Research Engagement Officer – 6 months fixed term
Healthwatch Hertfordshire
Healthwatch Hertfordshire
Location: Local to and willing to travel across Hertfordshire (own transport for flexibility). Travel costs are reimbursed via claims process, otherwise working from home – laptop provided.
Contract & hours:
- Contract Type: Fixed-term for an initial 6-month period starting as soon as possible, with potential extension based on project needs and performance.
- Commitment: Approximately 10–12 days per month, subject to project requirements.
- Scheduling: Specific two days per week to be agreed in advance for planning purposes; remaining days are flexible and negotiable.
Remuneration:
- £32,243.19 per annum, pro rata
JOB DESCRIPTION
To undertake a range community engagement research projects primarily involving focus groups and interviews with members of the public on health and social care issues. This will bring community voice insight together to help us make recommendations for changes to projects, plans, budgets, strategies and objectives of health and social care organisations in Hertfordshire.
Online and in person meetings with members of the public or particular communities, including in person engagement with people experiencing health inequalities or those underserved or marginalised by health and social care services.
The work will include independently project managing and delivering research engagement projects, including the transcription and analysis of data collected. The candidate is also expected to support other projects being delivered by Healthwatch Hertfordshire’s Research team, as and where required. Work involves collaboration with Healthwatch staff, relevant external stakeholders, partners and the public, ensuring our reputation as a champion of user voice is maintained and amplified.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
| To contribute to the design and scoping of research projectsTo project manage and undertake administration of projects to time and high quality, raising issues and risks in a timely fashion. To work with external stakeholders to enable their projects. To use a variety of research methodologies and techniques including in person/online interviews, focus groups and survey tools.Transcribing, synthesising and analysing the data in preparation for report writing.To support the communications team in raising profile of our projects, before, during and after.To support with projects across the Research team’s work program in a dynamic way, responding to need and capacity. To attend internal and external meetings and briefings, as required. To produce high quality analytical outputs/reports suitable for a variety of different audiences. To produce and deliver presentations, papers and briefings relevant to own work.To support bid applications, as and when appropriate. To maintain the highest standards of research governance, ethical practice and data protection. To support a professional research culture, share best practice and learning. To act as advocate for Healthwatch Hertfordshire, and share opportunities where we can make a difference. To champion equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of work. |
| Key skills or experience |
| Degree level or equivalentDemonstrable research experience, mixed methods, qualitative and quantitative, analysis and writing of reports Demonstratable experience working independently and to deadlines, dealing with conflicting priorities and to flag issues, conflicts or risks Excellent organisational, analytical, time and project management skills Experience working effectively in a teamStrong communication skills (written and oral), and the ability to communicate in a variety of formats to different audiences Good IT, literacy and numeracy |
Key attributes or abilities
- Local to and willing to travel across Hertfordshire (ideally own transport for flexibility)
- Able to work with different types of stakeholders with tact, sensitivity and respect, particularly with underserved and marginalised communities experiencing health inequalities
- Understanding of or willingness to learn about Hertfordshire’s health and care system
- Can-do attitude to problem solving, showing initiative and adaptability
- Methodical approach and attention to detail
To apply email ivana.chalmers@healthwatchhertfordshire.co.uk by 11 Jan 2026
- Two references willing to testify to the skills and experience required
- Up to date relevant CV
- 2 examples of relevant work, with one page cover note providing context for how this illustrates your experience, skills, attributes or abilities needed for this role.
- Include your availability for a 45 minute interview at the following times
- Monday 12th of January at 4pm
- Tuesday 13th of January at 3.30pm or 4pm.
- Thursday 22nd January between 9.30 and 1pm
Note: if none of these times are possible, we may be able to accommodate a 5pm appointment, so please revert with any days you are available in the week of the 12th and 19th of January.