Research Coordinator (Health Determinants Research Collaboration - HDRC)

HDRC Research Coordinator - Fixed Term Contract until 30th September 2027.

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

At the heart of decision-making across health, care and local government.

The Public Health Service at Gateshead Council works to improve population health and reduce inequalities by putting prevention, evidence and partnership at the heart of decision-making. We lead delivery of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Health in All Policies approach, working across the Council, NHS and wider system to address the wider determinants of health. Using strong public health intelligence and insight, we support action across the life course, from children and young people to adult wellbeing, prevention and health protection, ensuring services are targeted where they will have the greatest impact.

The Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) is funded by NIHR and hosted by Gateshead Council to increase research capability and capacity within the Council towards the aim of reducing health inequalities for the people of Gateshead. HDRC Gateshead is a Public Health programme that operates across the Council supporting the consideration of research and health in all the Council does. The programme is currently funded until September 2027 with a potential pending confirmation extension until December 2028.

Supporting research capability and capacity towards better health for Gateshead.

As a HDRC Research Coordinator you will play a central role within the HDRC Gateshead team that operates Council wide supporting Council officers to increase research capability and capacity. Housed within the Public Health team you will support activity that contributes to Gateshead Council's ambition to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities. You will work closely with the HDRC Research Manager to support HDRC activity across the Council while supporting the development of the Knowledge, Intelligence, and Research team within Public Health.

Applications to this role as a secondment will be considered.

What you'll get to do:

• Support in building research capability, research capacity, and research expertise across Gateshead Council.
• Ensure all research activities of the Councils HDRC have clear PPIE/PICE, governance, training & learning, and knowledge dissemination in place, and is captured and shared in a timely and effective manner.
• Support the HDRC Research Manager by ensuring appropriate assurances are forthcoming, challenges are raised in a timely manner and where appropriate representing the HDRC Research Manager.
• Support the HDRC Research Manager by ensuring that research activity is coordinated and in accordance with HDRC priorities, and clearly delivers upon the Councils Thrive ambition.
• Leading, monitoring, reporting, and evaluating research Governance, ensuring effective and robust processes are in place, including research ethics, finance and GDPR. Working closely with PH Business Performance Manager, and other council colleagues to these ends.
• Working with the Councils communications team, coordinating internal and external communications, ensuring timely publication for maximum reach and impact.
• Proactively support the HDRC Research portfolio leads by enthusiastically engaging in and supporting research activities, which may include being involved in the delivery of focus groups, interviewing and the writing up of research activity.
• Coordinate the collation of documentation and papers, in support of HDRC Research Manager and HDRC groups including HDRC Steering committee.
• Working alongside the Public Health team to deliver health improvement priorities and policy, which will include development of joined up business plans across the Public Health & Wellbeing group in collaboration with the PH Business support manager.
• Working proactively with Councilors to support their knowledge of HDRC and facilitate their expert input into the HDRC.
• Work independently, demonstrate evidence based decision making and have the ability to matrix manage teams and project manage specific work packages.

What you'll bring (Essential Criteria)

• Relevant degree or professional qualification, or an equivalent level of experience in a similar role.
• Experience of coordinating complex research or improvement projects, managing multiple priorities, and delivering outcomes within agreed timescales, budgets and governance requirements.
• Understanding and knowledge of public health and health inequalities, the wider determinants of health, and the role that research and evidence play in improving outcomes for communities.
• Understanding of research governance, quality assurance processes and ethical standards, with experience of supporting high-quality, compliant research activity.
• Ability to gather, analyse and interpret data and evidence, translating findings into meaningful insights that inform decision making, policy and service improvement.
• Experience of working successfully within complex, multi-agency environments, building effective relationships with researchers, practitioners, community partners and senior leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly, produce high-quality reports and influence a range of audiences.
• Organisation skills to work independently, use initiative to solve problems, develop effective systems and processes, and maintain momentum across multiple workstreams.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary : We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides:
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours : Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working : We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support : From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme : Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme : Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.