Research Assistant - Community Participation

Salary: Grade 11, ranging from £33,673 - £37,563 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: This is a fixed term contract until 31 March 2028

Closing date: 28 October 2026

Looking for an opportunity to help shape how communities influence research, services and decision-making across Somerset?

Join the Somerset Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) programme and play a key role in improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities. Working with communities, partner organisations and researchers, you'll contribute to innovative projects that empower people to have their voices heard and make a lasting impact on local services and policies.

Role Summary

As a Research Assistant within the Community Participation Workstream, you will support the development of community participatory research and evaluation across Somerset Council and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector. You will help build the skills, confidence and networks needed for staff and communities to work together as equal partners in research, evaluation and service improvement, while supporting the delivery of projects, events and initiatives that promote evidence-informed decision-making.

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Identify opportunities to strengthen and develop community-led research across Somerset Council and the VCFSE sector.
• Work with HDRC colleagues and partners to design, deliver and evaluate workshops, webinars, Community Research Grants and Community Research Support projects that promote evidence-informed decision-making and service improvement.
• Provide tailored support to council staff and Community Research Supporters, helping them embed participatory approaches in research, evaluation and service development.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of research governance arrangements, policies, guidance and standard operating procedures.
• Support the monitoring, evaluation and continuous development of the HDRC Community Participation Workstream.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, community organisations, researchers and other stakeholders.
• Represent the HDRC at meetings, workshops, conferences and partnership events.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in public engagement, community engagement, community development, or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience of community-engaged or participatory research.
• Experience of working collaboratively across organisations and with community groups, networks and partners.
• Experience of designing and delivering public or community engagement activities.
• A degree in Public Health, Community Development, Social Sciences, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building, facilitation and partnership-working skills.
• A commitment to reducing health inequalities and supporting meaningful community participation.

About the Team

You will join the Community Participation Team, a partnership between Somerset Council, Spark Somerset and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). Together, we bring a range of skills, experience and expertise to support meaningful community participation in research, evaluation and service improvement.

We are committed to tackling health inequalities by working alongside council staff, communities and community research partners to shape evidence-informed decision-making. You will also work closely with colleagues across the wider Somerset HDRC team in a supportive, innovative and values-driven environment that promotes partnership working, learning and continuous improvement.

This is an exciting opportunity to help transform how research, evidence and lived experience inform strategy, policy and practice across Somerset.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• This role is subject to a Basic DBS check.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
• If you are a current employee, please apply via the internal SAP SuccessFactors careers page.

Interviews are set to take place on Friday 5 November 2026.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Dr. Frederick Marais – Public Health Specialist, via email at frederick.marais@somerset.gov.uk

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: SCT1427 Research Assistant Community Participation .pdf 

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