At a Glance
- Tasks: Champion public participation in health research and influence local policies.
- Company: Join Essex County Council's innovative Health Determinants Research Collaboration.
- Benefits: Expenses covered, training provided, and recognition for your contributions.
- Other info: Flexible working style and opportunities to engage with senior officials.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in community health and wellbeing while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed, just a passion for public health and collaboration.
This is a voluntary role, supporting the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Greater Essex, by supporting and championing public participation, collaboration and involvement in research.
The Greater Essex Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) is a five-year partnership between Essex County Council, Southend and Thurrock Councils, University of Essex and Anglia Ruskin University. It is part of a network of nationally recognised centres of ‘research excellence’ based in and led by local authorities that have been funded by the NIHR to build research capacity and capability between local government and the academic sector. The focus of the HDRC’s research is on exploring ‘what works’ in influencing the wider determinants of health – enabling local authorities to use this evidence to inform decisions.
This role will be a vital member of the Leadership Board. The Public Contributor will sit alongside senior officials, playing a direct and equal role in decisions on the HDRC’s strategic direction, its research programme, its communications activity and its work to build capability. The role holder may play a wider role too, sponsoring and advising on projects to support and enable public involvement and participation. In return you will be offered reward and recognition payments in respect of your time, and any expenses, in line with NIHR guidance. You will also be offered relevant training and the support necessary to enable your full participation on the Board.
Accountabilities
- Reading board papers, preparing and participating fully in HDRC Leadership Board meetings
- Providing advice and guidance to the HDRC as a “critical friend” - actively engaging in dialogue and challenging decisions and discussions from a public perspective
- Capturing perspectives from other public contributors involved with research in Greater Essex through the Community Involvement Network
- Representing the HDRC at different events and meetings
- Contributing to discussions with the HDRC’s funding body (the NIHR) to support their assessment of the HDRC’s progress.
The Experience You Will Bring
This role does not require any particular or specific lived experiences. Rather, we are looking for someone to provide their perspective as a member of the general public. The following skills, knowledge and experience will support the role holder to do this:
- Prior knowledge, experience of, or demonstrable interest in, research relating to local public services, and/or the wider determinants of health.
- Experience of the way committees and formal meetings are run
- Ability to engage with individuals at all levels of seniority and build effective working relationships
- Awareness of the importance of confidentiality and/or experience of working with confidential materials
- Ability to engage in constructive and reasoned debate, being able to explain views and conclusions that demonstrate a clear and succinct manner of thinking
- Ability to understand and analyse complex information
- Effective communication and collaboration, with the ability to contribute to small and large scale discussions
Why support the HDRC in Greater Essex?
The Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Greater Essex helps local authorities better carry out and use research and evidence to shape policies and services and improve people’s access to the building blocks of good health.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
HDRC Public Contributor in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HDRC Public Contributor in Chelmsford
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
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✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace HDRC Public Contributor in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Essex County Council, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Essex County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Essex County Council and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
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Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
