4896 - Senior Research Officer (Quantitative)
Overview
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for England and Wales (HMIP) is an independent inspectorate which reports on conditions for and treatment of those in prison, young offender institutions, secure training centres, immigration detention facilities, police and court custody suites, customs custody facilities and military detention.
All inspections are conducted against the Inspectorate’s published inspection criteria, Expectations. ‘Expectations’ are based on international human rights standards, as well as issues considered essential to the safe, respectful and purposeful treatment of detainees in custody and their effective resettlement. Expectations specify the criteria for inspection and indicate the sources of evidence upon which an assessment can be made. Sources of evidence include detainee surveys, individual interviews carried out with staff and detainees, group discussions with detainees, documentation, and observation by inspectors.
The Inspectorate also publishes thematic reviews, which are studies conducted on specific custodial issues and short papers based on evidence from inspections and detainee surveys.
The Research, Development and Thematics (RDT) team plays a vital supporting role within the Inspectorate, conducting surveys and research tasks as part of inspections and, in partnership with inspectors, carrying out thematic reviews. In addition, the team is responsible for updating and maintaining key inspectorate databases of recommendations and inspection scores and producing management information in relation to these. The RDT team also conducts regular surveys of inspected bodies and other stakeholders, carries out ad hoc analyses as required, and makes a substantial contribution to the HMIP annual report.
The RDT team currently comprises 2 senior research officer posts (one responsible for surveys, the other for thematics), 7 research officers, 2 research trainees and a head of team. There is a strong collaborative team ethic, and all researchers contribute to both fieldwork and analysis.
About the role
We are seeking a Senior Research Officer to lead on survey methodology and quantitative analysis.
We are therefore seeking to appoint an individual with strong quantitative skills and applied research experience who will be responsible for maintaining the quality and robustness of our survey methodology, and who will also to help us to further exploit the potential of our existing datasets using more advanced analytical approaches e.g. multivariate analysis.
The post-holder will also be expected to play an active role in the management of the RDT team, including line management of research officers, and to contribute to thematic reviews and Inspectorate-wide policy fora.
This job demands time away from home, carrying out research in custodial establishments in England and Wales. The successful candidate will therefore be required to be away on custodial visits, on average, about one to two nights each fortnight. When not on a survey visit you will be based at our London office in Holborn.
This is a Government Social Research (GSR) post and the successful applicant will – if not already a member of GSR - need to meet GSR requirements, including passing the GSR Knowledge Test (which will form part of the selection process for this post).
Specific responsibilities
Overall responsibility for quality and conduct of detainee surveys and other research support for inspections
- Quality assure (QA) current methodology (sampling, tools, survey administration, ethics, analysis, reporting etc), including guidance, advice, training, templates etc as appropriate
- Develop new and reviewing existing surveys/research tasks as required
- Maintain research timetable to ensure surveys are fully staffed and work is distributed equitably among the team
- Ensure that RDT team are supported and trained to use appropriate analysis software (Excel, PASW statistics, SNAP)
QA use of research evidence in annual report and other regular and ad hoc HMIP outputs (including publications, consultation responses, Chief Inspector’s speeches)
- Oversee and QA preparation of aggregated data for HMIP annual report and coordinate and QA additional analyses as required
- Oversee and QA the annual survey reports for the Youth Justice Board
- Ensure that research findings are appropriately included and accurately referenced in all HMIP publications
Overall responsibility for other inspectorate survey exercises, including
- Annual stakeholder survey
- Exit and inspection report feedback surveys of inspected bodies
- Staff surveys (e.g. evaluation feedback from Development Days)
Play a leading role in the development and maintenance of HMIP’s knowledge and information management systems (currently under review), including:
- Oversee and maintain recommendations and inspection score databases
- Contribute to the rationalisation and development of new systems as required
Take a leadership role in further developing the quantitative capability of RDT and the further exploitation of HMIP’s existing data
- Advise on appropriate analytical approaches to maximise the potential of our datasets
- Provide support and advice to RDT colleagues as appropriate
- Develop links with external bodies as appropriate
Line management responsibilities
- Line management and development of up to 4 research officers (ROs), at least one of whom may have line management responsibility for a research trainee.
- Contribute to recruitment and induction of new ROs as required
Other duties
- Contribute to RDT team management, including business planning, matrix management of other team members, identifying team development and training needs
- Contribute to at least one cross-cutting HMIP policy forum, keeping up to date with the policy area, and providing research advice and support to the forum
- Contribute to survey/research visits to places of detention (average of one or two per month)
- Contribute to thematic reviews and findings papers as required
- Contribute to other cross-inspectorate or joint projects as required
- Represent the inspectorate as required by attending meetings and by delivering presentations
Skills and experience required
Essential
- A first or upper second class Honours degree in a relevant social science with a substantial research component OR a first or second class Honours degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification in social research (GSR requirement)
- A minimum of 2 years applied research experience (GSR requirement at SRO level)
- Experience of PASW statistics (IBMSPSS)
- Commitment to the values of HM Inspectorate of Prisons
Desirable
- Advanced quantitative skills and experience
- Experience of research with children and/or vulnerable adults
Required competencies for this post
Technical skills (GSR)
- Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of research methodology and techniques, including main quantitative and qualitative methods with at least two years of applied experience.
