Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP)

Job description

City of York Council is excited to advertise a fantastic opportunity to lead and champion research within Public Health and across the Local Authority. This newly funded Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) role offers the chance to make a real impact on health outcomes and tackle inequalities through evidence‑based decision making.

About The Role

As a Local Authority Research Practitioner, you will:

• Drive the use of research within Public Health and across the Local Authority to support an evidence driven council approach.
• Inspire and support colleagues to understand and apply research evidence in their work.
• Develop ideas, infrastructure, and academic partnerships to strengthen future research capacity.
• Champion public and community involvement, ensuring research ethics are at the heart of all activity.
• Build strong partnerships with universities, academic networks, and citywide stakeholders.
• You will also join a growing national network of Local Authority Research Practitioners working across councils throughout the UK, sharing knowledge and best practice.
  
  

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in leading and managing research, including experience applying for research funding and setting up research in the UK in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Passionate about the role of research in improving health and reducing inequalities.
• Skilled at building partnerships and connecting with diverse networks.
• Committed to ethical, inclusive, and community‑focused research.
• Motivated to inspire colleagues and embed evidence based approaches across the organisation.
  
  

Initial priorities for the LARP role are likely to include:

• Building capacity and capability within the Local Authority to contribute towards research.
• Supporting a culture and infrastructure for research in the Council.
• Building research partnerships and connecting with academic networks.
• Forging strategic alliances and effective partnerships for public health research.
• Identifying and supporting appropriate research funding applications with academic partners.
  
  

This post is suitable as a job share opportunity.

As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level C2: Can express themselves spontaneously at length with a natural conversational flow, avoiding or backtracking around any difficulty so smoothly that the person with whom they are conversing is hardly aware of it.

If you are an internal candidate interested in applying for this job as a secondment opportunity, please discuss with your current line manager before submitting your application.

Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.

The duties of this post require the postholder to undertake a basic Criminal Record check (unspent convictions only) via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please note, we do not have a sponsorship licence to sponsor indivdiuals for visas to work in the UK, therefore we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Kerry Badger at Kerry.badger@york.gov.uk

Closing date: 28 December 2025 at 12midnight

Interview date: TBC

Extra information

Status

Closed

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

York

Type of Contract

Casual / Part Time Jobs

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English