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Senior Researcher Job Description


Senior Researchers undertake and lead research and analysis, to produce fresh, cutting-edge insight predominantly (though not solely) across Crest’s Research portfolio.

We are looking for highly organised, experienced researchers capable of delivering high quality research to tight deadlines. Knowledge and experience of crime and justice is desirable but not essential. Our projects deal with important social issues such as serious youth violence, violence against women and girls and supporting victims of crime. Researchers with an interest in research which influences public policy may find this a rewarding role.


Examples of current research portfolio projects include:

Stop and Search: The Evidence

Cutting the Head off the Snake: Disrupting County Lines

Counting the Cost of Maternal Imprisonment

Senior researchers may also work on major independent reviews or public inquiries Crest supports, typically through research and policy advice. More information about this portfolio of work is available here

Main purpose and scope

 
  • Design and carry out high quality research to further the evidence base in the crime and justice policy area

  • In addition, design and conduct analysis for projects undertaken on behalf of clients and ensure the analysis is presented in a compelling way.

  • Quality assure analysis and support and develop the research skills of individual team members and the wider team

  • Plan and project manage smaller projects (including budget) and similarly act as the key point of contact for the client for these projects

  • Line manage analysts where required

  • Use analysis to produce fresh, cutting-edge insight, both for projects and as part of wider Crest thought leadership efforts

  • Work to ensure that Crest is seen as an organisation with the highest standards of analytical rigour and policy insight

  • Build partnership and alliances with academics, think tanks and other like-minded organisations

Position in organisation

 
  • Reports to: Research Lead

  • Responsible for: leading research projects across our research portfolio


Duties and key responsibilities

 
  • Design and conduct high quality analysis in the service of projects across the team and for wider thought leadership efforts.

  • Long-form writing

  • Quality assuring content produced by the team.

  • Project manage individual research and client projects, ensuring they achieve impact and enhance Crest’s reputation for excellence.

  • Develop new policy/ analytical insights and methodologies, which help cement Crest’s position as the country’s leading specialists on criminal justice policy.

  • Ensure the team is up to date with the most recent policy/ analytical/ research literature.

  • Ensure appropriate recording of activities in line with Crest Advisory processes.

  • Ensure that projects are delivered on time and to budget.

  • Line management if required.


The post-holder may be asked to complete tasks not listed above but which are within the scope of the role.



General responsibilities

 
  • Commitment to equal opportunities

  • Cooperation with health and safety policies

  • Adhere to confidentiality requirements

  • Commitment to Crest’s company values

  • Collaborate with and behave respectfully towards colleagues


Salary

 

£37,500 to £42,500 (pro-rata) depending upon skills and experience.


Hours and location

 

You will work from both our London (Old Street) office and at home, 40 hours per week full-time; a part-time arrangement will be considered. We operate a flexible working policy and expect staff to be in the office 3 days a week. You can work from the office 5 days a week if that is your preference.


Benefits

 

Benefits include 25 days holiday per annum pro-rata, participation in the company-wide profit-share scheme, pension, flexible working is available to all employees, subject to availability; other benefits include season ticket loans for transport, childcare vouchers and “cycle to work” scheme.




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The UK's only consultancy dedicated to crime and justice.

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