Research and Practice Improvement Intern

Job Description

Research and Practice Improvement Intern (Fixed Term)

Hybrid working, Council office base to be determined, with travel throughout Dumfries and Galloway as required.

Band 8 £36,774 - £39,363

Dumfries and Galloway Council is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Research and Practice Improvement Intern to support research-informed improvement across the Corporate Parenting Partnership.

The role will focus on translating research findings into meaningful improvements in policy and practice for Care Experienced Children and Young People.

The postholder will undertake policy analysis, develop evidence-based recommendations and support workforce learning and improvement activity, ensuring that young people's voices, lived experiences and aspirations directly influence future corporate parenting policy, practice and service development.

The role will contribute to strengthening the Council's commitment to The Promise and improving outcomes for Care Experienced Children and Young People across Dumfries and Galloway.

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• Degree-level education in Education, Social Sciences, Social Policy, Community Learning and Development, Social Work or a related discipline, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Experience of undertaking research, evaluation or policy analysis.
• Knowledge of corporate parenting responsibilities and relevant legislation.
• Understanding of The Promise and its implications for policy and practice.
• Knowledge of issues affecting Care Experienced Children and Young People.
• Strong analytical, report-writing, presentation and communication skills.
• Experience of engaging stakeholders to inform service development and collaborative working to achieve shared outcomes.
• Ability to develop practical, evidence-informed recommendations and present findings clearly and concisely.
• Ability to build positive relationships and engage effectively with young people, stakeholders and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for Care Experienced Children and Young People, equality, diversity and inclusion, and children's rights.

Requirements

The successful candidate will work closely with senior leaders, practitioners, partners and young people across education, children's services, social work, housing, youth work and employability services, helping to drive evidence-informed improvement and positive outcomes for children and young people

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.  From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing.  Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more.  Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.

Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.

For further information please contact:

Alison Chambers, Quality Improvement Manager
alison.chambers@dumgal.gov.uk