At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research on unpaid carers' experiences and drive meaningful change.
- Company: Carers Trust supports unpaid carers, advocating for their recognition and support across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, inclusive culture, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equal opportunities and making a positive societal impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of social change, influencing policy and improving lives of unpaid carers.
- Qualifications: Seeking experienced researchers with strong communication skills and a passion for social impact.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 42000 £ per year.
Salary: £39,000 – £42,000
Directorate: UK Programmes, Policy and Impact
Team: UK Social Impact
Vacancy Type: Permanent
About The Job
Why this role matters: Every day, millions of unpaid carers across the UK face immense challenges, often with little recognition or support. At Carers Trust, we believe robust, insightful evidence is essential to driving meaningful change for these carers – and that’s where you come in. As our Research Manager, you won’t just be producing reports – you’ll be leading the charge in uncovering the real experiences of unpaid carers and identifying practical, transformative solutions to support them. This is a role that sits at the heart of our work: turning insight into influence, and evidence into action.
What you’ll do:
- Lead new research that explores the complexities of unpaid care, from the day-to-day realities carers face to the systems and services intended to support them.
- Work directly with carers and the organisations that serve them, ensuring our research is grounded, participatory, and genuinely reflective of real lives.
- Bridge the gap between academia, policy, and practice, using both rigorous academic methods and agile, think tank-style approaches to drive timely and impactful outputs.
- Shape the national conversation by presenting evidence to decision-makers, influencing policy debates, and helping Carers Trust lead the sector in what works – and what needs to change.
- Embed an evidence-driven culture across Carers Trust, working with colleagues across teams UK-wide to ensure insight guides everything we do.
Why now? The challenges facing unpaid carers are growing – from navigating stretched health and social care systems to balancing work, wellbeing, and financial strain. At the same time, there’s increasing recognition that carers are essential to the functioning of society and public services. This is a pivotal moment to influence the future of care – and we need a Research Manager who is passionate, curious, and committed to driving real change.
Who we’re looking for: An experienced researcher with a talent for turning data into stories and findings into influence. Someone comfortable collaborating with academics, policymakers, service providers and – most importantly – carers themselves. A strategic thinker and a skilled communicator, who thrives on connecting the dots between evidence, lived experience, and innovation.
If this sounds like you, download the recruitment pack to find out more.
Equal Opportunities: As an equal opportunities’ employer, Carers Trust is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Carers Trust.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Manager – London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current issues faced by unpaid carers in the UK. Understanding their challenges will not only help you connect with the mission of Carers Trust but also allow you to speak knowledgeably about how your research can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social impact and research sectors. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles or organisations, as this could lead to valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially those that involved collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Highlighting your ability to bridge gaps between academia, policy, and practice will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent studies and reports related to unpaid care and social impact. Being well-informed will enable you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and showcase your commitment to driving change in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Manager – London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Research Manager position. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by unpaid carers and how your skills can contribute to meaningful change.
Tailor Your CV:Highlight relevant experience in research, data analysis, and collaboration with various stakeholders. Emphasise any previous work that involved turning data into actionable insights, as this is crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell a story about your passion for supporting unpaid carers. Discuss specific examples of your research experience and how it aligns with the mission of Carers Trust. Make it personal and engaging.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since the role requires influencing policy and presenting evidence, demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Include examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information to diverse audiences in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Make sure you grasp the significance of the Research Manager position at Carers Trust. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by unpaid carers and think about how your research can drive meaningful change. This will show your passion for the role and the mission of the organisation.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully turned data into actionable insights. Highlight experiences where you've collaborated with various stakeholders, especially those directly affected by your research, to demonstrate your ability to connect evidence with real-world impact.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Research Manager, you'll need to present findings to diverse audiences. Prepare to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely. Practise explaining your research in layman's terms, as well as how it can influence policy and practice, to showcase your communication prowess.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can bridge the gap between academia, policy, and practice. Be prepared to discuss your approach to integrating rigorous academic methods with agile, innovative strategies. This will highlight your ability to think strategically and adapt to the needs of the organisation.
