Social Research Scientist: Principal Research Officer (Band 2/Grade 7)
Health and Safety Executive
Apply before Midday on Thursday 31st October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the independent regulator for work-related health and safety. Our purpose is to protect people and the environment – we save lives and we are highly regarded both nationally and internationally. The benefits that our work brings to business, workers and the UK economy are clear. Improved health and safety risk management protects workers and translates into reduced sickness absence, lower healthcare and welfare costs, and better productivity. As part of Government’s plans to bring about the biggest change in building safety for a generation, a new, national Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has been established in HSE as part of the Building Safety Programme.
We are looking for an exceptional social scientist to provide high quality analysis to diverse business areas across HSE, including analytical support for HSE’s Health and Work Programme and supporting maintenance of an effective legal framework for reducing work accidents and ill-health.
Occasional travel to HSE offices will be required for team meetings and collaborative work.
Job description
You will provide social science based evidence to support HSE’s policy development and programme delivery needs. Social researchers support delivery through giving evidence-based advice to inform the process of designing, targeting, running and evaluating interventions. You will work as part of HSE’s Economic and Social Analysis Team (ESAT). This multi-disciplinary team of economists and social researchers work closely on a wide variety of projects addressing the full remit of HSE’s mission. The wider Analysis and Risk Group includes statisticians, psychologists, human factors, epidemiologists and data science colleagues. You will work closely with these specialists and with policy and operational colleagues to ensure evidence can increase the effectiveness of programmes in improving health and safety outcomes.
HSE Science Division is spread principally between two sites in Bootle and Buxton, and includes a wide range of scientists undertaking research, testing, forensic work and commercial work. The small and flexible nature of ESAT provides an excellent opportunity to increase your level of responsibility and exposure to senior staff, leading key strategic programmes of work. There are opportunities to conduct in-house research and analysis as well as opportunities to commission and manage externally contracted research.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing sound social science based advice and analysis on the development of HSE strategy and policy in tackling serious occupational injury and work-related ill health.
- Leading high-quality social science based analysis to support Government regulatory interventions (Impact Assessments) and evaluations of existing policy (Post Implementation Reviews); working closely with economists to devise suitable evaluation and research methods to meet the standards of external scrutiny from the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC).
- Leading social research to meet HSE’s existing and emerging needs for example in relation to the Health and Work Programme; including collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data
- Developing constructive relationships with policy and operational policy colleagues to ensure that HSE interventions are evidence-based and can be robustly evaluated. This will involve providing advice and briefing on existing evidence and commissioning fit for purpose research to fill evidence gaps.
- Acting as a visible lead in the team for professional development issues, working alongside the GSR head of profession.
Person specification
Essential Skills and Criteria
The roles are varied and will require employing a range of methodological approaches, both qualitative and quantitative. An understanding of evaluation approaches is needed and expertise in designing complex evaluations.
You will need to demonstrate skills, knowledge and experience of,
- Delivering challenging technical and strategic research projects
- Producing robust social science based advice and analysis to support decision making
- Synthesis of data and information to understand the evidence base, highlights gaps and to convey key messages
- Research design, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis
- Advocating for social research, educating, training and presenting to others about social research
- Presenting complex analysis clearly with demonstrable impact to non-specialists and/or senior managers
- Effective partnership and collaborative working to deliver positive outcomes
- Critically evaluating data and information in order to make sound evidence based decisions.
- a sound knowledge of the ethical issues and legal requirements surrounding research.
Qualifications
Qualification requirements are dependent on whether candidates are eligible for GSR professional membership under the qualification route or the experience route:
Qualification route:
• Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with an additional postgraduate degree.
• The degree must include a substantial research methods component, comprising around 30% of the modules taken on the course.
Experience route:
• Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with an additional postgraduate degree, in any subject; OR a degree equivalent such as the MRS Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice.
• In addition to the above qualification, applicants must also have at least 4 years’ experience of social research practice, which may consist of working in a research agency, market research agency or a specialist research team.
In your application, please remember to include details on:
• Any social research modules taken as part of your undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
• Any relevant professional qualifications you hold, such as the MRS Advanced Certificate or equivalent.
