Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Job Description
JD Ref:
JD426
Title of Post:
Social Researcher
Band:
Band 7
Reporting to:
Head of Policy
Location:
As detailed in the conditions of service
1.
Job Purpose
To provide critical social research and evaluation expertise, and leadership in
relation to participation and person centredness and support the development of
a cross organisational monitoring and evaluation function.
To project manage a portfolio of research projects including individual,
collaborative, and commissioned work and to use the outputs to influence
internal (Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Scottish Health Council) and
national policy and practice i.e. NHS and Scottish Government.
To develop a research and evaluation programme for the Scottish Health
Council; and ensure a consistently high standard of performance across the
organisation and contribute to the Research Strategy for Healthcare
Improvement Scotland.
2.
Job Dimensions
This work is at national level with links to UK level and the post holder will be
expected to establish and maintain effective communication across the public,
private and voluntary sectors, with Scottish Government, academic and
improvement institutions in relation to person centredness and participation. This
will include collaborative research and commissioning work with external
research bodies as appropriate
As Social Research specialist for the organisation the post holder will provide
expert advice, training and quality assurance on the development and use of
qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to support Scottish Health
Council staff (approximately 60) to deliver core functions across the organisation.
The post holder will also provide support across Healthcare Improvement
Scotland on social research and evaluation.
1
The postholder is a member of the Healthcare Improvement Scotland research
team, and professionally line managed by the Head of Knowledge Management,
but also a member of the Scottish Health Council’s Participation Network,
accountable to the Head of Policy, and physically located with the Network
Team.
Impacts upon the total NHS Scotland budget
HIS budget
Directorate budget
Directorate WTE
Authorised signatory
£10b (approx)
£20m (approx)
£3m (approx)
Approx. 60
for up to £5000
The post holder has responsibility for a delegated research budget of £20,000
3. Organisational Position/Department Structure
See organisational chart in appendix.
4. Key Result Areas, or Main Tasks Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and deliver a research programme for the Scottish Health Council
selecting and applying appropriate methodologies based on rigorous research
principles to combine a range of data from previous research, professional
practice and service user experience. This will require interpreting and
combining evidence which may be highly complex, contradictory or variable in
nature e.g. quantitative statistical data from research papers and quantitative
transcripts from focus groups.

Contribute to the delivery of the Scottish Health Council’s work programme and
be individually responsible for managing a portfolio of up to 6 national research
projects, each with an average duration of 18 months. Responsibilities will also
include the planning, and management of collaborative research projects and
commissioning of research.

Identify relevant areas and partners for research on behalf of the organisation
and ensure effective research management at all stages of each project,
whether externally commissioned or collaborative, to facilitate successful and
timely delivery.

Project manage specific research initiatives where there will often be complex
options with no standard approaches, and where strong option development and
appraisal skills are required.

Ensure wide dissemination of research findings including writing up the synthesis
of evidence in reports and relevant journals

Present the work of the Scottish Health Council through varied communications
outputs including local, national and international conferences.
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
Develop and deliver specialist training and support on research and evaluation to
staff within the Scottish Health Council/Healthcare Improvement Scotland and to
external stakeholders in order to promote evidence based improvements in
patient and public participation.

Quality assure the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods across
the Scottish Health Council and advise on data analysis and reporting. This will
include managing the Scottish Health Council’s Survey Monkey account.

Provide high quality and consistent, support, advice and training to Scottish
Health Council staff and NHS service providers on evaluation of PFPI. i.e. devise
and support the implementation of a Monitoring and Evaluation framework for the
Strategy for User Involvement and Person Centredness within Healthcare
Improvement Scotland and the Scottish Health Council, lead the development of
an evaluation toolkit and provide training in its use. Horizon scan to ensure that
the organisation and its external stakeholders are kept informed of the latest UK
and international developments..

Play a major role in establishing the Participation Network as a source of credible
advice and expertise on existing, emerging and innovative improvement
methodologies and approaches as they relate to patient and public participation
and person centredness, and contribute to the development of effective
knowledge management systems

Have a lead role in developing research based policy for Healthcare
Improvement Scotland and Scottish Government, i.e. social media policy,
advising on emerging participation technologies.

