social research jobs

Research Project Lead

Location: Hybrid/Flexible - There will be an element of travel across the UK within this role

Salary: £32,000 per annum + expenses

Closing date 18th August 2026

About Real Life Options

Real Life Options is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health support needs, and other complex needs to live independent, fulfilling lives. Through innovation, evidence-based practice, and co-production, we continuously seek better ways to improve outcomes for the people we support, our colleagues, and our communities.

Role Purpose

The Research Project Lead will lead and coordinate research, evaluation, and innovation projects on behalf of Real Life Options. Working closely with the Group Innovation Lead, operational teams, people we support, external partners, and academic institutions, the postholder will develop and deliver research programmes that generate meaningful insight, inform strategic decision-making, and drive continuous improvement across the health and social care sector.

The role will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of research projects, from design and governance through to data collection, analysis, reporting, and where possible implementation of findings. The postholder will ensure that research activity aligns with organisational values, funding priorities, regulatory requirements, and the organisation's commitment to person-led, evidence-based practice.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Evaluation

• Design and manage research and evaluation projects that support organisational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Develop research methodologies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches.
• Conduct literature reviews and horizon-scanning activities to identify emerging evidence, innovations, and best practice.
• Lead service evaluations, impact assessments, pilot studies, and organisational research initiatives.
• Ensure research activities adhere to ethical standards, data protection legislation, and organisational policies.

Project Management

• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery within agreed timescales, budgets, and quality standards.
• Develop project plans, governance arrangements, risk registers, and reporting frameworks.
• Monitor project performance and provide regular progress reports to the Group Innovation Lead and relevant governance groups.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement throughout project lifecycles.
• Manage project documentation and maintain accurate records of research activity.

Data Analysis and Insight

• Collect, interpret, and analyse data from various sources including operational systems, incident data, workforce information, quality audits, and stakeholder feedback.
• Produce meaningful reports, dashboards, and presentations that translate complex information into actionable insights.
• Identify trends, risks, opportunities, and areas for service improvement.
• Support the development of organisational performance and outcome measures.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline such as Social Sciences, Psychology, Public Health, Health and Social Care, Research Methods, Statistics, Data Science, or equivalent experience.

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Experience working with people with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health support needs.
• Experience in research, evaluation, or improvement projects from inception to completion.
• Experience designing and applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Experience analysing complex datasets and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
• Experience producing high-quality reports and recommendations.
• Experience engaging a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of research governance, ethics, and data protection principles.
• Experience working within health, social care, charity, public sector, or related environments.

Essential Skills

• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex information into practical recommendations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Power BI, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing competing priorities.

Desirable Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

• Postgraduate qualification in research, evaluation, social research, public health, health and social care, or related subject.
• Knowledge of outcome measurement frameworks within social care.
• Experience of statistical analysis software and data visualisation tools.
• Experience securing research grants or managing funded projects.
• Published research or conference presentations.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the future development of services across health and social care by generating evidence, supporting innovation, and ensuring decisions are informed by robust research and meaningful insights.

Why Join Us?

• A minimum of 28-days paid holiday a year, including bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff)
• Accredited training giving you the knowledge and skills to deliver a first rate job - develop professionally through training, mentoring, and a strong support network
• An employer contributory pension scheme
• Work in a collaborative, values-led environment

✨ In addition to the above you also have access to the following great benefits:

• Health Cash Plan (for full/part time contracted hours) £10,000 Life cover
• A free Employee Assistance Programme (including a medical helpline, telephone and face-to-face counselling, debt, financial and legal information)
• A reward gateway with access to discounted goods and services
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• A financial wellbeing scheme
• Refer a Friend Incentive Bonus (terms and conditions apply)
• Recognition Initiatives

Apply today and start making a real impact!

Real Life Options are an equal opportunities employer. We seek to recruit, train and promote the best person for the job, to make full use of the talents and resources of all our people and to craft a working environment free from unlawful discrimination, victimisation and harassment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty, a medical condition or individual need that you believe may affect your performance in selection, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to our processes to enable you to perform at your best so please do let us know.

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