At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research projects that shape social work practices and improve lives.
- Company: Join Social Work England, a pioneering regulator dedicated to positive change in social work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a fearless and collaborative team committed to integrity and transparency.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social work through evidence-based research and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in research development, leadership skills, and knowledge of social work regulation.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 68205 £ per year.
Location: Sheffield/Hybrid working
Salary: A GBP 49,358 per year rising to A GBP 51,768 per year
Vacancy type: Full-time
Closing date: 26th of July 2026
About the organization
Social Work England are the specialist regulator for social work in England, focused on enabling positive change in social work. Every day, social workers support millions of people to improve their chances in life. We are taking a new approach to regulating social workers in their vital roles. We believe in the power of collaboration and share a common goal with those we regulate: to protect the public, enable positive change and ultimately improve people's lives.
What you will do
- Lead and deliver the organisation's research, working closely with key senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation to propose and shape our research design and methodology to ensure our research is robust, evidence-based, and clearly aligned to organisational priorities.
- Lead the organisation's approach to commissioned research and manage procurement from an annual research budget, applying strong public procurement and co-production principles in commissioning.
- Alongside the head of research, provide expert and strategic advice to the executive leadership team and board, bringing knowledge of research in social work and regulation to ensure that the organisation is led by insight and evidence.
- Lead the development and application of robust research methodologies, ensuring our work is consistently shaped by high-quality engagement, evidence and insight, and remains responsive to evolving business needs.
- Develop and drive a systematic approach to managing research partnerships, strengthening our influence within key research communities and elevating our external profile.
- Provide leadership to direct reports and the wider team supporting development and providing constructive challenge and feedback.
- Build capability and continuously improve ways of working, ensuring the work of the team is aligned to our strategic objectives.
- Make effective decisions based on the best available information, with an astute understanding of when to elevate risks, consult with colleagues from across the organisation, and involve executive leaders.
- Work effectively in matrix and project structures, working in a way that clarifies objectives, outputs and responsibilities for members, and contributes to clear, evidenced, advice and recommendations.
About You
At Social Work England, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are fearless, independent, ambitious, transparent, collaborative and we act with integrity. We're looking for colleagues who live these values every day.
In Addition, For This Role You Will Need
- Experience of research development and delivery, including the creation and management of independent research commissions, ideally in regulation and social work.
- Skills and experience in identifying research questions, using quantitative and qualitative research methods to explore lines of enquiry.
- Track record of researching complex issues, generating evidence to support organisation problem solving, reaching conclusions and making strategic recommendations to colleagues.
- Effective leadership skills with an ability to set clear objectives for team members and motivate them to deliver to a high standard, at times under pressure.
- Experience of undertaking and commissioning research with an expert understanding of research methods and sound procurement and co-production principles.
- Experience of working in matrix.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Manager in Sheffield
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at TipTopJob.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from TipTopJob!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like TipTopJob, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at TipTopJob or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Manager in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to TipTopJob:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to TipTopJob! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
