OPD Senior Evidence Specialist

at  Ministry of Justice

Salary
The national salary is £46,549 - £55,862, London salary is £49,079 - £60,478. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Number of jobs available
1
Detail of reserve list
12 Months
Region
National
City/Town
National
Building/Site

SEO

Organisation Grade for HMPPS
Band 8
Post Type
Fixed Term , Loan , Secondment
Duration of appointment
Up to 2 years
Working Pattern
Full Time, Flexible Working
Role Type
Analytical, Operational Research, Social Research
Will the successful applicant have line manager responsibilities?
Yes
Job description

SENIOR EVIDENCE SPECIALIST – OPD PATHWAY

As part of ongoing work to drive evaluation and succeed the OPD Strategy 2023-28, a two-year, fixed-term post is available for an OPD Senior Evidence Specialist to sit within the central OPD team. Reporting to the OPD Data & Evaluation lead, this role will primarily focus on carrying out robust, objective evaluation and research on the outcomes of the OPD Pathway, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Please see job description for broad job responsibilities. However, the main tasks of this post will include:

• Providing specialist advice in the design of high-quality evaluations for the OPD Pathway.
• Designing, conducting and analysing national, in house evaluations that utilise mixed methods.
• Disseminating learnings from OPD evaluations and the wider evidence base to a variety of audiences to inform evidence based learning (including first look summary formats).
• Working closely with the OPD senior lead analyst, contributing improved evaluations via improved methods and data quality.
• Carrying out feasibility projects for future large-scale evaluations.

SUMMARY

This is a specialist manager role supporting the delivery of the HMPPS strategy principle to create an open, learning culture by drawing on data, evidence, information, research and experience from across the system – building on what we already know and helping to fill the gaps.
The job holder is accountable for critically evaluating the evidence-base and communicating this to inform and direct operational policy and practice. The post holder influences operational policy, strategy and practice through the generation of evidence summaries on topics and practice issues relevant to staff working in prison, probation and youth custody, and through providing evidence consultation to central and local teams. This includes considering evidence against value for money, to guide spending by the Service.
HMPPS aims to deliver safe, decent, fair and rehabilitative services to those in prison, in youth custody or on the probation caseload. The role contributes to these aims through the expert translation of evidence to shape everyday practice in prisons, probation and youth custody, delivering research to fill knowledge gaps and consulting into the strategic development of polices and practice to bring the best outcomes for staff and the people in our care. The team works alongside colleagues in
other departments and Groups within the agency including, psychology and effective practice in each of our three sectors as well as central strategy teams and local staff and managers.
The job holder needs to have experience in conducting research and a professional qualification that reflects specialist skill in this area. They will need to demonstrate knowledge of the existing correctional research literature and the skills required to source and monitor fast-moving developments in the field and convey these to a non-technical audience. The role also requires an understanding of which research methodologies are appropriate for different research questions and demonstrable skills in managing large datasets and running robust data extraction and analysis. The role also includes developing the evidence-case, by conducting original research.
As a manager within the Evidence-Based Practice Team, the post holder will be expected to demonstrate the qualities set out in the Leadership Qualities Framework, including an ability to set purpose and direction for their area of work. They will also be expected to contribute expertise and knowledge to the corporate design and vision of the Service and its strategic objectives.They will ensure that they deliver on key objectives and make an effective contribution to the work of the Group, HMPPS and Ministry of Justice (MoJ). They will attend and contribute to meetings and be responsible for promoting the roles and work of Groups across HMPPS and with other stakeholders and partners.

EXPERIENCE

The level in the organisation at which the job holder is expected to function requires:

• Experience, knowledge and understanding of research methods and standards and skills in the interpretation of evidence, including demonstrated ability to conduct critical literature reviews and quantitative or qualitative research to publishable standard.
• A track record of publishing research and/or conducting research reviews to peer review standard is required for this post.
• Experience of working across stakeholder groups to deliver finished products that are fit-for-purpose.
• Understanding and experience of reducing reoffending/ rehabilitation and public protection.
• Experience of delivering to deadlines and under time pressure.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Qualification to degree level or equivalent and/or professional/ management qualification and/or commitment to Continuing Personal/Professional Development.
• Advanced technical skills in data management and data analysis. An advanced user of Excel and SPSS software packages.

RESPONSIBILITIES, ACTIVITIES AND DUTIES

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

Please see job description for broad job responsibilities. However, the main tasks of this post will include:

• Providing specialist advice in the design of high-quality evaluations for the OPD Pathway.
• Designing, conducting and analysing national, in house evaluations that utilise mixed methods.
• Disseminating learnings from OPD evaluations and the wider evidence base to a variety of audiences to inform evidence based learning (including first look summary formats).
• Working closely with the OPD senior lead analyst, contributing improved evaluations via improved methods and data quality.
• Carrying out feasibility projects for future large-scale evaluations