Director of Research - RCN02709
Research | RCN UK HQ with hybrid working | £120,540 (including inner London weighting of £5094)
Contract type: Permanent
Director of Research
RCN UK HQ with hybrid working, 35 hours, Permanent
£115,446 - £126,753 per annum plus London Weighting of £5,094 per annum
At the Royal College of Nursing we’re an optimistic organisation. And we’ve got good reason to be. We all share the same voice when it comes to changing the shape of the health policies of the future. And as the largest trade union of nursing staff and students in the UK – with over half a million members – all we can see are the infinite possibilities for a brighter future. Join us and you will too.
We're accredited with Investors in People Silver Standard. Our people are our greatest asset, and we want people who can contribute to our purpose in line with our values.
As our Director of Research you’ll have strategic leadership responsibility, through a matrix-working approach, for research across the Royal College of Nursing and how it is impactfully deployed at a national level.
You will provide strategic advice to the Chief of Staff and the RCN’s General Secretary & Chief Executive on the potential for research and to work effectively with a wide range of key internal stakeholders including Executive Directors, the RCN Institute of Nursing Excellence and its associate directors, public policy and influencing teams, the RCN’s elected governing Council and members across the UK to build a compelling evidence base for the College’s arguments.
As well as Improving and disseminating the evidence base that leads to better health care and working conditions you’ll provide strategic research advice on the RCN’s main areas of work and to inform key organisational positioning alongside RCN staff and elected member leadership.
You will use your expertise across a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to improve the RCN evidence base and impact of RCN work, with the ultimate goal of improving our members’ working lives and the quality of care and services you provide.
You’ll use your understanding of the health and care systems of UK and relevant policy environments for salient and emerging issues to influence health, nursing and employment issues alongside internal and external stakeholders.
To succeed at the Royal College of Nursing all you need to do is think bigger, better and brighter. And with an attitude like that, anything’s possible.
What we offer you
We expect you to look after our members. And we expect you to be rewarded for it. We offer an impressive range of benefits, a broad range of learning development opportunities and an award-winning health and wellbeing programme. We offer annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays and three additional days for the Christmas break plus generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages.
*We offer a competitive pay structure with annual pay progression until you reach the top of the salary scale. We normally offer new employees the first point of the salary range, although you may be able to negotiate a higher starting salary depending on your skills, experience and current salary.
We are a diverse organisation and understand everyone has different needs and many of our employees enjoy flexible working enabling them to deliver results whilst having a good work life balance. Our hybrid working model allows for up to 60% of your working time to be carried out from home. At least 40% of your working time will be spent working in person.
Our selection process
Please click the ‘apply now’ button to submit a CV and answer the supporting questions online demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. You may not be shortlisted if you don’t. Please ensure your CV is in a simple format with minimal tables and sections. Any identifying information in your application will automatically be anonymised for shortlisting purposes.
We want your experience applying for a job with us to be the best it can be. We may hold our interviews and assessments in person or by video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.
Equal opportunities for everyone
Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us and we aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their authentic selves to work. This is integral to our mission to enable you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by all UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients.
As proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.
Contact details
For more information or for an informal discussion about the role please contact [Manager Name, Job Title] on [telephone number].
For more information about the recruitment and selection process please contact recruit@rcn.org.uk
Opening date: 24 June 2025
Closing date: 11.59pm on 08 July 2025
If we receive many applications after a week of advertising, we may close this vacancy earlier.
Selection dates: Week commencing 14 July 2025
Interview date:
Contracted hours: 35