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- Tasks: Lead workforce research to influence healthcare policy and practice.
- Company: Join the Royal College of Nursing, representing over half a million nursing professionals in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, up to 32 days annual leave, and an award-winning wellbeing programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nursing workforce issues and improve patient care quality.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field with expertise in research methodologies and data analysis required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion in our workplace.
The predicted salary is between 66909 - 75492 £ per year.
Professional Lead for Workforce Research
Location: RCN UK HQ with hybrid working
Salary range per annum: £66,909 – £75,492
Contract type: Permanent, 35 hours per week
Ref: RCN02692
At the Royal College of Nursing, we represent over half a million nurses, nursing support workers, and students across the UK. We are a voice for the profession – and behind that voice is the evidence. We\’re looking for an exceptional individual to lead our workforce research, shaping the agenda that influences policy, practice, and the future of healthcare.
Our aim in the Workforce Academy situated in the Institute of Excellence, is to use robust evidence as the catalyst for combatting the nursing workforce crisis. We\’re focused on the systemic causes of trends that are driving up mental ill health and attrition among nursing staff and driving down the quality of patient care.
We\’re accredited with Investors in People Silver Standard. Our people are our greatest asset, and we want people who can contribute to our purpose in line with our values.
As our Professional Lead for Nursing Workforce Research, you\’ll make a critical contribution to the Workforce Academy\’s programme of research, informing national debate, RCN policy, and advocacy. Your work will help to tackle vital issues such as staffing levels, workforce planning, recruitment and retention, and the health and wellbeing of the nursing workforce.
You\’ll work closely with policy leaders, academic partners, and external stakeholders across health, education, and government to ensure our research is timely, relevant, and influential.
This role sits at the heart of our mission to improve the lives of those in nursing and ensure safe, effective care for patients. We will demonstrate the value of nurse staffing to achieving nursing excellence and identify means of ensuring care is a safe and positive experience for both staff and patients.
You\’ll have a PhD in a relevant discipline, with expertise in mixed methods and / or quantitative methodology and excellent knowledge and understanding of workforce research, data analysis, evidence synthesis and philosophy of social science.
You will bring extensive experience of designing and conducting programmes of research, alongside knowledge mobilisation expertise.
You\’ll have excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to translate complex theory and data to diverse audiences.
What we offer you
We expect you to look after our members. And we expect you to be rewarded for it. We offer an impressive range of benefits, a broad range of learning development opportunities and an award-winning health and wellbeing programme. We offer annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays and three additional days for the Christmas break plus generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages.
We offer a competitive pay structure with annual pay progression until you reach the top of the salary scale. We normally offer new employees the first point of the salary range, although you may be able to negotiate a higher starting salary depending on your skills, experience and current salary.
We are a diverse organisation and understand everyone has different needs and many of our employees enjoy flexible working enabling them to deliver results whilst having a good work life balance. Our hybrid working model allows for up to 60% of your working time to be carried out from home. At least 40% of your working time will be spent working in person.
Our selection process
Please click the \’apply now\’ button to submit a CV and answer the supporting questions online demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. You may not be shortlisted if you don\’t. Please ensure your CV is in a simple format with minimal tables and sections. Any identifying information in your application will automatically be anonymised for shortlisting purposes.
We want your experience applying for a job with us to be the best it can be. We may hold our interviews and assessments in person or by video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.
Equal opportunities for everyone
Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us and we aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their authentic selves to work. This is integral to our mission to enable you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by all UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients.
As a proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.
Contact details
For more information or for an informal discussion about the role please contact Dr Kate Kirk, Associate Director of Workforce on
For more information about the recruitment and selection process please contact
Closing date: 09 July 2025.
If we receive many applications after a week of advertising, we may close this vacancy earlier.
Selection date: TBC.
Interview date: TBC.
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Professional Lead for Workforce Research. Job in City Of Westminster Education & Training Jobs employer: Royal College of Nursing
Contact Detail:
Royal College of Nursing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Lead for Workforce Research. Job in City Of Westminster Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the healthcare and nursing research fields. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with current issues in nursing workforce research, particularly those related to mental health and attrition. Being well-versed in these topics will help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with mixed methods and quantitative methodologies in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully designed and conducted research programmes in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex data effectively. Practice explaining your research findings to a non-specialist audience, as this skill is crucial for influencing policy and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Professional Lead for Workforce Research. Job in City Of Westminster Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Focus on your expertise in workforce research, data analysis, and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to lead research programmes.
Answer Supporting Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the supporting questions, provide specific examples from your past work that showcase your qualifications for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
Keep It Simple: Ensure your CV is in a simple format with minimal tables and sections, as requested. This will help avoid any issues during the anonymisation process and make it easier for the hiring team to review your application.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent oral and written communication skills are essential for this role, consider including a brief section in your CV or cover letter that highlights your ability to translate complex theories and data into understandable insights for diverse audiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal College of Nursing
✨Understand the Role and Its Impact
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Professional Lead for Workforce Research role. Familiarise yourself with how this position influences policy and practice in healthcare, as well as the specific challenges facing the nursing workforce.
✨Showcase Your Research Expertise
Prepare to discuss your experience with mixed methods and quantitative methodologies. Be ready to provide examples of past research projects you've led, focusing on how your findings have contributed to workforce planning or improved patient care.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Simply
Since the role requires translating complex theories and data for diverse audiences, practice explaining your research in straightforward terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from various backgrounds.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the Royal College of Nursing's values and mission. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, particularly regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as your commitment to improving the lives of nursing professionals.
