Research and Intelligence Officer

Research and Intelligence Officer

Full-Time 29700 - 36300 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
B

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead research projects and analyse data to drive meaningful change in the community.
  • Company: Join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, dedicated to improving local lives.
  • Benefits: Full-time, permanent role with a supportive and collaborative work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth while working on high-profile projects.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on policy and service improvement through data-driven insights.
  • Qualifications: Experience in research and data analysis, strong analytical and communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Terms & Conditions: 37 Hours, Full Time, Permanent

Closing Date: 23rd August 2026

Shortlisting: w/c 24th August 2026

Interviews: w/c 31st August 2026

Help shape the future of Blackburn with Darwen through insight, evidence and resident voice. Are you passionate about turning data and customer insight into meaningful change? We're looking for an ambitious and driven Research and Intelligence Officer to join our Policy Team within the Office of the Chief Executive. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the Council, ensuring that decisions are informed by robust evidence, high-quality analysis and the experiences of residents, service users and staff.

As a key member of the team, you will lead projects that support policy development, service improvement and strategic decision‑making across the Council. Working with colleagues, partners, elected members and communities, you'll gather and interpret information, identify emerging trends, and communicate findings in a clear and compelling way.

About the role: You will lead and support research and insight projects, analyse data and trends, and produce clear reports and visualisations. You'll provide expert advice, support evidence-based policy and service improvement, commission external work where needed, develop innovative approaches to understanding resident experiences, and evaluate impact and outcomes.

About you: You will have experience delivering research, insight and data analysis projects, with strong analytical and communication skills. You'll be confident using datasets such as Census, ONS and DWP data, advanced Excel, statistical software and Power BI. Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods, a relevant degree (or equivalent), and experience in local government, the public sector or a similarly complex environment are desirable.

At Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, you'll be part of an organisation dedicated to improving local lives through its values of Trust, Respect, Ambition, Collaboration and Kindness. This is an opportunity to influence decision‑making, work on high‑profile projects and develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Research and Intelligence Officer employer: Blackburn with Darwen Council

Blackburn with Darwen Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible and hybrid working options, the council fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation, empowering employees to make meaningful contributions to the transformation of Adult Social Care services. Join us to be part of a team that values diverse perspectives and invests in your development.

B

Contact Details:

Blackburn with Darwen Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research and Intelligence Officer

Get Involved in Data Science Meetups

Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like Blackburn with Darwen Council!

Show Off Your Projects

Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Research and Intelligence Officer at Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Leverage Professional Networks

Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Apply Directly through Our Website

When you find a suitable opening like Research and Intelligence Officer at Blackburn with Darwen Council, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Research and Intelligence Officer

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
SQL
Attention to Detail
Python
Automation
Data Engineering

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!

Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!

Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at Blackburn with Darwen Council, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.

Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at Blackburn with Darwen Council. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!

How to prepare for a job interview at Blackburn with Darwen Council

Brush Up on Your Statistics

For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!

Showcase Your Projects

Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!

Get Comfortable with Python and R

Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at Blackburn with Darwen Council!

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.