At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to research health determinants and improve community outcomes.
- Company: Award-winning RCT Council focused on innovation and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 26 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible roles with excellent career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must have a minimum 2:1 degree and a passion for health research.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
A Graduate placement with Award Winning RCT Council is a step in your journey to excellent career opportunities. This is both an exciting and challenging time for RCT Council as it seeks to continue to provide high quality services alongside delivering value for money. The role of local government in shaping the future of local communities is more important than ever.
RCT Council is once again preparing to recruit to its Graduate Programme that provides fantastic opportunities to work in a vibrant environment, learn new and transferable skills, meet people from a range of backgrounds and develop a professional career in Rhondda Cynon Taf. All Graduate Officers will be supported to complete either a Level 4 Project Management qualification or job‑related technical training (all fully funded) as part of the programme.
The Council is committed to improving the life chances of its citizens through innovation, evidence‑informed practice and collaboration. We have secured funding from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) to establish a new and innovative Rhondda Cynon Taf Health Determinants Research Collaboration (RCT HDRC). The HDRC involves teams across the Council, Cardiff University and academia, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTM UHB), Interlink RCT and third sector partners and Public Health Wales as well as citizens working as a partnership, to break the cycle of poverty and improve outcomes for residents.
RCT HDRC offers a new and innovative opportunity to work with academia, partners and our communities to establish a culture of evidence‑informed decision making, providing essential capacity to develop LA capability to undertake research and generate knowledge. This will enable the Council to make positive progress to achieve the vision of tackling poverty and reducing health inequalities in RCT and improving the lives and health of our residents into the future.
Successful candidates must have a minimum 2:1 degree or above in any discipline. The HDRC Graduate role is a 20‑month contract working in the HDRC team, the contract will include working in Cardiff University (Wales Centre for Public Policy – WCPP) and the Council. The job role will not start until July 2026. Whilst with WCPP the Graduate Officers will undertake the role of an Evidence Synthesis Support Officer as part of the central HDRC team, maximising opportunities to build their understanding and skills in relation to knowledge mobilisation whilst working on HDRC projects. Whilst working with the Council the Graduate Officers will bring the learning, skills and experience gained in WCPP to support and further the transformational priorities of the Council, as directed by SLT, sharing their expertise in the use of evidence to support decision making and service change.
We are looking for flexible and motivated graduates with a good understanding of research techniques and evidence gathering and a keen interest in the wider determinants of health who are passionate about improving the life chances of residents in RCT.
Staff Benefits Package:
- Tailored induction programme
- Ongoing support from a dedicated Graduate Co‑ordinator
- Hybrid working
- Pension Scheme
- 26 days annual leave
- Financial management scheme
- Subsidised membership fees for Leisure Centres within RCT
- Vivup discount card for businesses
Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council. The Council values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, including those with non‑binary identities, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity. We offer a number of staff networks for employees including the Allies Network, a Disability and Carers Network and Perthyn our LGBTQ+ Network.
An application submitted for this post in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English. As part of the Council’s longer term objectives in relation to the Welsh language and its Workforce Planning Strategy, it is committed to a guaranteed interview scheme for Welsh‑speakers of Level 3 and above. If you meet the essential criteria as identified in the person specification for the job and are a Welsh‑speaker of Level 3 and above, you will be invited to interview if you choose to participate in the scheme.
In view of the large number of Application Forms which are currently being submitted individual applications are not acknowledged. Consequently if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application is unsuccessful on this occasion. In which case you are thanked for the interest you have shown in applying for a position within the Council.
In support of the Council’s voluntary pledge to support the Armed Forces, the recruiter must always be prepared to ensure that applicants who have identified themselves as members of the Armed Forces including Service Leavers, Veterans or Reservists and who meet the essential criteria of the person specification, are offered an interview.
Temporary Graduate Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Officer employer: Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
BEDDau Children’s Home is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for both staff and children. With a strong emphasis on professional development, our team members benefit from ongoing training and growth opportunities while working collaboratively in a trauma-informed setting. Located in the beautiful Welsh countryside, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with complex needs, all within a compassionate and committed work culture.
Contact Details:
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Graduate Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Officer
✨Network with Local Healthcare Professionals
Getting a temporary role in health sciences administration is all about who you know! Hit up local healthcare meetups or professional gatherings to make connections. Chat with people already in the field; they might know about temporary gigs at places like Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council before they even hit the job boards!
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're still studying or recently graduated, don’t forget about your university's career services. They often have exclusive links to temporary roles in health administration—it's a goldmine for finding opportunities that might not be advertised publicly. Plus, they can help you polish your interview skills!
✨Use Online Job Boards Wisely
When hunting for temporary roles, make sure you’re using job boards that cater specifically to health administration. Websites like NHS Jobs or HealthCareers might have listings for roles at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Set up alerts for new postings, so you jump on any opportunities as soon as they come up!
✨Showcase Your Adaptability in Interviews
Temporary roles often require you to hit the ground running. Use your interviews to highlight any past experiences where you’ve had to adapt quickly, whether it’s in a volunteer position or a past job. This will show Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council you’re ready to step in and make an immediate impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Graduate Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Health Sciences Knowledge:When applying for the Temporary Graduate Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Officer at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, make sure to showcase any relevant courses or degrees you have in health sciences or related fields. This background helps to demonstrate that you understand the sector and can hit the ground running in a temporary role.
Emphasise Administrative Skills:Since this is an administrative role, it’s essential to highlight your organisational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with software commonly used in health sciences administration. Mention any specific tools or systems you’ve used, as these can really make you stand out to Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:As this is a temporary role, brevity is key. Make sure your CV is succinct and focuses on your most relevant experiences. Highlight your ability to adapt quickly and learn on the job, which is crucial in a short-term position like this.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your enthusiasm for the health sciences sector and your interest in the specific tasks you'd be handling at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Being clear about why you're the perfect fit for a temporary position will help demonstrate your motivation and readiness to contribute.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
✨Brush Up on Health Regulations
Given that you're diving into health sciences administration, make sure you're well-versed in the latest health regulations and compliance standards. It’s a temporary role, so showing that you’re up to speed with current guidelines will highlight your readiness to hit the ground running for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
In health sciences administration, organisational skills are key. Prepare examples of how you’ve managed multiple tasks or handled administrative challenges in the past. Be ready to speak about your tools—whether that's a particular software or a method of project management—that you use to keep everything in check.
✨Tailor Your Motivation to the Temporary Nature
As this is a temporary position, it’s essential to express your enthusiasm for the role during the interview. Talk about what you aim to learn and how you see this experience fitting into your overall career goals. Employers love to see that you’re eager to contribute, even if it's just for a short time!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might also encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. Be ready to demonstrate how you'd handle specific administrative challenges in a health setting. Think about common situations in health sciences and formulate your responses beforehand, so you come off as calm and capable when it counts.
