Exciting research projects are taking shape in Wakefield District over the next year. One of the most high profile is the ‘Born and Bred in Wakefield’ (BaBI Wakefield) cohort study, which aims to recruit and track the progress of all babies born in Wakefield District. Other important initiatives include the HENRY trial (Health and Nutrition for the Very Young), and our Adult Population Health Survey.

We want all of our residents to have the opportunity to take part in research, and to benefit from the findings of major studies. It’s also important that all our residents and communities take part in shaping research questions as the Council and its partners plan future research activity.

This role is an exciting new opportunity to work with communities and individuals who have traditionally been underserved by research or who may face barriers to participating in research studies. Working closely with the local VCSE and community organisations, you will use innovative ways to explain the benefits of research in our District and to understand the priorities of local communities in planning future research. An immediate priority will be to work with different communities to support fully representative recruitment of expectant parents to the BaBI project. It’s really important that this study recruits as large and diverse a sample of parents and babies as possible, so in this role you will help to identify and address any barriers to participation in different communities.

You should have skills, enthusiasm and a strong track record of working with underserved communities. It would also be helpful for you to have an interest in research and some understanding of how research studies work, although this is less important than your experience of working with communities. You should enjoy a challenge and be a self-starter who can develop new ideas and ways of working quickly.  

The role will require regular attendance at community events and venues around Wakefield District. A level of flexibility to attend weekend and evening events, compensated by time off in lieu, would be helpful. The office-based portions of the role can be undertaken either working from home or from Wakefield One. The Public Health team continues to be a strong supporter of hybrid working models.

Particularly given the short duration of this role, applicants wishing to work part-time are very welcome, as are applicants interested in an internal secondment (with the agreement of your line manager).

For further information or a discussion about the role, please contact Clare Offer (coffer@wakefield.gov.uk).

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 Clare Offer.

Tel: 07867466081

E-mail: coffer@wakefield.gov.uk

PR2692 001 Research Co-production and Engagement Officer.doc

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