Research and Policy Assistant

We want to diversify our team to better reflect the work and communities we support - this means we would particularly welcome applications from people who:

• are from Black, Asian and minoritised backgrounds.


• have lived experience of disability and/or mental health conditions., Contributing to desk-based research: gathering, analysing, and synthesising secondary research studies relevant to the Trust's work.


• Contributing to policy monitoring: gathering, interpreting, and synthesising information about national and local policy relevant to the Trust's work.


• Supporting other elements of the Research & Policy Team's research, monitoring and evaluation activity where needed, including research and evaluation design, research and evaluation activity, and data analysis.


Communicating research and policy evidence

• Communicating desk-based research and policy evidence: collating and summarising key evidence to share with a range of audiences, both internal and external, in a range of formats and contexts.


• Working with the Research and Policy Team to contribute to written reports, policy position statements, and evidence reviews in support of the Trust's programmes of work.


• Supporting other elements of the Research & Policy Team's dissemination activity where needed, including at events to share research findings.
  
  An understanding of different types of research methods and excellent communication skills are essential for this role. Knowledge of the barriers experienced by disabled people and those living with mental health conditions as well as an understanding of local and national policy context are welcomed., An understanding of different types of research data and data collection methods.


• Ability to source, collate and analyse research and policy evidence from a range of sources, including an ability to discern the quality and relevance of those sources.


• Excellent and flexible communication skills, able to communicate information at varying levels of detail in different formats to different audiences.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel., Excellent and flexible communication and organisational skills.


• Self-awareness, enabling excellent working relationships with a wide range of people using tact, diplomacy and sensitivity.


• Ability to apply appropriate communication channels and methods, including digital and print media.


• Strong IT skills (proficient in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as minimum).
  
  Barnwood Trust is not your typical funder. We drive forward changes so that disabled people and people with mental health conditions have choice of opportunities, access their rights, and are included where they live. We bring people together for a different conversation and explore big ideas. Through learning and collaboration, we influence the change that's needed. By partnering with local organisations, involving people with lived experience directly in our work, and looking for better ways to fund, Barnwood makes a difference in Gloucestershire.
  
  This role is 12 months fixed-term contract, and we welcome applications looking for full time hours (37.5hrs per week) or 2 x Part-Time to work on a job share basis covering full-time hours.


• We offer a flexible start between 8am and 9.30am Monday to Friday.


• Salary £33,697 p/a FTE


• 36 days holiday inc. bank holidays


• This position is based in our office in central Cheltenham with occasional opportunities for home working., 36 days annual leave including bank holidays. (FTE)


• Life Assurance (3 x salary)


• Pension contributions


• Work within an organisation that is committed to improving equality and diversity.


• Competitive salaries and fantastic pension contribution rates.


• Excellent personal development plan and extensive training which includes a commitment to training employees to be confident when working with people with a wide variety of impairments, disabilities, and mental health challenges.


• Friendly and collaborative working culture; everyone's voice is heard.


• We have a range of supportive wellbeing policies and almost a third of our employees, are qualified mental health first aiders with Mental Health England.


• Our offices in central Cheltenham are wheelchair accessible, have free accessible parking on site and great facilities.


• Assistance dogs are welcome.