Social Work Research Lead

Job overview

At LSCFT, our social work practice is grounded in our Brilliant Basics framework.  This model ensures we excel in four critical areas: Clinical Practice, Leadership, Education, and Research. As the Social Work Research Lead, you will be the driving force behind the Research element of this framework. Your goal is to move beyond standard practice by identifying key priorities for new knowledge and ensuring every intervention we provide is backed by the strongest evidence.

Main duties of the job

Leading the Research Agenda     In this role, you won't just oversee projects; you will cultivate a research-active culture that empowers our staff and improves patient outcomes.

You will:     Identify & Innovate: Pinpoint gaps in our current knowledge base to deliver better care and support for people accessing our services.     Support & Mobilise: Actively support LSCFT social workers with their own research while sharing findings through effective knowledge mobilisation.     Collaborate for Quality: Lead quality improvement projects and research into patient experiences to inform person-centred service design.     Address Inequalities: Contribute to projects that explore strategies to reduce health inequalities and challenge discrimination within our diverse communities.     Key Responsibilities     Strategic Partnerships: Effectively link with academic partners (including UCLAN, Lancaster University, and the University of Manchester) to develop high-quality research bids.     Grant Leadership: Lead the development and submission of research grant bids, such as NIHR Research for Patient Benefit.     Evidence-Based Practice: Inculcate research awareness among social workers to promote a culture of evidence-based practice.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role.