Work in collaboration with other researchers in Healthcare Improvement Scotland
on research and development projects as jointly agreed by the Head of Policy
and the Head of Knowledge Management.

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the evidence for new methodologies
and technologies relating to Patient Focus and Public Involvement in order to act
as a source of expertise, and input to national policy promoting creative and
innovative approaches within the NHS and with wider stakeholders.

Contribute to the development of recommendations for NHSScotland and the
Scottish Government, with policy and financial implications, based, for example,
on findings from the review of the Healthcare Quality Standard and Service
Change Review function; and pursue other opportunities to influence Scottish
Government and NHSScotland policy based on evidence gathered relating to
patient and public participation, and person centredness.
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5.
Equipment and Machinery


Teleconferencing equipment
Well developed IT skills, including use of:
­ Microsoft Office word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
­ Databases for storing references to scientific papers, questionnaire data
etc including Reference Manager
­ Policy and strategy development software
­ Questionnaire design software
­ Accessing, searching and downloading bibliographic citations from a wide
range of healthcare, scientific and policy oriented bibliographic and full text
databases.
­ Advanced internet searching
­ Social Media Tools
­ Video and Teleconferencing equipment
6. Systems
The post requires the ability to interrogate PFPI literature and relevant databases, and
also to develop and manage data storage systems for all types of evidence collected,
selected and used in Scottish Health Council outputs. This will include the storage of
data from questionnaires, data extraction from the literature, and other sources which
will be used by staff of the organisation, on occasion external collaborators, and permit
research audit





Plan, manage and monitor research projects using project management systems
such as Prince 2.
Cedar accounting system for authorisation of purchase orders
Utilise the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework from a staff perspective
Incident reporting system
NHS data collection, databasing (e.g. literature databases) and analysis systems
to facilitate the use of optimal and relevant data sources when assessing Boards’
patient focus and public involvement activities
Specialised software



7.
Research software: NVivo, Survey Monkey,
Bibliographic software: Endnote
Microsoft windows packages: Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, MS
project
Decisions and Judgements
The post holder reports to the Head of Policy. Work is driven by the Scottish
Health Council’s work programme, Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Local
Delivery Plan, and the drive to establish an evidence base for participation by
embedding evaluation systems and processes across NHS organisations.
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The post holder is expected to work autonomously within a framework of annually
agreed objectives and performance review, linked to the Scottish Health Council
work plan with guidance sought from senior colleagues where specific knowledge
is required. The post holder will be guided by general research approaches but
will use significant judgement to establish how these will be applied, interpreted
and developed within the organisation and across the NHS.
The post holder will need to respond to unanticipated requests from Scottish
Government and prioritise workload accordingly. The post holder has significant
freedom to act and to use their initiative in the planning and delivery of their own
research responsibilities, commissioning projects from inception through to
practical implementation and evaluation. This involves discussing and agreeing
areas of work with Senior managers ‘as well as eliciting buy in from staff across
14 local offices. This also involves making strategic and operational judgements,
and the interpretation and analysis of complex information.
As the Social Research specialist for the Scottish Health Council, the post holder
is required to lead on research and evaluation in the context of the overall goals
and objectives of the Scottish Health Council, and to ensure quality and
consistency of all research and evaluation activity. This will involve providing
advice, guidance, training and quality assurance to all Scottish Health Council
employees, as well as liaising with senior colleagues across Healthcare
Improvement Scotland to ensure delivery of work in accordance with research
governance and other policies and legislation and ensuring consistency of
approach.
The post-holder will be expected to maintain their continuing professional
development and will be encouraged to explore interests in particular areas of
health services research methodology (PFPI), and to develop the organisation’s
approach in relation to these. Professional guidance and development support
will be provided by the Head of Knowledge Management.
8. Communications and Working Relationships
External
The post holder is required to present highly complex and often sensitive
research findings at internal and external national open meetings and
conferences which may be attended by a wide range of individuals including
senior NHS professionals , health services staff, academics and members of the
public. This also requires the ability to answer questions effectively and
sensitively taking account of competing understanding and perspectives.
The postholder is expected to provide information in a range of written formats
from improvement science papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals to
information accessible to patients and the public.
This post requires significant engagement with individuals external to the
organisation, including:
5

University based academic staff and other research organisations, to
undertake joint research projects.

