At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct social research to influence agricultural policy and support key outcomes.
- Company: Join Defra's Farming Evidence team, a leader in environmental policy.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for primary research.
- Why this job: Shape policies that affect farming and the environment while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Interest in farming and social research; experience not essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are looking to fill two Research Officer posts in Defra's Farming Evidence team. You will support work across the Farming and Countryside Directorate, principally providing social research advice in support of the Government's approach to agricultural policy delivery. These are policy-focused posts within an interdisciplinary evidence team and will enable social science input to inform a range of policy and delivery activities to support key outcomes including net zero, economic growth, water quality and food production.
Working in a flexible analytical team, and directly with policy, means this role is ideal for anyone looking to develop their research skills and influence policy. You will have the opportunity to help shape key policy and scheme delivery decisions to deliver ambitious public benefit outcomes.
The postholders will be responsible for a mix of qualitative and quantitative work covering both an understanding of the current issues affecting farming and also evaluation of the impacts of policies, including economic support schemes aimed at farm businesses in England. Some work is commissioned but most is undertaken in-house, using existing evidence as well as being responsible for new survey data and qualitative data from interviews and group discussions. There will be opportunities for primary research including designing and undertaking surveys and interviews. An interest in farming, the environment and evaluation welcomed but experience in these areas is not essential.
Social Researcher in Bristol employer: UK Civil Service
Defra is an excellent employer for Social Researchers, offering a dynamic work environment where your research can directly influence agricultural policy and contribute to significant public benefits. With a commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on key issues such as net zero and food production in the heart of the countryside.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Researcher in Bristol
✨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 UK Civil Service.
✨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 UK Civil Service!
✨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 UK Civil Service, 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 UK Civil Service 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 Social Researcher in Bristol
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 UK Civil Service:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to UK Civil Service! 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 UK Civil Service
✨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.
