Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Project Officer

Grade/Salary: Grade F (£37,280- £41,771)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (2 years)
Hours: 37
Location: Oldbury Council House

Closing Date: 19/07/2026

This is an exciting opportunity to join Sandwell’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) – Better Research for Better Health. Sandwell HDRC is a partnership between Sandwell MBC, the University of Birmingham, and the local voluntary & community sector. Our vision is to transform the research culture and infrastructure across the Council so the work we do is evidence-informed, robustly evaluated, and reflects the needs and values of our local communities.

This role sits within Workstream 2 (Culture & Evidence-Informed Practice) that focuses on how we currently use research and data in our decision making, and turning this into action by building a culture where decisions are evidence based to improve the services we offer to Sandwell residents through strengthening staff knowledge and use of research.

You will be involved with developing and delivering the project plan, including designing internal business tools and delivering Evidence into Practice sessions, in line with workstream objectives while collaborating with the Project Manager and other HDRC colleagues.

As the Project Officer, you will:

Be a key point of contact for enquiries from internal and external stakeholders
Support the Project Manager to develop and deliver a detailed project plan, facilitating input from a range of partners and stakeholders
Organise workstream meetings, gathering input to set the agenda and ensure alignment with boards and forums
Facilitate HDRC activity and share learning through internal and external working groups and networks
Support the delivery of activities and contribute to producing and disseminating outputs

The successful candidate will have:

A degree level qualification in life or social sciences, or equivalent relevant experience
Experience of working on projects within a complex environment
Knowledge of public sector policy, research methods and asset-based community development
Experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders
Strong communication, report writing and presentation skills for a wide range of audiences
Why join Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. You will be joining a values-led organisation that is committed to improving outcomes for local people, supporting staff development and working as one team across services and partners.

How to apply

To be considered for this role, please submit your CV by 19/07/2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a high number of applications be received.

Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.

If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.

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