You will be asked to provide proof of qualifications should you be successful at sift.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Developing Self and Others
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Government Social Research Technical Framework - Knowledge of research methods, techniques and applications of these in more complex projects
- Government Social Research Technical Framework -Identifying research needs, designing and specifying research
- Government Social Research Technical Framework - Using and Promoting Social Research - Leading, Communicating and Championing Social Research
- Government Social Research Technical Framework - Managing and commissioning social research
We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:
- Government Social Research Technical Framework - Knowledge of research methods, techniques and applications of these in more complex projects
- Government Social Research Technical Framework - Using and Promoting Social Research - Leading, Communicating and Championing Social Research
- Government Social Research Technical Framework - Managing and commissioning social research
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
We invest in our people with;
- Competitive rates of pay
- Access to the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme to which HSE contribute 28.9% far more than in the private sector.
- Family friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career.
- Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture.
- 25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave.
- Parental leave benefits.
- As a member of HSE you will gain access to a wide range of fantastic benefits that you can take advantage of such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, E-Gift Cards and Vouchers via our partner EdenRed.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Information
As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a series of Behaviours and Technical Skills.
Sift information
At sift, you will be assessed on the behaviours and technical skills listed above. The sift will take place on 1st November.
We'll assess you against technical skills during the selection process: The Government Social Research (GSR) Technical Expertise Framework can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65cb7328103de2000cb8f391/Government_Social_Research_Technical_Framework_v4.pdf
If candidates are successful at the sift stage and are NOT currently a GSR member, they will be required to pass a Social Research knowledge test and is separate from, the main panel interview. If candidates do not pass this test, they will not proceed to the main panel interview (2nd stage). Candidates will receive a link to complete this test and will have 7 days in which to complete it. Further information about this test will be included within the email candidates will receive containing the link to the test.
Candidates who are successful at sift stage and are currently a GSR member will NOT be required to undertake the test, and will be taken through to the 2nd stage interview automatically.
Interview information
At Interview, you will be assessed against the advertised behaviour and technical skills. You will also be asked to prepare a presentation of up to10 minutes followed by questions by panel members. Further details will be provided if invited to interview.
The interviews will be held the week commencing 18th November. These dates may be subject to change.
If you are already a badged permanent member of GSR and therefore answer yes to the membership question, then you will be exempt from sitting the GSR test. Membership will be verified during the recruitment process and if applicants are found not to be members then their application will be immediately withdrawn.
AI Tools & Platforms
During the application process candidates are allowed to utilise AI (artificial intelligence) platforms and tools to support them in writing their Behaviours, CV’s and Personal Statements. However, all information submitted must be factually accurate. This includes presenting the ideas and experience of others, or those generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. All presented information will be assessed at the Interview Stage.
Further Information
Please note that a reserve list will be held for the period of up to 12 months.
Candidates judged to be a near miss at interview may be offered a post at the grade below the one advertised without the need to go through a further selection process, providing the role has the same Success Profiles elements and essential skills. There is no guarantee that further such vacancies will arise.
Sponsorship
This role is not open to application from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application. For a summary of HSE terms and conditions as part of Civil Service Reform, please see the attached HSE Terms and Conditions document.
HSE is proud to be a part of the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS). As a Disability Confident employer, we positively welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to making workplace adjustments to ensure anyone can participate in the recruitment and selection process.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all disabled applicants who provide evidence of meeting the minimum requirements necessary for the post.
If, during the application or interview process, you require any assistance due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact us at the email address below to discuss how we can support you. For example if you have a disability, and you need an application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please contact: hr.resourcing-team@hse.gov.uk.
If successful in securing your role, HSE can provide suitable workplace adjustments to support you throughout your career with HSE.
Any move to HSE from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at here.
Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further; Formal discipline action, any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance or any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Alison Higgins
- Email : Alison.Higgins@HSE.gov.uk
- Telephone : 07796991342
Recruitment team
- Email : hr.resourcing-team@hse.gov.uk
Further information
HR Resourcing Team, 2.3 Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 7HS. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact Civil Service commissioners:
https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/code/civilservicecodecomplaints/
