Strategy and Communications
This role sits within the Strategy and Communications directorate. Strategy and Communications sits at the centre of the organisation, bringing together several teams with organisation-wide remits and mutual collaboration opportunities.
The work of the directorate’s teams includes delivery of major events, designing and leading public affairs or marketing campaigns, providing data, evidence and analysis, leading cross-organisational programmes, making sure we plan for and can respond to emerging events or emergencies in our city.
About the team
The Opinion Research team sits within the City Intelligence Unit, whose purpose is to provide the Mayor and the GLA with world-class evidence and analysis which enable the formulation of policy and strategy in London. We are a small group of qualitative and quantitative practitioners. You will be working alongside the existing Research Manager, Senior Qualitative Research Officer, Research Officer and Research Assistant.
Using more traditional forms of social research through to innovative digital engagement techniques, the Opinion Research team conducts and commissions research to tell the Mayor of London and policymakers the views and experiences of all Londoners to inform all stages of the policy cycle. We also provide advice and guidance on how to consult and involve Londoners to develop policies and strategies. We work closely with policy teams, colleagues in the Strategy and Communications directorate, and the Talk London community team.
About the role
This role focusses on managing research activities, with a focus on quantitative social research. It involves planning, organising and carrying out social research and consultation projects. The research will inform the design and delivery of policies and programmes at City Hall. It will provide Londoners a voice and influence through consultation and engagement. A key part of the role is co-ordinating a regular online poll of Londoners. This entails writing questions that answer a brief and interpreting results. Presenting the findings in an unbiased and engaging way is also critical.
As Senior Research Officer, you will build relationships with colleagues across the GLA to identify their research needs. Answering those needs, you will deliver presentations and written reports. These need to be engaging and accessible and incorporate other value-adding survey sources. Findings are shared both within the GLA and externally.
The team does not carry out every project. For some needs, you will support on commissioning a research agency. The role involves procuring suppliers, monitoring spend and ensuring value for money.
The team is always seeking to improve the impact and quality of research at the GLA and across the GLA family. As Senior Research Officer you will ensure that research reflects the diverse needs of London’s communities. You will seek new research methodologies and approaches to sharing insights. You will provide advice and expertise on research design and delivery across the GLA.
What your day will look like
- Drafting polling questions responding to a policy team brief to understand how Londoners are experiencing the cost of living crisis.
- Liaising with the polling agency to finalise timings and delivery according to the contract.
- Meeting with a policy team and the Talk London community team to discuss the best engagement approach to understand Londoners’ views on adapting London to cope with heat waves brought about by climate change.
- Reviewing agency proposals for research to understand Londoners reactions to adverts raising awareness of misogyny.
- Working with colleagues to deliver a presentation sharing learnings and best practice.
Skills, knowledge and experience
To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:
- Experience of planning, and carrying out quantitative opinion, social or market research projects. This should include experience of writing surveys and working with large datasets to produce accurate insights and reports.
- A proven track record of conducting or commissioning quantitative research with demonstrable skills in project planning and organisation; analysis and interpretation; and delivering influential presentations.
- A very good understanding of quantitative research and consultation methods.
- Experience working with communities and stakeholders in a creative and engaging way to inform policy and decision making.
- Excellent IT skills including proficiency with spreadsheets, presentations and survey tools.
- Building and managing effective relationships respecting equality and diversity needs.
An understanding of research or consultation database software, such as SPSS, NVIVO or similar, or knowledge of relevant coding languages such as Python or R is desirable.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:
- Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the criteria outlined above in the advert.
- Up to date CV (optional)
Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role. Please upload a personal statement to the ‘Additional Documents’ section of the form. Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images.
Please ensure your CV and Personal statement documents are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g. “CV – applicant name - 012345)
Please note, if you do not provide a personal statement, you will not be considered for the role so please ensure the above has been submitted before the deadline.
If you wish to speak to someone about the role or would like to discuss it informally, please feel free to join an online drop-in session with Yvette Smith (Research Manager) on 16th April 3.30-5pm on this link, or message the hiring manager (Yvette.smith@london.gov.uk) who is happy to speak to you about the role.
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.
Assessment process
Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview. The interview dates are: w/c 13th May 2024
Equality, diversity and inclusion
London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part-time work as this role is open to job share.
Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be
considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.
GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.
In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.
Additional Information
Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check, but some roles may require additional security screening.
Job Description
Principal accountabilities
1. Plan, organise and carry out social research and consultation projects to inform the Mayoral policy, priorities and service delivery, including management of a regular online poll of Londoners.
2. Work with colleagues across the GLA, including policy teams and the Mayor’s office, to identify, understand and develop their research, consultation and engagement needs.
3. Communicate engaging and accessible research, consultation and engagement findings, internally and externally, through written reports and presentations, identifying and reviewing government and other survey sources to add context and value.
4. Promote research, consultation and engagement activities across the GLA family by sharing research and learnings and providing advice and expertise on research design and delivery.
5. Promote new ways of working to improve the quality of research and impact of the team, including new methodologies and approaches to sharing insights.
6. Be responsible for the financial management of research projects including procuring suppliers, monitoring spend, and ensuring value for money.
7. Promote and enable equality of opportunities, and the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.
8. Manage staff and resources allocated to the job in accordance with the Authority’s policies and Code of Ethics and Standards.
9. Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job, and participating in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams.
Person specificationTechnical requirements/experience/qualifications
1. Experience of planning, and carrying out quantitative opinion, social or market research projects. This should include experience of working with large datasets to produce accurate insights, reports and delivering findings presentations.
2. A very good understanding of quantitative research and consultation methods.
3. Experience working with communities and stakeholders in a creative and engaging way to inform policy and decision making.
4. A proven track record of conducting or commissioning quantitative opinion or social research with demonstrable skills in projects planning, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data
5. Excellent IT skills including proficiency with spreadsheets and presentations is essential, an understanding of research or consultation database software, such as SPSS, NVIVO or similar or knowledge of relevant coding languages such as Python or R is desirable.
Behavioural competencies
Building & Managing Relationships
…is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals
Level 3 indicators of effective performance
· Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support GLA objectives
· Understands and recognises the contributions that staff at all levels make to delivering priorities
· Proactively manages partner relationships, preventing or resolving any conflict
· Adapts style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust and respect
· Delivers objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnership
Planning and organising
…is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.
Level 3 indicators of effective performance
· Monitors allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements that may impact work delivery
· Ensures evaluation processes are in place to measure project benefits
· Gains buy-in and commitment to project delivery from diverse stakeholders
· Implements quality measures to ensure directorate output is of a high standard
· Translates political vision into action plans and deliverables
Communicating and influencing
…is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate and engage with us.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
· Communicates openly and inclusively with internal and external stakeholders
· Clearly articulates the key points of an argument, both in verbal and written communication
· Persuades others, using evidence based knowledge, modifying approach to deliver message effectively
· Challenges the views of others in an open and constructive way
· Presents a credible and positive image both internally and externally
Research and analysis
…is gathering intelligence (information, opinion and data) from varied sources, making sense of it, testing its validity and drawing conclusions that can lead to practical benefits.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
· Proactively seeks new information sources to progress research agendas and address gaps in knowledge
· Grasps limitations of or assumptions behinds data sources, disregarding those that lack quality
· Analyses and integrates qualitative and quantitative data to find new insights
· Translates research outcomes into concise, meaningful reports
· Identifies relevant and practical research questions for the future
Strategic thinking
…is using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term and turning these into a compelling vision.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
· Works with a view to the future, prioritising own and others’ work in line with GLA objectives
· Briefs and prepares team to accomplish goals and objectives
· Communicates the GLA’s strategic priorities in a compelling and convincing manner, encouraging buy-in
· Balances own team’s needs with wider organisational needs
· Identifies synergies between team priorities and other relevant agendas.
Organisational awareness
…is understanding and being sensitive to organisational dynamic, culture and politics across and beyond the GLA and shaping our approach accordingly.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
· Challenges unethical behaviour
· Uses understanding of the GLA’s complex partnership arrangements to deliver effectively
· Recognises how political changes and sensitivities impact on own and team’s work
· Is aware of the changing needs of Londoners, anticipating resulting changes for work agendas
· Follows the GLA’s position in the media and understands how it impacts on work
More Support
If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam@london.gov.uk.
Disability Confident employer scheme
The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation, and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.
