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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to support diverse parenthoods and improve workplace inclusion through impactful research.
- Company: The Open University is dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion in education and the workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and the chance to make a real difference in society.
- Why this job: Be part of a project that influences policy and promotes diversity while enhancing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field; strong communication and organisational skills required.
- Other info: Applications are encouraged from underrepresented groups to foster a diverse work environment.
The predicted salary is between 33700 - 39600 £ per year.
Research Associate – Parental Inclusion Research (Catching the Mumentum) Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link
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Language View profile Employee Login Job Description Research Associate – Parental Inclusion Research (Catching the Mumentum) Apply now Advert Reference Number: 923 Job Location: Milton Keynes Department: Department for Policing Salary: £38,784 to £42,254 pro-rata Closing Date: 01 September 2025 Weekly Working Hours: 7.4 Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 31 July 2026 Welsh Language: Not Applicable Job Description:
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the Open Societal Challenges project Catching the Mumentum: Supporting Diverse Parenthoods for Work Inclusion.
This exciting project, developed in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions as part of the Open University’s Mumentum campaign, aims to improve workplace inclusion for parents through research-informed resources, policy engagement, and knowledge exchange.
The Research Associate will play a key role in tracking and evidencing the project’s impact, supporting stakeholder engagement, and helping to deliver high-profile outputs, including toolkits for parents and managers, a policy brief, public webinars, dissemination events, and a family-focused event. They will also help develop and promote opportunities for knowledge exchange, increasing the visibility and uptake of our research among employers, policymakers, and wider society.
This role is ideal for someone with strong organisational and project management skills, and a passion for research impact, diversity and inclusion, and stakeholder engagement.
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it is compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
Salary:
The salary quoted above is based on a 37 hour week (full-time hours). This post is 7.4 hours so the actual salary will be paid at the pro-rata amount.
Key Responsibilities
- Impact Tracking & Evidence Gathering: Monitor and document evidence of project impact, including stakeholder feedback, policy or practice changes, and reach of outputs.
- Policy Engagement: Support the drafting of policy briefs and responses to consultations to ensure research findings inform relevant policy discussions and decisions.
- Research Organisation & Administration: Manage and organise research materials and outputs, maintain stakeholder records, and ensure resources are up to date and accessible.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communications: Draft clear and impactful messages and updates for stakeholders, aligned to the project’s diversity and inclusion aims.
- National Working Group Development: Support the establishment and coordination of a national working group to advance best practice in supporting diverse parenthoods.
- Event Coordination: Help plan and deliver knowledge exchange activities, including webinars, workshops, dissemination events, and a family-focused event.
- Research Support: Conduct data gathering, scoping work and other impact related research tasks as required.
Skills and Experience
Essential Requirements
- A postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area or above.
- Understanding of motherhood penalty and associated challenges of work inclusion for parents.
- Understanding of research impact and its role in shaping policy and practice.
- Research and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct literature reviews and data gathering tasks.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience producing clear, accessible materials for stakeholders, including policy or practitioner audiences.
- Strong organisational skills, including managing contacts and coordinating logistics.
- Commitment to and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.
Desirable requirements:
- Experience contributing to policy engagement activities, such as drafting policy briefs or responding to consultations.
- Experience working with a range of stakeholders including public, private, or voluntary sector organisations.
- Experience of collecting evidence for developing impact case study.
- Experience in organising events or workshops.
- Experience of using social media for professional purpose.
To apply for this role please submit the following as one document;
- CV
- A personal statement of up to 1000 words. You should set out in your statement why you are interested in the role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competenciesfor this role as detailed in the job description.
Please Note: We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.
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Research Associate - Parental Inclusion Research (Catching the Mumentum) employer: The Open University UK
Contact Detail:
The Open University UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - Parental Inclusion Research (Catching the Mumentum)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key themes of the Catching the Mumentum project. Understanding the specific challenges faced by parents in the workplace will help you engage more effectively during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of diversity and inclusion, particularly those focused on parental issues. Attend relevant webinars or events to make connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with stakeholder engagement. Think of specific examples where you've successfully communicated research findings or engaged with diverse groups, as this is a crucial part of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current policies and discussions around parental inclusion in the workplace. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to contribute to policy engagement efforts.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - Parental Inclusion Research (Catching the Mumentum)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the job description for the Research Associate position. Pay attention to the key responsibilities and essential requirements, as these will guide your application.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement should be up to 1000 words and clearly articulate why you are interested in this role. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you meet the required competencies outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on showcasing your research and analytical skills, as well as your understanding of diversity and inclusion issues. Mention any experience you have with policy engagement or stakeholder communication, as these are crucial for this role.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Open University UK
✨Show Your Passion for Diversity and Inclusion
Make sure to express your genuine interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to these values, as they are central to the role.
✨Prepare Examples of Stakeholder Engagement
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders. Highlight how you communicated effectively and built relationships, as this will be crucial for the Research Associate position.
✨Demonstrate Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about your research experience, particularly in relation to impact tracking and evidence gathering. Discuss any literature reviews or data gathering tasks you've conducted, as these skills are essential for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Policy Engagement
Understand the basics of policy engagement and be prepared to discuss how research can influence policy decisions. If you have experience drafting policy briefs or responding to consultations, make sure to highlight this during your interview.
