Evaluation and Impact Analyst
Fixed Term, until March 2027
Full Time, 37 hours per week
£43,431 to £51,095 Per Annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 18th May 2025
Please note that this is a fixed-term contract / secondment opportunity until end of March 2027.
The Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Greater Essex is a collaboration between Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council as well as University of Essex and Anglian Ruskin University. The work of the HDRC is focused on the wider determinants of health and how best to tackle the underlying the social, economic and environmental challenges that lead to poor health in local communities.
As part of their research programme, the HDRC is undertaking an evaluation of the Connect to Work Programme in Essex, Southend and Thurrock. The Connect to Work Programme is a new voluntary employment support programme designed to assist people from vulnerable groups in securing meaningful employment. It will take a collaborative, locally led approach to tackle hidden unemployment by integrating local employment, health and skills support services. Through addressing the barriers faced by certain groups, the programme aims to promote long-term market participation for economically inactive individuals and develop a more inclusive workforce. It will focus on those who are economically inactive and have health conditions, disabilities or fall into a disadvantaged group.
Join us as an Evaluation and Impact Analyst and you’ll take on a very visible role helping senior leaders to assess the effectiveness of, and learn vital lessons from, this programme. We expect the impacts to be both immediate and longer-term. We need expert support to help us identify the short-term signals that tell us the direction of travel and inform future delivery.
About you
You’ll work to support senior leaders within Essex County Council, leading the evaluation of the Connect to Work Programme and supporting managers and to make improvements. Your findings will inform political and executive decisions by providing evidence on the effectiveness of the programme and key lessons to drive improvement. You’ll also support the broader work of the HDRC, alongside other HDRC researchers and academics.
You’ll need a track record of delivering high-quality research and recommendations that informs strategic decision-making. If that was in a local government or public sector environment, so much the better. On a personal level, we’re also looking for the ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders, influence thinking and secure collaboration. You’ll need a commitment to your own professional development and the drive to play a full part in the development of a new and highly influential programme.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
We are looking for experience of carrying out research and evaluation projects that have resulted in tangible improvements, as well as the ability to identify opportunities to help solve business problems and inform the council’s future strategic direction. Intellectual curiosity will be vital.
Both quantitative and qualitative skills will be required in this role.
In return, you can look forward to an excellent rewards package, support and mentorship from local authority research managers and senior academics from Anglia Ruskin and/or University of Essex, as well as flexible working and long-term career opportunities.
Please note that interviews are expected be held w/c 2 nd June 2025.
To read more about the HDRC please visit: HDRC Website
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) ) on our careers site
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
What you should do next
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website.
For more information or an informal conversation please contact Alastair Gordon, Head of Profession Research and Citizen Insight, via Alastair.Gordon@essex.gov.uk or 03330136125.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk
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