Research and Programme Officer

SafeDeposits is Scotland’s leading tenancy deposit protection scheme and dispute resolution provider. As a not-for-profit, SafeDeposits donates surpluses generated to its charity, the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust (“the Trust”). The Trust aims to improve standards in Scotland’s private rented sector by promoting education, training and best practice.

In addition to its grant-giving, the Trust is developing an ambitious research programme designed to inform future policy making and debate. This includes two new national representative surveys: “The Voice of the Tenant (Scotland)” and “The Voice of the Landlord (Scotland)”.

SafeDeposits and the Trust are part of the TDS [The Dispute Service Ltd] Group; a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee that operates equivalent deposit protection services across the UK and delivers a range of initiatives to raise standards in the private rented sector. 

We have a new opportunity within our Policy, Research and Strategy team to join them as a Research and Programme Officer.

This is a full-time, permanent position ideally based within commuting distance of our Glasgow office. However, we are open to considering home-based candidates from other areas of Scotland, depending on their skills and experience.

The purpose of this role is to deliver and support the expansion of SafeDeposits research programme. The successful candidate will work on qualitative and quantitative research projects and ensure findings are disseminated effectively. Our priority is to recruit an individual with the requisite research skills and experience. Where required, appropriate training and support will be provided for the aspects of the role involving coordination of the grant-giving programme. The role offers a unique opportunity for a researcher to not only contribute to the evidence base, but to also work with TDS and SafeDeposits colleagues to commission evidence-based solutions for positive change.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Working with external contractors to deliver the Voice of the Tenant (Scotland) and Voice of the Landlord (Scotland) surveys.
• Conduct, analyse, and report on qualitative and quantitative research projects.
• Lead research collaborations with other organizations and stakeholders.
• Develop content, including blogs and social media posts, to share research findings in collaboration with marketing.
• Represent SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust at internal and external events, including presentations and public speaking.
• Assess and monitor grant applications in collaboration with an external contractor.

To be considered for this opportunity you must:

• Have a degree in a relevant field
• Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in research, social policy, or a similar role (or equivalent postgraduate study).
• Be proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Have strong working knowledge of Excel for statistical analysis and reporting.
• Demonstrate an understanding of data validity and credibility.
• Be able to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.

TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:

• 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
• BUPA Private healthcare
• BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
• Pension Scheme
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Plus many more!

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letting outlining how your skills and experience match the person specification.

TDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers.