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- Tasks: Lead community engagement and research programs, managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Healthwatch Hertfordshire, a champion for health and social care users.
- Benefits: Remote work with travel reimbursement and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health and social care by amplifying local voices.
- Qualifications: Experience in co-production and community engagement, with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join us during an exciting transition period with great career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the role
Do you have a background in coproduction, and managing community engagement and research programs? Have you successfully delivered in an interim capacity?
Start date: April/May 2026
Reporting to: CEO
Contract & hours: 1 FTE. Fixed term contract for 12 months.
Direct reports: Research Officers (3) & Community Engagement Lead
Hybrid: Remote, with occasional planned travel to Hertfordshire (one‑two days per month on average). Travel costs reimbursable.
Healthwatch Hertfordshire are an independent champion for people who use health and social care services. Being a values‑driven organisation with a national reputation for our research and engagement work, we are here to find out what matters to local people and help ensure their views shape the support they need. This is a fixed‑term appointment to lead our engagement and research work during a period of transition in the run‑up to changes to how patient voice is funded as part of national and broader health and social care reform.
Responsibilities
- Overseeing and project managing our community engagement and research programs
- Providing leadership and management to your team
- Facilitating internal collaboration across the team, while instilling a culture of knowledge sharing
- Coordinating the recruitment of additional staff within the department
- Liaising with senior external stakeholders, including local charities, NHS social care bodies, and community organisations that represent marginalised groups
- Supporting and informing the CEO on research‑based outcomes, producing analysis, briefs, reports, and providing considered recommendations and solutions
Qualifications
- Background of co‑production and community engagement, having worked with senior leaders across health, government and the charity sector, and preferably with organisations which represent marginalised groups
- Experience leader and programme manager who thrives in a busy role while managing competing deadlines
- Comfortable operating within a changing and shifting sector
- Ability to adapt, reprioritise, and effectively lead their team through change
- Communicates with confidence
- Experience of research and report writing in the health and/or social care field, and a background working with underserved and marginalised communities in a coproduction and community engagement setting is highly desirable, but not essential
Application
This remote role has occasional planned travel across Hertfordshire (1‑2 days per month). All travel costs will be reimbursed. To apply, please submit your CV to Louis Eastwell of Hire Purpose before 12pm on Monday 30th March.
Head Of Engagement And Research in City of London employer: Hire Purpose
Contact Detail:
Hire Purpose Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Engagement And Research in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and social care sector. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to get your name out there. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects in community engagement and research. This will give you an edge during interviews and show potential employers what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Engagement and Research.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Engagement And Research in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your background in co-production and community engagement, as well as any relevant leadership roles you've held.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed community engagement and research programs. Numbers and outcomes can really make your application stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, so let your passion for the role come across!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hire Purpose
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of co-production and community engagement. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed similar programmes, especially in health and social care.
✨Show Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've managed teams in the past. Think of instances where you've facilitated collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with Healthwatch Hertfordshire's mission and values. Be prepared to explain how your background aligns with their goals, particularly in representing marginalised groups and shaping support based on community feedback.
✨Be Ready for Change
Since the role involves navigating a changing sector, think of examples where you've adapted to change or led your team through transitions. Highlight your ability to reprioritise tasks and manage competing deadlines effectively.