Summary Professional Expertise: technical skills – Senior Principal Research Officer Applies knowledge to high profile and complex projects, providing a supervisory / sounding board for team leaders where appropriate Improves identification of research need and ability of research work to meet this through effective challenge and promotion of innovative methods and techniques Actively explores different perspectives when evaluating data; consults widely to inform this process Makes use of an established track record in research formulation at the overall programme level Professional Expertise: using and promoting social research – Senior Principal Research Officer Communication of research findings Makes timely and objective decisions based on best available evidence and sound analysis Makes accurate use of logic and draws sound inferences from available information and helps others to do the same Learning and development Encourages staff to consider new and innovative methods in social research and evaluation Exploiting cross profession working Understands the different contributions of analytical disciplines and frames research to make use of this Takes account of different analytical functions in developing research plans; good cross functional awareness Engages with research contractors to ensure that working practices and relationships facilitate the delivery of high quality work Works with other analysts and stakeholders to negotiate priorities within the overall work programme Championing social research Defines the need for high quality research, for example, to support policy formulation Actively builds, shapes and contributes to the wider GSR network; establishes a network of contacts with others who value social research; actively explores and identifies where shared interests with others may lie Facilitates discussions and advocates use of social research evidence at a strategic level to internal and external stakeholders Seeks and makes appropriate use of opportunities to sell the value of social research
Prepared to defend and sell the value of social research, even in a high profile situation, for example, make a successful case to superiors for more resources or support Acts to raise the profile of SR outside the team and department Develops a research strategy; defends and defines the research programme, including budget increases Understanding of policy context Regularly reviews programmes of work with research and policy colleagues to ensure that they are closely aligned with customers' strategic objectives Develops research strategy that is directly relevant to policy needs of department/division; links this with budget planning Summary Professional Expertise: using and promoting social research – Senior Principal Research Officer Makes timely and objective decisions, based on best available evidence and sound analysis and helps others to draw sound inferences from information Encourages staff to consider new and innovative methods in social research and evaluation Advocates use of social research at the strategic level, developing research strategies, actively exploring and identifying shared interests Ensures programmes of work are closely aligned with customers’ strategic objectives Professional Expertise: technical skills – G5 Chief Research Officer Keeps abreast of critical methodological developments within social research and identifies the value to the department, and across Whitehall, of new research techniques and approaches Critically evaluates the methodological rigour and value of a wide range of research and gives advice that reflects this assessment Provides active support and balanced advice to other social researchers and staff on a variety of technical, policy and research management issues, both on a one to one basis but also through (inter)departmental groups and seminars Defines and promotes consistent standards of research and analysis, for example, sets the scientific and ethical standards for social research and ensures these are consistent with Whitehall / industry standards Decides whether a social research programme is fit for purpose Provides technical support to social researchers when they come under pressure; helps them to assess and manage risk Reviews the relevance of the existing evidence base across the programme area; anticipates future research needs and ensures evidence gaps are plugged