- Holds a track record of designing research projects, applying best practice guidance, identifying new areas for work, translating policy requirements into robust specifications
- Is able to accurately evaluate competing data sources and identify salient points and trends to draw sound, logical inferences
- Has experience of managing and quality assuring research projects
Using and promoting social research (GSR)
- Communicates analysis of complex information clearly, helping others make good use of social research evidence
- Stimulates interest in social research and contributes effectively to research projects
- Understands policy context and timescales
Delivering at pace
- Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. For all staff, it’s about working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
Leading and communicating
- Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It’s about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
Managing a quality service
- Effectiveness in this area is about being organised to deliver inspectorate objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse detainee needs and requirements. People who are effective plan, organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service, applying programme and project management approaches to support the inspection programme. At senior levels, it is about creating an environment to deliver excellence and creating the most appropriate and cost effective delivery models for public services.
Building capability for all
- Effectiveness in this area is having a strong focus on continuous learning for oneself, others and the organisation. For all staff, it’s being open to learning, about keeping one’s own knowledge and skill set current and evolving.
Additional information
Nationality requirement
As HMIP is an Arms length Body, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the MoJ will issue your employment contract, and people have to meet certain legal nationality requirements to become an employee. Your application will only be considered if you are one of the following:
- a British National;
- a National of the European Economic Area (EEA);
- a National of the European Union (EU);
- a Citizen of the Republic of Ireland;
- a Commonwealth Citizen and have permission to work in the country; or
- a British Protected Person.
During the recruitment process, you will be asked about your nationality, whether you are subject to immigration control, and whether there are any restrictions on your continued residence or employment in the UK.
Existing Civil Servants
Existing Civil Servants are welcome to apply for this post but they should note the following:
- You will be subject to the same selection process as all other applicants.
- As you will already have completed your probationary period you will not have to serve a further period of probation.
- If you are not currently employed in the same grade as the post for which you are applying, you must meet the qualifying criteria for that grade.
- Your personnel file may be requested from your employing department should you be offered an interview, whether or not you give permission for your current employer to be contacted.
Security clearance and criminal record disclosure checks
All posts within the Inspectorate are subject to the successful candidate gaining the relevant level of security clearance. In order for security clearance to be considered certain pre-employment enquiries, for example, relating to identity, immigration, some financial and recent background checks, will need to be undertaken.
The successful candidate will also be subject to an enhanced level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The Inspectorate and MoJ comply with their obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998 and other relevant legislation pertaining to the safe handling, use, storage, retention and disposal of disclosure information:
Employment of Ex-offenders
Offences declared will be considered in relation to their nature and seriousness in terms of the post. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an individual from gaining employment with the Inspectorate or MoJ.
Data Protection Act 1998
The Inspectorate and MoJ collects information for purposes related to your application and potential employment.
We may check information provided by you, or information about you provided by a third party, with other information held by us. We will not disclose information about you to anyone outside Ministry of Justice unless the law permits us to.
The information provided by you in your application and the supporting documentation will be used by the panel to consider your suitability for the post. If you are successful, this information will become part of your employment record. If you are unsuccessful, some data will be used for monitoring purposes and will be destroyed after 12 months.
The MoJ is the Data Controller for the purposes of the Data Protection Act. If you want to know more about what information we have about you, or the way we use your information, you should contact the HR Unit concerned.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Generous allowances for paid holiday starting at 25 days per year, and rising as your service increases. There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as salary sacrifice arrangements for childcare vouchers, and voluntary benefits such as retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Eligibility
Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.
Interviews - Early April
13/03/2017, 23:55 hours.
Closing Date: 13th March 2017 at 23:55 hours
If you require any assistance please call 0845 010 3512 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment@noms.gsi.gov.uk Please quote the job reference.
To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.
For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:
- You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
- You were studying abroad
- You were living overseas with parents
In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.
Candidate Information
You may be required to provide statements describing your skills and experience relevant to each of the selection criteria. We recommend that you structure any examples as Situation, Task, Action and Result. For more information about the recruitment process and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.
Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ
In the event of a large number of applications, we reserve the right to undertake the following processes:
- An automated online test where a benchmark must be passed to progress;
- A sift on the lead selection criteria. If this happens, the lead criteria will be the first one listed in the advert.
During the selection process, you may be asked to undertake an additional assessment (such as written test). If this is applicable you will be notified of this when you are invited to interview.
• Communicates analysis of complex information clearly, helping others make good use of social research evidence
• Stimulates interest in social research and contributes effectively to research projects
• Understands policy context and timescales
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of research methodology and techniques, including main quantitative and qualitative methods with at least two years of applied experience.
• Holds a track record of designing research projects, applying best practice guidance, identifying new areas for work, translating policy requirements into robust specifications
• Is able to accurately evaluate competing data sources and identify salient points and trends to draw sound, logical inferences
• Has experience of managing and quality assuring research projects
• A minimum of 2 years applied research experience (GSR requirement at SRO level)
We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.
Application form stage assessments
Interview stage assessments
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
· UK nationals
· nationals of the Republic of Ireland
· nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
· individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
· Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
This Vacancy is closed to applications.