Senior Research Manager (SRM)- Youth Justice in London

The Senior Research Manager (SRM) for Youth Justice will lead the development and writing of two key guidance reports for the Youth Justice sector – a Practice Guidance Report (published May 2027) and a System Guidance Report (published September 2027). The role involves synthesising evidence, crafting evidence‑based recommendations, and translating recommendations into actionable practice to reduce youth violence.

Key responsibilities

• Write a practice guidance report for the Youth Justice Sector. Use the best available evidence, including YEF‑funded research, to provide evidence‑based recommendations to Youth Justice Services on preventing children’s involvement in violence. Work closely with the internal YEF Youth Justice Change Team, an external expert panel and the Ministry of Justice to produce high‑quality guidance.
• Write a system guidance report for the Youth Justice Sector. Use the best available evidence to provide policy recommendations to policy makers and system leaders on how the sector can protect children more effectively. Collaborate with the Change Team, external experts and the Ministry of Justice.
• Become the YEF’s expert on Youth Justice – stay current on research, policy developments and key people, and share knowledge internally.
• Review four research projects focused on Youth Justice concluding in late 2026, including reviews of serious violence, community sentences, custody aftercare and health needs. Summarise findings and support publication.
• Build relationships and represent YEF at external meetings and events. Promote evidence‑based policy and practice by speaking at conferences and events.
• Collaborate with the Change Team to produce resources and accessible summaries for Youth Justice colleagues, including a self‑assessment tool based on the practice guidance report.

About you

• You care about reducing violence affecting children and young people. You may have worked with at risk youth, funded programmes, or conducted relevant research.
• You share our belief that an evidence‑based approach is our best hope of preventing violence. You are fascinated by research and committed to real‑world impact.
• You have deep knowledge of Youth Justice. You understand key ideas, debates, policy developments and key players, and are comfortable discussing these with experts.
• You take ownership of your work. You can turn broad objectives into concrete work‑plans and deliver results.
• You are a confident reader of research. You can critically appraise studies, recognise strengths and limitations, and articulate findings clearly.
• You have at least three years of experience in a research‑oriented role. This could be in policy, academia, funding or practice.
• You write in plain English. You can translate complex research into accessible written communication.
• You have strong project and time‑management skills. You work independently, quickly and to a high standard.
• You work well with people. You can collaborate with academics, experts, practitioners, policy makers, children and families. You provide constructive challenge and support colleagues.
• You learn fast but remain humble. You synthesise information, recognise your limits and are open to learning more.
• You are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. You celebrate diverse experiences, views and values.

Benefits

• £1,000 professional development budget annually
• 28 days annual leave plus