Summary
As a Research Manager, you will be welcomed into a dynamic and inclusive team working to collect data, evaluate feedback and deliver high quality thematic research. The IOPC is on a journey to develop its culture, perspectives and ethos to support the organisation's core outcomes and this is your opportunity to enter into the varied world of IOPC research, allowing you to develop your mindset and approaches to contribute to improving the police complaints system in England and Wales.
To support the strategic aims of the IOPC through leading the delivery of high-quality thematic research, the collection and evaluation of feedback from IOPC service users, stakeholders and the public, and provide a service that meets the information needs of the organisation.
The role will develop and deliver a research programme that will support the strategic objectives of the organisation to increase public confidence in the police complaints system, improve police practice as a result of learning from our work and that provides an evidence base for corporate decision-making and continuous improvement to the service the organisation provides.
We'll assess you against these Level 3 behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, to find out more, please click here.
Throughout the recruitment process we will also assess your Experience, Strengths, and Values. As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a statement of suitability based on the essential criteria.
Anticipated assessment and interview dates are the week commencing 11th March.
Package
- 27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days)
- Options to carry over, buy or sell annual leave
- Civil Service pension
- Civil Service maternity leave package
- PAM employee assistance programme
- Access to Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) membership
- Cycle to work scheme
- Opportunity to enjoy the latest home and electronics in a more affordable way provided by Vivup
- Car Leasing Scheme
- Staff networks focused on each of the protected characteristics - run for staff, by staff:
- Enable Network
- Welsh Network
- Pride and LGBTQI+ Network
- Sex and Family Network
- Race, Religion and Belief Network
- All Ages Network
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity behaviours
Additional Information:
The IOPC is not eligible to participate in the Civil Service transfer process, therefore successful candidates will not be able to transfer to the IOPC on their existing terms and conditions.
The IOPC does not participate in the UK Visa Sponsorship Scheme therefore, candidates will have to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK if offered a role with us.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, therefore a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out for the successful candidate during the pre-employment process.
Any move to the Independent Office for Police Conduct 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
Although we are currently unable to guarantee a longer or more permanent contract, if the role can be extended or made permanent, the successful post holder may be offered the role firstly without further interview.
Emotional Consideration:
In performing this role, you will have occasional exposure to distressing material in the form of reading, writing and analysing data which will likely be impactful, traumatic and challenging. The IOPC recognises this and offers all staff a range of wellbeing provisions, including TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) peer-to-peer support, a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor, and access to free confidential counselling. All staff are strongly encouraged to proactively access and engage with the support available. If you would like to speak about this element of the role with somebody already doing similar work at the IOPC, please contact and this can be arranged.
Rydym yn croesawu ymgeiswyr i ymgeisio am rolau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg fel eu dewis iaith.
Main Responsibilities
- To lead on the development of research studies in support of the organisation's corporate aims set out in the business plan through the creation of efficient and robust research designs drawing on a range of methodological approaches.
- Oversee the implementation of the user feedback, stakeholder and public perception tracker. Advise senior management on the findings that then feed into and improve the service the organisation delivers to improve public confidence.
- To lead on, participate in and oversee fieldwork, data analysis, report writing and presentation of thematic research findings to IOPC colleagues and key external stakeholders.
- To develop, coordinate, analyse and present findings from national statistics on deaths following police contact. Ensure the statistics maintain national statistics status.
- To effectively manage and the advise the REOs on the tendering process of research projects, developing research briefs, evaluating research proposals and management of third party suppliers to deliver timely and quality outputs.
- To lead on business planning for the research team and advise the Head of PPA on the management of the team's budget. Identify and recommend effective solutions to enhance the capabilities of the Research team.
- To line manage a team of Research and Evaluation Officers and Analytical Support Officers by setting appropriate work plans, objectives and monitoring their ongoing performance and development to ensure they contribute to clear, robust and timely research and analysis.
- To raise the profile of the research team both within the IOPC and with wider stakeholders by forging relationships; providing analytical support and advice; producing clear, robust and relevant research and analysis; and effectively disseminating learning.
- To lead on the provision of information and data for FOI and other external requests and to be accountable for the quality and accuracy of data released, giving consideration to data protection regulations.
- To act as lead IOPC representative in developing and conducting work in partnership with the police service, Home Office and other stakeholders. Support and service the information needs of senior management.
Ideal Candidate
Essential Experience
- Degree level qualification in social science subject (for example sociology, psychology, criminology).
- Post-graduate qualification in social science subject or social research methods or relevant professional experience.
- Experience of social science research in public, criminal justice or academic sectors.
- Experience of procurement processes and management of third party providers for the purpose of delivering research.
- Experience of designing and conducting research using various methodologies.
- Understanding the uses of qualitative and quantitative research designs.
- Quantitative data analysis using SPSS and understanding of statistical techniques (for example significance testing and modelling).
- Experience of presenting research findings to various audiences.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Understanding of diversity issues.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of working with large-scale data sets consisting of administrative information.
- Experience of conducting research on policing and/or the wider criminal justice system.
- Experience of creating and managing complex data bases.
The role requires standard DBS Clearance
National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK ()
Reasonable Adjustments
The IOPC is a diverse and inclusive workplace and we want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. We are open to providing you with the tools you need to succeed. Whilst this list is not exhaustive, please see potential reasonable adjustments below that we can provide:
- Extra time for presentations or interview questions
- Formatting changes such as colours for text or background on written assignments
- Questions presented in writing during interviews
If you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process, please email