Senior Research Officer

Application Information Pack

Senior Research Officer

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in the position of Senior Research Officer for the Centre for Labour and Social Studies (CLASS).

We are seeking an individual with strongquantitativeskills to lead CLASS’s research projects. The role will include designing and producing new research, as well as working with our impressive set of contributing academics to publish timely, high quality and hard-hitting outputs. The role would suit a hard-workingindividual with a minimum of two years experience in applied statistics who understands policy change and the socio-economic challenges facing the UK. Excellent communication skills and strong organisational skills are a must. As a committed team, we are looking for someone that passionately cares about building a better, more equal, Britain.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to building the profile of a growing think tank working to promote debate and discussion on alternative policies for the left. Originating in the labour movement, CLASS works with a broad coalition of supporters and academics to provide analysis and ideas that can inspire the left, cement a broad alliance of social forces and influence policy development to ensure the political agenda is on the side of everyday people.

This is an important role, central to the development of CLASS’s reputation and output. You’ll be working closely with the Director to decide on the organisation’s strategy and policy messages, and will be asked to promote CLASS’s work in multiple arenas. Ideally we would like to have someone in post by early January 2017.

We are flexible about the location of this role. Our offices are in Holborn, London where we would prefer for you to be based. However, if you are located outside of London we can consider a more flexible arrangement, as long as you are able to travel to our offices one day a week and for relevant events. The position is offered on a full-time (37.5 hours/week) permanent basis, with a three-month probation period. However, depending on the individual we are willing to consider shorter working hours (a minimum of four days or 30 hours).

Please find enclosed:

Some background information on Class
Guidance on completing your application
A job description and person specification

Please complete an application form and an equal opportunities monitoring form and return both by email to or by post to Class, 128 Theobalds Road, London, WC1X 8TN by midnight on Tuesday 8th November.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Faiza Shaheen

Director

Organisation Information

The Centre for Labour and Social Studies (CLASS) is a growing thinktank at an exciting point of its development. It was established in 2012 to act as a centre for left debate and discussion. Originating in the labour movement, CLASS works with a broad coalition of supporters, trade unions, academics and experts to develop and advance alternative policies for today and to challenge mainstream socio-economic narratives.

Through the production of high quality, intellectually compelling publications and events CLASS seeks to shape ideas that can inspire the left, cement a broad alliance of social forces and influence policy development to ensure the political agenda is on the side of everyday people. Crucially, we do this with working people – listening to the voices within the labour movement and ensuring our publications are accessible to the wider public. We disseminate our publications throughout the union movement and beyond.

What does CLASS do?

CLASS aims to challenge mainstream socio-economic analysis and to develop alternative policy ideas to elevate the needs and concerns of everyday people. It publishes briefings, policy papers and think pieces to deliver these aims. Projects already underway address issues of growth and the economy, work and pay,Brexit and impacts on the working class, youth prospects, amongst others.

CLASS organises seminars and events to encourage discussion on new policy ideas. The key date for CLASS is the annual national conference in November which attracts hundreds of delegates from across the labour movement.

CLASS also acts as a resource base, hosting policy documents and briefings from the labour movement on our website, producing factsheets and email briefings on a range of policy concerns and delivering training on the economy and inequality.

Who is involved?

CLASS was set up by Unite the Union, the GMB and the Institute of Employment Rights and now has the support of a growing number of trade unions including ASLEF, BFAWU, CWU, GFTU, FEU, Musicians' Union, NUM, NUT, PCS, PFA, TSSA and UCATT.

The organisation is run day-to-day by a small and dedicated team. Work is overseen by the Director and the Management Committee ( Alongside this, CLASS has an impressive National Advisory Panel of experts ( who offer guidance on policy direction.

Applicant Information

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 15th November. Please keep this date free.

Unfortunately, we are unable to reply to all candidates. If you have not heard back from us by 12th November2016 we have decided not to interview you on this occasion.

Advice and Guidance on applying for a job with CLASS

We have put together some advice on completing the application form that we hope you find useful.

General Advice and Guidelines

You may find it useful to prepare a rough draft before completion of the form. This will help you to avoid mistakes or repetitions. It will also assist you in making the form well organised and relevant.

(5)(6) Telephone Number & Email Address

Please ensure that you indicate if you do not want us to contact you at work.

(7) Two Referees

Please include your present or most recent employer and another previous employer as your referees. If you have not been employed, you may wish to give the name of a person who knows you well enough to confirm the information you have given, and to comment on your ability to do the job, for example a school or college tutor. Please note that any offer of employment is subject to receipt of references acceptable to us.

(11) Education/Qualifications/Training

Evidence of any relevant qualifications claimed will be requested if an offer of a job is made.

(12) Work Experience/Employment History

In detailing your nature of duties, please only give brief details. It is sufficient to explain the main features of each job that you have had. Please check that any dates requested are correct and in the right order. If you have any gaps, please tell us what you were doing during that time.

(13) Experience Relevant to Post

This is the section where you will make your main case for the job.

Read the Job Description thoroughly and ask yourself why you are interested in the job. Can you support your decision with supporting evidence?

Concentrate on the Person Specification and think of evidence that shows you have the necessary skills, knowledge or experience to do the job.

