Location
RCN UK HQ with hybrid working

Hours
Permanent, 35 hours per week

Salary
£79,482 - £89,238 per annum (plus inner London weighting of £5,094)

About the Role
At the Royal College of Nursing, we represent over half a million nurses, nursing support workers, and students across the UK. We are a voice for the profession – and behind that voice is the evidence. We’re looking for an exceptional individual to lead our workforce research, shaping the agenda that influences policy, practice, and the future of healthcare. Our aim in the Workforce Academy situated in the Institute of Excellence is to use robust evidence as the catalyst for combatting the nursing workforce crisis. We're focused on the systemic causes of trends that are driving up mental ill health and attrition among nursing staff and driving down the quality of patient care. As our Head of Workforce Research, you’ll lead impactful research and analysis that informs national debate, RCN policy, and advocacy. The post holder will provide leadership and management to the Workforce Academy’s programme of research. You’ll oversee major projects exploring critical issues such as staffing levels, workforce planning, recruitment and retention, and the health and wellbeing of the nursing workforce. You’ll work closely with policy leaders, academic partners, and external stakeholders across health, education, and government to ensure our research is timely, relevant, and influential. This role sits at the heart of our mission to improve the lives of those in nursing and ensure safe, effective care for patients. We will demonstrate the value of nursing to achieving nursing excellence and identify means of ensuring care is a safe and positive experience for both staff and patients.

Experience
You’ll have extensive experience of designing, conducting and leading programmes of research, alongside knowledge mobilisation expertise.

About you
You’ll have a PhD in a relevant discipline, with expertise in mixed methods and/or quantitative methodology and excellent knowledge and understanding of workforce research, data analysis, evidence synthesis and philosophy of social science. You’ll have the ability to build engaging and accessible content for both academic and non-academic audiences (including members, senior leaders, policy makers).

Qualifications
A PhD in a relevant discipline is required.