At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public health research and embed evidence in policies for better community outcomes.
- Company: Join Croydon Council's dynamic Public Health team focused on impactful research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape Croydon's public health landscape and make a real difference in diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in public health or equivalent experience in inclusive research.
- Other info: Collaborate with partners to tackle health challenges and promote equity.
The predicted salary is between 50085 - 52194 ÂŁ per year.
Grade - 12
Salary range: ÂŁ50,085 - ÂŁ52,194 p.a.
Contract: Fixed term (24 months)
Hours of work: 36 hours per week (1.0 FT)
About The Role
We have a new and exciting Public Health Evaluation & Evidence Lead (LARP) role for an experienced professional to join our team. You will support the Council to improve outcomes by embedding evidence in all policies and increasing research capacity and capabilities. This post is part funded by the Specialist Centre for Public Health (SCPH), as part of the National Health Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). We are looking for a creative and strategic thinker who will be instrumental in establishing Croydon as a research‑active, insight‑driven organisation. You will lead the development of Croydon’s approach to public health research, including research governance, capacity building, evaluation support, and partnership development with the NHS, academia, and the voluntary, faith, and community sector (VFCS). You will play a central role in enabling high‑quality, inclusive and community‑centred research that supports better decisions and better outcomes for Croydon residents.
About You (essential Requirements)
- A master’s degree in public health or related field, or equivalent applied research experience.
- Strong understanding of the UK public health research landscape and excellent hands‑on experience conducting research that is accessible to and inclusive of diverse communities.
- Knowledge of study designs, methodologies, information governance and ethics in research.
- Strong interpersonal skills, enabling you to build effective relationships and collaborate across teams and organisations.
- Ability to manage projects, work independently and deliver at pace.
- A commitment to equity, diversity, co‑production, and community voice.
Why join us? (About us)
- Work with a supportive, multidisciplinary Public Health team with strong regional networks.
- Be part of an ambitious, forward‑looking programme supported by NIHR and national networks.
- Shape the future of Croydon’s public health research landscape and an ambitious system‑wide shift to evidence in‑all‑policies.
- Work at the heart of a diverse, dynamic borough facing important health challenges and opportunities.
- Collaborate across systems with partners who are committed to improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities.
- Help ensure our most underserved communities are represented in the evidence that informs policy.
- Enjoy a supportive team culture, flexible and hybrid working, and ongoing professional development opportunities including NIHR networks.
To view the role profile for this vacancy please click here.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact us at public.health@croydon.gov.uk.
Interview date: TBC (anticipated to be w/c 16th or w/c 23rd March 2026)
About Us … Croydon Council’s priorities
- Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable.
- Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses.
- Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors.
- Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice.
- Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities.
Key Business Plan Outcomes
- Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning.
- Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential.
- Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home.
- People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer.
Croydon Council’s new ways of working
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Public Health Evaluation and Evidence Lead (Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP)) employer: Croydon Council
Contact Detail:
Croydon Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Health Evaluation and Evidence Lead (Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP))
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in public health and research on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to get your name out there and learn about potential opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for improving public health outcomes in Croydon and how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience and knowledge can contribute to their mission. Highlight your understanding of the UK public health landscape and your commitment to equity and community engagement.
✨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 our team and making a difference in public health.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Health Evaluation and Evidence Lead (Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP))
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public health research. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Public Health Evaluation and Evidence Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: Since this role involves collaboration across various teams and organisations, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've built effective relationships in past roles to show us you can thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.
Highlight Your Research Experience: We’re looking for someone with hands-on experience in conducting inclusive research. Be sure to detail your understanding of study designs and methodologies, and how you've applied them in real-world settings to improve community outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the UK public health research landscape. Familiarise yourself with current policies, methodologies, and ethical considerations in research. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to evidence-based practices.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your hands-on experience in conducting inclusive research. Be ready to discuss how you've built effective relationships across teams and organisations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves partnership development, think about how you can illustrate your collaborative skills. Share stories of successful projects where you worked with diverse stakeholders, including the NHS and community sectors, to achieve common goals.
✨Align with Their Values
Croydon Council values equity, diversity, and community voice. Make sure to express your commitment to these principles during the interview. Discuss how you’ve incorporated community feedback into your research and decision-making processes in the past.