Ensure that you include all relevant experience as this will assist in the shortlisting process. Remember, you may have gained experience outside of paid employment, for example during education or in voluntary or community work.

You should aim to present your experiences in a concise and positive way.

(14) Additional comments in support of application

This is a space where you can make a general statement or comment relevant to what CLASS does and the issues it works on, and/ or more broadly about the current economic situation in the UK.

Finally

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Research Officer

Contract: Permanent

Salary:£33,000 - £40,000 per annum, depending on experience

Hours:Full Time (37.5 hours per week), but we will consider applicants wishing to work 30 hours/ 4 days

Responsible to: Director

Location: Class, 128 Theobalds Road, London, WC1X 8TN (with possible flexible arrangement if located outside London)

Holidays: 30 days + bank holidays (if full time)

Role

The Senior Research Officer will be an integral part of our small busy team, working under the guidance of the Director to lead research design and outputs. There are three core responsibilities:

Keeping abreast of changing UK economic and labour market dynamicsthrough monitoring key statistical releases and relevant reports. You will work with the Director to disseminate analysis with regular blogs and vlogs;
Designing and carrying out primary research so that we develop a unique and informed voice on core economic and social issues, able to challenge and progress mainstream conversation;
Liaising with academics and experts to strengthen and grow the list of contributors to CLASS publications.

The role will involve ensuring that CLASS has a strong and unique research base from which we can develop policy ideas and a strong analytical stance on economic change. There is also room to develop policy expertise and research on topic areas deemed priorities by the team.

CLASS are looking for a highly numerate individual, with experience of manipulating and analysing data using programming languages. The candidate must be very organised, and able to work with a considerable degree of autonomy and to consistently meet deadlines. Given the unique perspective of CLASS it is vital that the candidate has a strong understanding of the impacts of inequality and role of trade unions in British society today.

As a member of a small team, there is a degree of flexibility to the role. It is likely to extend to providing general support with additional projects that CLASS undertakes. This may, on occasion, include supporting others in the team to organise events.

Main Responsibilities:

In your role as Senior Research Officer, and under guidance from the Director, you will:

Analyseeconomic trends, including the labour market, housing, regional and economic inequalities, producing written and spoken updates to the team and regular blogs and outputs for public consumption.
Gather data by proactively scanning the external policy, parliamentary and research environments to identify emergent issues which may impact on the work of CLASS.
Generate innovative ideas for new quantitative research using available government and survey data, as well as datasets from within the trade union movement.
Lead and contribute to the dissemination of research findings in clear, accessible ways that maximise policy influence. This includes delivering presentations, speaking at relevant events and engaging with mainstream media.
Take responsibility for the day to day progress and delivery of projects; working independently to deliver high quality and timely outputs.
Work with CLASS staff to identify academics and experts to write research and policy papers.
Liaise with academics and experts to undertake written contributions in line with CLASS’s strategy, critically analysing submissions, proof-reading drafts, as well as monitoring costs, budgets and timescales.
Ensure that project teams (including external contributors) understand their roles and objectives, ensuring that communication is maintained with all involved.
Draft project/ policy summaries, briefings and blogs for publicity and inclusion on the website.
Present regular reports to the CLASS Officers and Management Committee.

You will also support other work of CLASS as and when required:

Assist in growing and developing links with unions and other organisations.
Provide general administrative and research support.
Represent CLASS at external events in a professional manner.

Person Specification

Essential (E) / Desirable (D)
Experience
An understanding of data analysis in the evaluation of the economy, society and in policy evaluation with relevant experience of applied statistics in this arena / E
Communicating complex research to a lay audience both in written form and verbally / E
Highly numerate, with a minimum of twoyears experience manipulating and analysing data to influence public policy / E
Experience of sourcing information, analysing findings and drafting clear and accurate reports / E
Knowledge and understanding of, and the ability to work within, a complex political environment / D
Expertise in one or more relevant policy areas including the labour market, housing, tax, regional and the macro-economy / D
Understanding and experience of the process of policy development / D
Skills and Abilities
An undergraduate or post-graduate degree in a numerate discipline such as mathematics, economics, psychology or geography, or a course with formal statistical training like sociology and social research methods. We also welcome applications from candidates who do not have a degree but can demonstrate significant experience in statistical analysis of the economy and society. / E
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate and deliver high quality and timely research outputs / E
Ability to use own initiative and work under pressure with minimal supervision, prioritising a busy workload to tight deadlines and proactively developing and delivering projects. / E
Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills; including the ability to express statistical or complex ideas effectively either orally, in writing or both / E
Well-developed ability to work well with others as part of a team, providing support as required, and building and maintaining effective working relationships in and outside of an organisation. / E
Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Office and SPSS or STATA) / E
Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy / E
Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to research and write copy for a range of audiences and formats. / E
Other
Interest in politics, UK public policy and a firm commitment to the labour movement and the values of CLASS. / E
Willingness and ability to undertake some travel across the country to attend relevant conferences, conduct research and speak at events, with some overnight stays. / E
Willingness and ability to be flexible and work outside normal office hours where necessary, especially during busy periods in the run-up to key publications being launched. / E
Understanding of and commitment to equality and diversity / E

SRO - Oct 16