Local Authority Research Practitioner - Fixed term for 24 months - Part Time 30h

Job Introduction

From 1 December 2025 the pay range for this role will be £38,220 - £46,142 Band 9 (pro rata for part time colleagues).   To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, 'More than just a job' brochure 

BCP Council is seeking a Local Authority Research Practitioner to join its Public Health and Communities team. This exciting new role is part of a national programme jointly funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), aimed at embedding a culture of research across local authorities.

You’ll be at the forefront of developing research capacity and infrastructure across BCP Council, helping us become a research-active local authority that uses evidence to inform decisions and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.

This is a unique opportunity to shape how research is understood, valued and applied across council services, working collaboratively with communities, partners and academic institutions to reduce health inequalities and drive meaningful change.

Role Purpose

 As a Local Authority Research Practitioner, you will:

• Conduct a baseline audit of current research activity, partnerships and workforce capacity.
• Identify barriers to research and co-produce a plan to build capacity and infrastructure.
• Lead the development of research culture and capability across BCP Council.
• Promote external funding opportunities and build strategic partnerships.
• Support colleagues to engage with research through training, networking and guidance.
• Represent BCP Council in the national LARP network and contribute to shared learning.
• Report regularly to the NIHR Specialist Centre for Public Health to demonstrate impact.

This post will have oversight and support from the Consultant in Public Health who is leading on research development and partnerships within their portfolio and be line managed by our Senior Public Health Analyst. The post holder will be supported across all Public Health portfolios to embed culture and infrastructure in the Public Health and Communities team, whilst working with the relevant PH team members who are ‘designated wellbeing partners’ to each directorate within BCP to build relationships and links to the wider council. Working with our communities' team will also be instrumental in supporting this role to embed the principles of Public Involvement and Community Engagement and research inclusion. 

The BCP Public Health & Communities team works from the Civic Centre in Bournemouth. We support agile and hybrid working using online technology. We also support flexible working where possible. There will be a need to work in the BCP area to build relationships with the team and partners, and to attend face to face meetings at least once a week.

If you are interested in this opportunity, and you think you might be the person we are looking for, we would be delighted to hear from you. Interviews will be held in person and are likely to be held around the 8th December 2025.

To arrange an informal discussion with the Senior Public Health Analyst, Lee Robertson, please contact lee.robertson2@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits 

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council 

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people. 

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page) 

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you 

More About us | Working for BCP 

DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.

Attached documents