Staff from various agencies, including the Scottish Government Health
Department, NHS Boards and NHS operating divisions to discuss current
patient focus and public involvement research policy and practice.

Representatives of patient groups, members of other voluntary agencies
and the public to ensure that the patient and public perspective is
included in developing an evidence base for participation.

Other national and UK stakeholders related to research and participation
Internal
Internal communications with various Scottish Health Council and Healthcare
Improvement Scotland staff. These include:

The Director and Senior Management Team of the Scottish Health
Council to provide advice, guidance and information relating to research
methods, Research Governance and ethics and on interpretation of
research finding and implications for the work of the organisation

Employees within the Scottish Health Council across Scotland to offer
advice, training and quality assurance on the use of research methods and
negotiate the use of evaluation tools to demonstrate the impact of the
organization.

Senior research colleagues within Healthcare Improvement Scotland in
order to influence and shape the Research Strategy, and agree areas of
shared responsibility

Communications staff, in order to shape social media policy and or internet
publishing and issues related to publication and dissemination of reports
etc

Other relevant directorates within Healthcare Improvement Scotland
including the Knowledge Management Unit to share information and
methodologies

IT, for hardware/software related matters, database development
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9. Physical, Mental and Emotional Demands of the Job
Physical

Keyboard skills

Frequent travel to meetings and conferences across Scotland

Requirement for concentrated and sustained activity over prolonged
periods during meetings with research colleagues and others, and when
interpreting and analysing research data.
Mental










Analysing highly complex information through quantitative and qualitative
methods
Critically appraising results and interpreting them for different audiences
with different levels of understanding
Seeking, using and interpreting complex information to generate solutions
and recommendations to ensure delivery of research projects
Analysing and evaluating information and data from a wide range of
sources to develop the evidence base for participation
Responding to requests for support from SHC staff on qualitative and
quantitative research methodologies
Responding to varied and often conflicting requests
Prioritising demands of multiple, complex projects
Positively influencing the commitment of Scottish Health Council staff to
the delivery of national research projects to which they may contribute
Representing the organisation at national meetings and events
Concentrating mental effort in analysis and appraisal of both verbal and
written information throughout all stages of individual research projects
Emotional






Well-developed sensitivity because of the seniority of the people with
whom they interact and the nature of the subjects discussed.
Management and resolution of conflict with senior colleagues within the
organisation on issues such as Research Governance
Responding to negative feedback from stakeholders and dealing with this
in a sensitive and professional manner at all times
Operating with sensitivity and awareness in raising and resolving issues
related to the quality or progress of commissioned or collaborative
research.
Operating with sensitivity in dealing with negative feedback on findings or
recommendations from NHS stakeholders
Communication of results of assessments and projects which may be
perceived as negatively impacting on the current practice from a resource
perspective.
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10.
Most Challenging/Difficult Parts of the Job

Managing a portfolio of high profile research projects, anticipating barriers
and delays and taking remedial action to ensure timely delivery of projects
and applicability of funding.

Managing the range of conflicting perspectives and diverse stakeholders
i.e NHS Managers, patients and the public, PFPI practitioners,
academics, Scottish Government and SHC staff.

Planning work across 14 Local Offices and involving staff in delivery of
national objectives within tight deadlines and time frames in order to meet
external expectations i.e. Scottish Government.

The post requires extensive knowledge management, to develop an indepth understanding of new Patient Focus and Public Involvement and
qualitative research methodologies topics and to maintain up-to-date
knowledge of:




11.
The rapidly changing context and fluid policy landscape within
which patient focus and public involvement is provided
developments in patient focus and public involvement research
methodology
sources of health and social care research information
the organisation of the NHS across the UK.

