Head of Programmes- Employment and Better Work

This is a key role within Learning and Work Institute (L&W), responsible for delivering high-profile, impactful programmes of research and development, focused on employment and better work.

This will involve leading programmes of research and development work aligned to ambitions in our strategic plan 2024-2029: making the case for widening support to find suitable work to groups who currently miss out, in particular disabled people; improving employment support and in-work progression by evaluating programmes, disseminating evidence and identifying new ideas to trial; focusing on how work, skills and health services (and wider support services) can work better together to support more people into work; and considering how to promote healthy and inclusive workplaces with access to training and development opportunities. 

You will bring expertise in applied research; a track record in developing and delivering impactful programmes of work; a good understanding of the policy context; experience in business development; and a passion for making an impact.

You will need to work collaboratively and enthusiastically as part of L&W’s leadership team of Heads and Directors and role-model our values and behaviours.

Benefits

Salary of £44,625 - £57,750 (FTE), depending on experience and location

- 31 days' holiday increasing to 33 days after 5 years’ service, of which 6 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays.

- Generous company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution

- Group Life Assurance 3*salary

- Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time in the office)

- Flexible working practices

- Employee Development Scheme

- Retailer Discounts

- Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay

- Enhanced occupational sick pay

- Eye care scheme

- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme

- Silver award in Investors in People

Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Development

·       Design and lead research and development (R&D) programmes and projects, particularly on employment, job quality and the labour market

·       Identify and secure income to fund projects, including through proactive approaches to funders and partners, and responding to tenders and calls for proposals

·       Ensure that work is delivered to time and quality expectations, within budget, with appropriate measures of its impact, and with regular engagement with partners and funders

·       Develop and maintain effective relationships and networks with key stakeholders involved in relevant policy, delivery and research fields – including national, regional and local government, other national/local agencies, trusts and foundations, service providers, and other research centres and think tanks

·       Speak and present at external events as a representative of L&W

·       Keep up to date with key developments in policy, research and practice, especially on employment, employment support, labour market issues, and social and economic inclusion

Organisational duties

·       Manage researchers (line and project management) positively and proactively contributing to their personal and professional development

·       Work collaboratively, leading with integrity and sharing the load, being willing to take on projects outside of programme if needed

·       Play an active role in the organisation as a functional and strategic leader, as part of L&W’s R&D Heads and Leadership teams

·       Demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity and a positive, open and collaborative approach in line with L&W’s core values and staff charter, called ‘Our Culture’

·       Occasional travel and overnight stays will be required

Person Specification

 Essential Skills: 

• Degree (in a relevant subject e.g. economics, other social science, statistics), equivalent qualifications or evidence of equivalent experience
• Proven track record in delivering complex and high-profile programmes of research and development work, including managing and mobilising resources, and delivering to time and quality expectations within budget
• Understanding of current policy and practice in relation to employment and the labour market, and low pay and progression, at a national and/ or local level
• Strong understanding of quantitative and/or qualitative research, with the ability to design, develop and utilise appropriate methods and tools to support high quality research and development work
• Proven track record in building strong relationships with government, delivery organisations, partners and funders
• Experience of developing and leading a high-performing team, including co-ordinating and managing projects and priorities, and supporting professional and personal development
• Ability to work under own initiative with a proactive approach to problem solving
• Knowledge of and commitment to L&W’s charitable aims and purpose

Desirable Skills:

• Strong understanding of maximising organisational impact, through impact measures and framework
• Successful experience of income generation, including developing research proposals, developing funding relationships and bid writing
• Experience of working in or closely with a policy, communications, media and/or public affairs team
• Experience of delivering a range of policy and research outputs – for example research reports, thematic reviews, articles, blogs and summaries

The successful candidate may be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Learning and Work Institute works in both England and Wales. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.