Head Of Research Jobs

THE WORK FOUNDATION

Head of Research

The Work Foundation

Salary: £56,048 (+ £3,257 London Weighting) with annual increments + benefits

Closing Date: 9 May 2023

Are you an experienced researcher with a strong understanding of the labour market? Can you inspire and shape the Work Foundation’s impactful research and policy programme to tackle structural inequalities in the labour market?

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced, enthusiastic and self-motivated research and policy professional to join the leadership team at the Work Foundation and help deliver our mission to enable everyone in the UK to access secure and rewarding employment.

Now part of Lancaster University, for over 100 years the Work Foundation has helped to drive positive changes in policy and practice to improve the world of work. Our current programme is focussed on supporting the six million people in insecure work in the UK – promoting greater understanding of the impacts of insecure work on workers, their families and employers, and how it can be tackled. It also prioritises working alongside employers to develop new, progressive employment practices capable of overcoming structural inequalities. You can find out more about our current programme on our website, blog and social media channels.

We work with a range of partners to deliver our research programme including academic institutions, policymakers and the regional and national level, third sector organisations and organisations in the private sector. We use these extensive networks to share ideas and learning with leading experts, thinkers and practitioners who have first-hand experience of what works.

The Head of Research will take responsibility for shaping and delivering a compelling research programme for the Work Foundation. They will ensure the quality, relevance and impact of all Work Foundation outputs, and work with the Director and Head of Engagement on ongoing project development to maintain a strong pipeline of research opportunities. In addition, together with the Head of Engagement and colleagues across the team, this role will support the Director in helping to set the strategy for the team and in shaping the annual business plan.

For more information please see the job description and person specification.

Any questions about the role can be directed to contact Sonia Stevenson [email protected]

Being part of our team

We are a growing, friendly and collaborative team with a deep commitment to tackling structural inequalities in the labour market and improving the quality of work in the UK.

You will be part of a three-person leadership team together with the Director of the Work Foundation and Head of Engagement. You will oversee the Work Foundation’s research team, engage regularly with our senior Advisory Board and senior colleagues across Lancaster University.

You will be a key spokesperson and representative of the Work Foundation externally, helping to shape the national conversation about the UK labour market.

Flexible working is important to us at the Work Foundation and we’re open to candidates who would like to work flexible hours or job share. Members of our team currently use a range of flexible working arrangements including part-time, flexible hours and compressed hours.

We have offices in central London (Fetter Lane) and on campus at Lancaster University. Our team tend to work part of the week at home, and part of the week on site, but both offices are available 5 days a week.

The Reward And Benefits Package For This Role Includes

• A Cycle to Work Scheme
• An enhanced Maternity Pay offer of 18 weeks on full pay and 21 weeks Statutory Maternity Pay (depending on length of service)
• A generous holiday entitlement (25 days plus 5 university closure days between Christmas and Easter), which increases with length of service
• A comprehensive Sick Pay policy
• A salary of £56,048 (+ £3,257 London Weighting), with annual increments
• Adefined contribution pension with the Universities Superannuation scheme
• A confidential Employee Assistance Programme and a range of other benefits and discounts

About The Work Foundation

We believe everyone should have access to secure, rewarding and high-quality work. By engaging directly with workers, employers, policymakers and leading academics, we deliver rigorous applied research to tackle structural inequalities in the labour market and improve working lives across the UK.

The Work Foundation is a unique think tank. We been an independent source of ideas and analysis on the labour market and the wider economy for over a hundred years, but are also part of the world leading Lancaster University Management School. We work with academics and colleagues across the University – and our expert advisory board – to deliver our research and influencing programme. We are regularly featured in the national media, and work closely with policy-makers and employers to turn research into impact.

About Lancaster University

Lancaster University has been recognised as a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a Disability Confident employer, and holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award for advancing the careers of women in higher education.

The university has several networks focussed on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including a Race Equality Network, an LGBT+ staff network and a Parents and Carers’ network.

For further details and to apply, please visit our website via the button below.