At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research and evaluation to improve responses to child sexual abuse.
- Company: Join the CSA Centre, a dynamic team dedicated to tackling child sexual abuse.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, and access to mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and professionals tackling abuse.
- Qualifications: Experience in evaluation and analytical methods, preferably in related fields.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic, multi-disciplinary team at the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre) as our new Principal Researcher and Evaluation Officer - Impact. This is a key role within the CSA Centre, central to our ambition to develop, understand and embed evidence-informed improvements in the response to child sexual abuse.
About the role
The CSA Centre aims to inform and improve policy and practice at local and national levels by identifying, generating and sharing high quality evidence on what works to prevent and tackle child sexual abuse, and our extensive evaluation and monitoring activity is central to that mission. As Principal Research and Evaluation Officer – Impact, you will lead the CSA Centre's monitoring and evaluation activity, working closely with other research and evaluation colleagues and our team of multi-agency Practice Improvement Advisers. This is a rare opportunity to develop and deliver approaches to evaluation and monitoring that support sustainable improvements to knowledge, understanding and practice, driving real change in the response to child sexual abuse across England and Wales.
We are looking for an experienced evaluator with strong skills and significant experience of designing, planning and overseeing programmes of monitoring and evaluation, using a wide range of methodologies. We welcome applications from experienced evaluation specialists working in the field of child sexual abuse, as well as those with evaluation experience in closely related fields such as violence against women and girls, violence against children or sexual violence, where your skills and expertise can readily transfer to this role. You will have demonstrable expertise in applying analytical methods and tools for gathering data and interpreting evidence, and managing multiple impact and evaluation projects simultaneously, ensuring effective planning, prioritisation and timely delivery.
As Principal Research and Evaluation Officer - Impact, you will play a key role tackling child sexual abuse alongside the work of our colleagues across practice, policy, communications and training. This is important work - the CSA Centre conservatively estimates that one in ten children will experience some form of child sexual abuse before age of 16, and our ambitious programmes seek to improve the knowledge, skills and confidence of professionals (social workers, teachers, nurses etc.) in identifying and responding to child sexual abuse.
About us
We are the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre). Our aim is to reduce the impact of child sexual abuse through improved prevention and better response. To tackle child sexual abuse we must better understand its causes, scope, scale and impact. Established since 2017, we are a multi-disciplinary team that is funded by the Home Office, hosted by Barnardo's and we work closely with key partners from academic institutions, local authorities, health, education, police and the voluntary sector. We're proudly independent and our team will challenge any barriers, assumptions, taboos and ways of working that prevent us from increasing our understanding and improving our approach to child sexual abuse.
We bring about change by:
- Collating and analysing existing research, policy, practice and the real experiences of those affected, and filling the gaps we identify with new research, insights and analysis;
- Using that evidence and insight to challenge and improve existing policy and practice, develop new approaches and increase everyone's knowledge and confidence to more effectively tackle the issue.
Working arrangements
This role is hybrid working from home with regular travel required, usually to London. The CSA Centre acknowledges that tackling child sexual abuse can feel challenging but is incredibly rewarding and positive when actively making change. Our open working environment ensures that there is support for all employees, across the team and with access to a therapist, if needed. Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss any aspect of this further. We believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.
When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that CSA Centre roles are subject to funding until 31 March 2027 and therefore, should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement. This contract is due to expire on 31 March 2027. This will be reviewed in late 2026, as future funding for the CSA Centre from 2027/28 onwards is confirmed.
Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.
Principal Research and Evaluation Officer - Impact, CSA Centre (23086) employer: BARNARDOS
The CSA Centre is an exceptional employer dedicated to tackling child sexual abuse through evidence-informed practices. With a supportive and open work culture, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, access to mental health resources, and opportunities for professional growth within a multi-disciplinary team. Located in a hybrid working environment with regular travel to London, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while collaborating with key partners across various sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Research and Evaluation Officer - Impact, CSA Centre (23086)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of child sexual abuse and evaluation. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the CSA Centre and its impact. Familiarise yourself with their projects and methodologies. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in monitoring and evaluation clearly and confidently. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CSA Centre team. Get your application in early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Research and Evaluation Officer - Impact, CSA Centre (23086)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description and person specification carefully. This will help you understand what we're looking for and how your skills can fit into our mission at the CSA Centre.
Tailor Your Application:When writing your application, be sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your expertise in evaluation and research, especially in areas related to child sexual abuse or similar fields.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for tackling child sexual abuse and improving practices. Share why this role excites you and how you believe your contributions can make a real difference in the lives of children and communities.
Apply Early:Due to the high volume of applications we receive, it's best to apply as soon as possible. Don't wait until the closing date; get your application in early to ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at BARNARDOS
✨Know Your Impact
Make sure you understand the specific impact of child sexual abuse and how your role as a Principal Research and Evaluation Officer can contribute to meaningful change. Familiarise yourself with the CSA Centre's mission and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Methodologies
Prepare to talk about the various evaluation methodologies you've used in past projects. Be specific about how you've designed, planned, and overseen monitoring and evaluation programmes, especially in related fields like violence against women and children.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Highlight your expertise in applying analytical methods and tools for data gathering and evidence interpretation. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've managed multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring timely delivery and effective prioritisation.
✨Engage with the Team's Values
The CSA Centre values collaboration and challenging assumptions. During your interview, express your commitment to these values and share experiences where you've worked in multi-disciplinary teams to drive change. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the team culture.