Assessing the quality and relevance of information from the mass of
available data; synthesising large amounts of disparate material; and
presenting the information appropriately and succinctly, in order that it can
be used to inform policy decisions within NHSScotland.

The post also requires the post holder to ensure consistency of
information and approach to research, verification and evaluation methods
across the complexity of the organisation (which includes 14 local offices,
both remote and rural and urban) and report writing in both strands
(Service Change and Participation Standard) of the Participation Review
function.
Knowledge, Training and Experience required to do the Job

Knowledge and expertise acquired through a combination of in-depth
experience and postgraduate study (such as a Master’s degree, or
appropriate level experience that could be considered equal to a Master’s
degree, or significant research in Patient Focus & Public Involvement) is
required to perform successfully in this post.

Demonstrable track record and in depth knowledge of qualitative and
quantitative research, questionnaire development, statistical analysis and
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practice development, with consistent experience of fulfilling similar roles
within the public, private or voluntary sector.

A well-developed understanding of the political context and policy priorities
in relation to participation and person centredness within the NHS.

Extensive knowledge management experience needed to inform policy on
a wide range of assessment and Patient Focus and Public Involvement
areas and to keep abreast of developments in Patient Focus and Public
Involvement practice and research.

IT skills including the use of statistical packages, referencing systems,
spreadsheets and word processing tools and systems to manage research
data.

Planning, project management and problem solving skills are essential to
ensure delivery of objectives and to deal with and prioritise a varied and
demanding workload.

High level of communication skills both oral and written, including
advanced presentation skills and the ability to present complex information
to different target audiences.

Excellent interpersonal skills in order to influence senior internal and
external stakeholders.

Demonstrable experience in using innovative and creative approaches,
coupled with a comprehensive understanding of improvement
methodologies.

Team working skills in addition to the ability to work independently and on
own initiative.
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Conditions of Service
TITLE:
Social Researcher
BASE:
Delta House
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
50 West Nile St
Glasgow
G1 2NP
WORK LOCATION:
Your work location may be different to your base depending
on the role and travel may be required during the course of
your employment. Further details will be discussed at
interview and will be detailed in the Terms and Conditions of
Employment for the successful applicant.
BAND:
Band 7
SALARY SCALES:
£31,696 - £41,787* (As of the 1 April 2016)
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
You should expect to start at the minimum of the salary
range, although a higher starting salary may exceptionally
be offered where a candidate’s skills, knowledge and/or
experience are considered to be particularly relevant and are
clearly evident in the selection process.
6 months
HOURS AND DURATION:
Based on a working week of 37.5 hours for a period of 52
weeks.
ANNUAL HOLIDAYS:
27 days
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
8 local/ public holidays per annum
REPORTING TO:
Head of Policy
SUPERANNUATION:
All employees are entitled to become members of the NHS
pension scheme. They are automatically entered into the
scheme on their first day of service unless they indicate
otherwise**.
Sessional workers who work for more than 10 sessions per
week under NHS conditions may be unable to contribute
further to the superannuation scheme.
**As from the 1 February 2014, Staff wishing to opt out of the
pension scheme can only do so after enrolment.
SMOKING POLICY:
The organisation has a no smoking policy
The conditions above are for information purposes for permanent or fixed term appointments only
and may be subject to variation. They do not form the basis of a legal contract. If appointed to the
role on a Secondment basis, you will retain your substantive terms and conditions.
*The salary scales shown are based on working full time hours. Where a position is
offered on a part time basis, the pro-rata annual salary paid will be proportional to the
actual hours worked.
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Head of Policy
Performance &
Planning
Manager
Performance
Analyst (SHC
Forth Valley)
Performance
Analyst (SHC Fife)
Public
Partnership CoOrdinator
Programme
Manager Volunteering
Patient
Involvement
Officer
Project Officer
Equality &
Diversity Advisor
Social
Researcher
(THIS POST)
Information
Officer
Administrator
Public
Involvement Coordinator (SMC)
Public Involvement
Officer
Events & Publicity
Officer
Patient Focus and
Public
Involvement
Advisor
Project
Adminstrator
11