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- Tasks: Lead research strategy to improve care for trauma-affected individuals.
- Company: Join The Mulberry Bush, a charity transforming lives since 1948.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days holiday, wellbeing support, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of those affected by trauma.
- Qualifications: Post-graduate degree in research; experience in trauma-related fields required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community dedicated to positive change.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Standlake, Witney, Oxfordshire.
Salary: £40,000 to £50,000
Job type: Permanent, full-time.
Hours: Monday to Friday – 40 hours per week.
About The Role
We are looking for a Research Lead to help develop and implement the charity’s research strategy, focused on improving care and education for those impacted by trauma across a range of settings. Our work is both national and international and we work across residential, educational, youth and criminal justice and child and adult health & social care settings.
As part of our team, reporting to the Head of Learning & Research, you will play a key role in making sure our work creates real, positive change. This is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of something extraordinary, making a lasting difference in the lives of those affected by trauma and helping them on their journey to a brighter future.
We’ll look to you to:
- Lead the development of the Mulberry Bush charity’s research and data strategy, focusing on supporting those impacted by trauma.
- Work with the Charity Leadership Group, staff, trustees, and external partners to create a best-practice research culture.
- Lead the development of the Mulberry Bush Social Emotional Adjustment (SEA) Scale.
- Design and manage research programmes, ensuring they’re delivered on time, within budget, and with high-quality data collection, analysis, and evaluation.
- Help to identify research priorities and new opportunities.
- Identify and secure research funding.
- Build and maintain relationships with key policy-makers, service providers, universities, and research centres nationally and internationally.
- Ensure research outcomes are disseminated and improve practice.
- Present research findings to stakeholders.
- Create research resources and courses.
- Stay informed on developments in policy, research, and innovative methods in evaluation and research tools.
- Follow Mulberry Bush policies, making sure that safeguarding and child protection are always a priority.
- Support the development of Action-Research as part of our Foundation Degree, and other programmes. This will include teaching, student support and marking.
- Continue to completion existing research contracts enabling us to utilise and develop ground-breaking research, in conjunction with academics, researchers, universities.
- Work closely with our Archives Team to develop the use of therapeutic community archives as a research tool.
We’ll Care for you too
Benefits:
- 40 days’ holiday each year.
- A comprehensive range of informal and formal wellbeing support.
- Employer contribution pension of 6%.
- Enhanced parental leave benefits.
About You
We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about research and has a proven track record of delivering projects that support those impacted by trauma. You’ll be a proactive and experienced professional, able to lead research projects while building relationships with organisations, government bodies, research institutes and funding partners.
If you’re excited about making a real impact and are ready to be part of something extraordinary, we’d love to hear from you!
Here’s What You’ll Bring:
- Strong communication and project coordination skills, managing priorities and supporting staff development.
- Experience accessing research funding and grants.
- Proficient in conducting research and sharing findings.
- Excellent quantitative and qualitative research skills.
- The ability to critically review data and literature.
- Experience of working, or researching, in a trauma related field.
- Skilled in designing and developing evidence-based research methods and tools.
- Ability to work independently and solve problems proactively.
- Skilled in writing and speaking to varied audiences across different channels.
- Awareness of current policy related to research in trauma related fields.
- Knowledge of project management processes and performance frameworks.
- Good understanding of research ethics and data management.
- Familiarity with intellectual property and copyright in research.
- In-depth knowledge of research relating to sectors supporting individuals affected trauma.
- Experience teaching research methods, including Action Research.
- Connections with existing research networks in trauma-related sectors.
- Psychodynamic and reflective practice understanding.
- Qualification - Post-graduate degree or equivalent in a research area.
About The Mulberry Bush
At The Mulberry Bush, we believe that with support and opportunities, children can overcome challenges and shape their future. We see their untold stories, possibilities, dreams, and untapped potential – and we believe in their ability to rewrite their destiny. All while having lots of fun along the way.
The Mulberry Bush is a therapeutic community, registered as a children’s home and a non-maintained residential special school. We are dedicated to transforming the lives of those affected by childhood trauma. Since 1948, we’ve been helping children and those around them through specialist therapeutic services and fulfilling activities.
Over the years, we have established an outstanding reputation for transforming the lives of all those affected by childhood trauma. We believe we offer something special – and we’d love you to be part of it.
If you believe that you have the experience and expertise required to succeed in this role please submit your CV via the 'Apply for this job' button.
Selection process:
- Closing date for CV’s Friday 6th June 2025
- Initial Teams interview Thursday 12th & Friday 13th June 2025
- Application forms completed Friday 20th June 2025. Applications forms are required to be completed for regulatory purposes.
- Interviews: Thursday 26th June 2025.
Please click here to view the Job Description. If you have any questions about the role or the work we do, please email the HR team at careers@mulberrybush.org.uk
The Mulberry Bush is an equal opportunity employer. It is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff and students to share this commitment.
Applicants must have the appropriate right to work in the UK. For applicants requiring visas, we can only accept those with visas which allow you to work in the UK indefinitely (we do not have the ability to offer sponsorship).
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and therefore, candidates must be prepared to undertake a DBS criminal background check.
Research Lead employer: The Mulberry Bush
Contact Detail:
The Mulberry Bush Recruiting Team
careers@mulberrybush.org.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the trauma research field. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. Building these connections can give you insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Mulberry Bush charity's current research projects and initiatives. Understanding their work will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested and knowledgeable about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with securing research funding. Be ready to share specific examples of successful grants you've obtained or projects you've led, as this is a key aspect of the Research Lead role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest developments in trauma-related research and policy. Being well-informed will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to contribute effectively to the charity's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in research, particularly in trauma-related fields. Emphasise your project management skills and any previous roles that involved leading research initiatives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for research and your commitment to improving care and education for those impacted by trauma. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you can contribute to the charity's mission.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your quantitative and qualitative research skills, as well as your experience with securing research funding. Mention any connections you have with research networks in trauma-related sectors.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow all application instructions carefully. Submit your CV and cover letter via the 'Apply for this job' button on our website, and make sure to complete any required application forms by the specified deadlines.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Mulberry Bush
✨Understand the Research Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in trauma-related research. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the charity's mission and how you can contribute to their research strategy.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Highlight your ability to manage research projects effectively. Discuss specific examples where you've delivered projects on time and within budget, ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
Prepare to articulate your research findings clearly to varied audiences. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to present to stakeholders and collaborate with diverse teams.
✨Build Connections and Collaborations
Emphasise your experience in building relationships with key policy-makers, service providers, and academic institutions. Be ready to discuss how you can leverage these connections to secure research funding and enhance the charity's impact.
