isn't just about skills or experience - it's about people. In this role, your ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and nurture professional relationships will be just as critical as your technical expertise.

Senior Research & Data Officers require highly developed technical skill with research, data, drawing on evidence with the ability to translate into accessible content e.g. presentations and reports for the various stake holder groups in Sussex.

The programme team works across Sussex, including Brighton and East Sussex, and although the office base in Horsham it is very much a hybrid working role. It is essential for those joining the Changing Futures Programme to be flexible as the team will go where the work is.

This role is integral to the effective delivery of this complex time limited programme across Sussex. You will work as part of a small programme team who coordinate system change projects and oversee high quality service delivery to improve the life situation of adults who face multiple disadvantage. A key focus for the role is the on-going collection and analysis of data required to both facilitate the effective delivery of the Changing Futures Programme and using the data captured to influence change and improvement across the system.

This includes day to day responsibility for all aspects of the data collection across West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove ensuring data management is effective, efficient and is developed to support service improvement. You will be task managing staff in other organisations in the coordination and collection of data sets, as well as advising Senior Managers on data management and ensuring data accuracy, confidentiality and security. In addition you will be providing advice and guidance arising from data analysis at a senior level.

To be successful in this role you need to be able to build strong working relationships with a variety of professionals. You must be proactive and professionally tenacious in following up with other busy professionals to ensure progress is made. Highly skilled in using Excel and confident in working with a range of data systems you will have experience of robust data analysis supporting continuous improvement and change.

The ability to manage your workload as part of a fast paced environment whilst remaining flexible to the needs of the wider team, and have the ability to identify and manage problems, and form resolutions; both independently and with the support of others is essential.

Experience and Skills

Key Skills (these are the short listing criteria please cover with examples in your application):

• Ability to design, implement and manage a data management process and system.
• Highly computer literate with sound and accurate IT skills in order to carry out research and analyse highly complex data / information to produce reports and create presentations.
• Excellent persuasion and influencing skills to successfully convince others of the need to take a specific course of action.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide complex and potentially contentious advice and guidance to a range of audiences.
• Ability to organise, prioritise and plan own and others' workloads, and to supervise them to meet deadlines and targets.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate problems and resolve issues independently, planning solutions and making sound pragmatic decisions.

Qualifications and/or experience:

• Degree or equivalent qualification / experience in a relevant subject, demonstrating that level of applied knowledge in data management and analytical techniques.
• Significant experience of managing data management systems to meet business and external reporting requirements.
• Considerable practical experience in undertaking complex data analysis which contributes to the development of strategic plans and policies.

Experience of supervising, directing, coordinating or training a small team.

Further Information

For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.

To apply, upload your CV and complete the application explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.

West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.