Job Description
Research Assistant
HM Inspectorate of Prisons
About The Role
These posts offer a unique opportunity to develop practical social research skills as
part of a close-knit team working in a fast-paced environment. Much of the day-to-day
work of the 12-strong Research, Data & Thematics (RDT) team involves conducting
surveys in places of detention and analysing the results for use by inspectors.
Reporting to one of our Research Officers, the post holders will also help to maintain
HMIP’s databases, provide analysis for thematic and other reports, and act as an
ambassador for the Inspectorate while on inspections. The job involves regular travel
and time away from home carrying out surveys in places of detention - on average one
or two nights per fortnight.
Responsibilities
• Organising and attending visits to custodial establishments on a regular basis to
conduct detainee surveys
• Processing and analysing survey data
• Checking survey findings for publication in inspection reports
• Collating and presenting data to inform inspections and other projects
• Updating and maintaining HMIP databases and providing analysis for
governance meetings and annual report.
Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Essential
- An Honours degree or post-graduate qualification in a relevant social or
statistical science (e.g. Sociology, Statistics, Psychology, Criminology or
similar) with a substantial social research methods component.
- Candidates successful at the application stage will be invited to complete an
exercise which will test analytical skills and knowledge of research
methodologies relevant to the role.
Desirable
• Experience of using IBM SPSS or other statistical analysis package
• Experience of using MS Office applications, specifically Word, Excel,
OneNote and Outlook
• Interest in the criminal justice system
• Commitment to the values of HM Inspectorate of Prisons
Physical requirements of the role
The role of the Research, Data & Thematics team at HMIP can be physically
demanding. While undertaking detainee surveys researchers are required to spend a
lot of time on their feet, which will include ascending and descending multiple sets of
stairs, crouching down to post questionnaires under doors if required, and carrying
upwards of 70 paper questionnaires. They also need to be able to respond quickly if
necessary, for example exiting a wing if there is an emergency.
Success Profiles
You will be tested against the Success Profiles used across the Civil Service at
application and/or at interview stage. Candidates successful at the first sift will be
invited to complete an online task (for which no special preparation is required).
Essential behaviours:
Delivering at pace: Regularly review the success of activities in the team
to identify barriers to progress or challenging objectives. Identify who and
what is required to ensure success, set clear goals and areas of
responsibility and continually assess workloads considering individual
needs. Follow relevant policies, procedures and legislation to complete
your work. Ensure colleagues have the correct tools and resources
available to them to do their jobs. Have a positive and focused attitude to
achieving outcomes, despite any setbacks. Regularly check performance
against objectives, making suggestions for improvement or taking
corrective action where necessary. Ensure that colleagues are supported
where tasks are challenging.
Working together: Develop a range of contacts outside own team and
identify opportunities to share knowledge, information and learning. Show
genuine interest when listening to others. Contribute to an inclusive
working environment where all opinions and challenges are listened to and
all individual needs are taken into account. Ensure it is clear that bullying,
harassment and discrimination are unacceptable. Offer support and help
to colleagues when in need, including consideration of your own and their
wellbeing. Change ways of working to aid cooperation within and between
teams in order to achieve results.
Communicating and Influencing: Communicate clearly and concisely
both orally and in writing. Take time to consider the best communication
channel to use for the audience, including making the best of digital
resources and considering value for money. Interact with others in an
enthusiastic way. Express ideas clearly and with respect for others. Listen
to and value different ideas, views and ways of working. Respond
constructively and objectively to comments and questions. Handle
challenging conversations with confidence and sensitivity.