Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of women and girls across the UK and how policing responds to public protection? This is an exciting and impactful opportunity to join the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls & Public Protection (NCVPP).

As the research lead for the NCVPP, you will be responsible for developing and leading approaches that enable the centre to be evidence led across its delivery, maximising opportunities to collaborate with the wider research community and provide effective leadership to the internal research team. This role offers variety, challenge, and the chance to be part of a national effort to drive meaningful change.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a nationally significant programme with real-world impact.
• Work in a dynamic, supportive, and mission-driven environment.
• Contribute to shaping policy and practice at the highest level informed by the best possible evidence.

The NCVPP is hosted by the College of Policing in partnership with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC). This role will be located in the College of Policing. 

For more information about the NCVPP, visit: National centre for violence against women and girls and public protection , College of Policing

The College of Policing is the professional body for the police service in England and Wales. We work with everyone in policing to set standards, to share knowledge and good practice and to support the development of police officers and staff. Our mission is to drive a consistent approach across policing where the public and the service expect it, to boost professionalism and to improve leadership at every level.

Additional Information:

College staff are classed as Public Servants and we are not eligible to participate in the Civil Service transfer process, therefore while successful candidates can transfer in on their existing terms and conditions, any subsequent transfer out of the College to the Civil Service cannot be guaranteed on existing terms and conditions and new starter/modernised terms may apply.

Our vetting

If you are successful at interview you will be required to undertake pre-employment security checks. You will be sent a security questionnaire which must be accessed within 24 hours.

Please note, these checks can take up to 10 weeks. You will only be offered a start date after the checks have been completed. If the outcome of these checks is not satisfactory, your recommendation for employment will be withdrawn.

We look forward to reading your application for the role of NCVPP Research Lead.

The selected candidate will provide professional leadership, direction and strategic vision to the National Centre’s research and review work. They will lead the development and delivery of a prioritised research programme to support forces, NPCC leads and other stakeholders to improve responses to violence against women and girls and public protection, and create opportunities to work collaboratively to ensure effective knowledge translation and impact through effective stakeholder relationships across policing and academia.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Lead National Centre Research Programme: Design and deliver an innovative programme of research that supports the NCVPP’s purpose and priorities and aligns with the College’s standards as a What Works Centre.
• Provide strong, galvanising leadership for a research team empowering them to drive forward change. Guide, motivate and mentor them through challenging situations and promote proactive wellbeing practices to ensure their continuing high performance.
• Represent the National Centre Research Programme with internal and external stakeholders, advising and contributing to research and analysis approaches and where necessary provide expert advice on the evidence base relating to the work of the National Centre, including to the CEO and College Executive.

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

• Subject matter expertise relating to research and analysis within the areas of VAWG and public protection
• Level 7 qualification in a Social Science subject with a significant research methods component (e.g. Criminology, Geography, Sociology, Psychology/extensive experience). Study or practical experience of working in specialist field at senior leadership level, or equivalent.
• Credible communicator with a wide variety of audiences, experienced in managing .
• To already be a member of the Government Social Research profession or have passed Government Social Research entry requirements at recruitment.

Please see the attached job description which contains full details of the role.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Leadership
• Working Together

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Works with other analysts and stakeholders to negotiate priorities within the overall work programme
• Makes timely and objective decisions, based on best available evidence and sound analysis and helps others to draw sound inferences from information
• Facilitates discussions and advocates use of social research evidence at a strategic level to internal and external stakeholders
• Strong track record in designing and managing a portfolio of high profile and complex projects and providing detailed research-based advice and briefings