Head of Research and Evaluation

Location: SPS Headquarters/Hybrid

An exciting opportunity has arisen within SPS Headquarters as we recruit for the Head of Research and Evaluation to join the Team.

The Head of Research and Evaluation post holder is responsible for the creation and delivery of a research strategy for the organisation - that ultimately provides a cross-Directorate research function (commissioning and provision of research and relevant evidence) to enable robust and evidence-based decisions for SPS.

The post holder will work with SPS staff at all levels across the prison estate and headquarters - and with a range of partner agencies - to understand their research interests and needs, to align respective efforts and develop collaborative projects where appropriate.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement an impact-focused research strategy for the organisation,
• Lead the research team, and provide strategic leadership to the wider Corporate and Governance branch including business plans and support to other team leaders.
• Oversee SPS’s Research Access and Ethics Committee.
• Work collectively across Directorates to identify, scope and oversee the execution of a range of research and evaluation projects – delivered either by internal Research leads, or by external contractors commissioned via Procurement.
• Lead on and enhance strategic engagement with academia.
• Collaborate with the Data & Analysis team and other internal colleagues to provide high-quality advice on performance measures and metrics to colleagues within and outwith SPS as required.

If you have the following, we would like to hear from you:

• Qualified to degree level or have significant relevant leadership experience, with an understanding of research and evaluation in support of business improvement. (Essential)
• Management Experience: Experience of managing a research team and/or programme of research aligned to strategic objectives/delivery plans, with an ability to effectively work across departments and support other business areas. (Essential)
• Critical Analysis & Report Writing: Experience of carrying out critical analysis of complex information derived from a variety of different qualitative and quantitative sources in order to provide robust assessment. Ability to apply knowledge in order to collate complex information into high quality, balanced and evidenced based reports, which identify trends and patterns (Essential)
• Government Social Research standards: Experience of conducting research and analysis in accordance with UK Government Social Research standards and protocols (or similar). (Essential)
• Designing & Developing Metrics: Experience of leading on the design, development and implementation of metrics and/or analytical frameworks intended to measure performance and understand impact. (Essential)

What we offer:

• Attractive Pension (Civil Service)
• Commitment to your personal and professional development
• Discounts at high street stores, supermarkets and restaurants
• through our partners at Blue Light Card, Edenred and Civil Service Sports Council.
• Sick Pay
• Free gym and car parking
• Annual Leave - 37 days rising to 42 days

For information on the job, including full job description and person specification, and to apply for these vacancies please visit the Scottish Prison Service website (via the ‘Apply’ button above). We are committed to your personal and professional development and offer a wide range of career progression opportunities.