At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research initiatives to improve services for children and families in Lambeth.
- Company: Join Lambeth Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a diverse work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful research and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in research and a passion for improving outcomes for young people.
The predicted salary is between 34917 - 42677 £ per year.
Children’s Services Research Practitioner Fixed Term Contract. PO5: Starting salary £54,360 pa, rising in annual increment to maximum salary of £57,495 pa, including LW.
About us Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the south to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the north, we are proud to be the ninth largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength. It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council. We have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth. With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.
About the team The postholder will jointly support the Transformation and Improvement team based in the Children, Families and Education (CFE) directorate and the Lambeth HDRC team based in the Integrated Health and Adult Social Care (IHASC) directorate. The Transformation and Improvement team is a multi-disciplinary team managing a number of statutory functions across the Children, Families and Education directorate. You will be part of a fast-paced project-based team, working together to improve outcomes for children and young people. The Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and is based within Lambeth Council. Its purpose is to help Lambeth become more research-active, generate and use evidence more effectively, and build the skills, partnerships and infrastructure needed to improve decision-making and reduce health inequalities.
About the role The CFE Research Practitioner is a 12-month role based in the CFE directorate, while also part of the Lambeth HDRC research team. The postholder will lead the development of a research culture within CFE, ensuring that research, evidence and data are used to inform service improvement, policy development and decision making.
- Developing and delivering a research strategy and programme for Children and Families Services, working closely with practitioners, community organisations, academics and other stakeholders.
- Designing and managing research projects, evaluations and evidence reviews that can improve services and outcomes for children and young people.
- Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with academic partners, particularly King’s College London and London South Bank University, to support research activity and knowledge exchange.
- Identifying funding opportunities and contributing to high-quality research grant applications and funding bids.
- Publishing and presenting research findings to internal and external audiences, helping translate evidence into practice.
- Supporting the development of research standards, guidance, training and tools to build research capacity across Children and Families Services and the wider council.
- Supervising and mentoring research staff, assistants and interns where appropriate.
- Monitoring national policy developments affecting children and young people, identifying implications for local services and contributing to strategic planning.
- Contributing to the wider HDRC programme by strengthening research infrastructure and embedding evidence-based practice across the council.
The role combines children’s services expertise with research leadership, helping Lambeth become a more evidence-driven organisation focused on improving outcomes and reducing inequalities for children and young people.
Recruitment checks Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). You will be required to undertake a Cifas check.
How to apply To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence how you meet the shortlisting criteria on the personal specification marked “A” for application.
Recruitment timelines Advert close date: 11:59pm on 10 September 2026 Shortlisting: 11–14 September 2026 Interviews: 21 September 2026
Contact information For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Laura Feeney at lfeeney@lambeth.gov.uk or Hardeep Aiden at haiden@lambeth.gov.uk. At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all.
CFE Research Practitioner in London employer: Borough of Lambeth
Lambeth Council is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of South London, offering a dynamic work environment that champions diversity and community engagement. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the council provides opportunities for professional development through collaborative projects with esteemed institutions like King's College London, ensuring that staff can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. The inclusive culture, competitive salary, and focus on evidence-based practice make Lambeth Council a rewarding place to work for those passionate about improving outcomes for young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFE Research Practitioner in London
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Borough of Lambeth, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace CFE Research Practitioner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Borough of Lambeth. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Borough of Lambeth. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lambeth
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Borough of Lambeth.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary CFE Research Practitioner role at Borough of Lambeth, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Borough of Lambeth that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
