Senior Research Specialist
Mencap
Do you have experience delivery high quality research projects? Are you motivated by research that drives real change? Are you inclusive to your core and able to support colleagues whom have lived experience?
Mencap is looking for a Senior Research Specialist, and this could be the perfect opportunity for you. This is an exceptional opportunity to take a senior role in a passionate, skilled and impactful research team whose work sits at the heart of Mencap’s mission.
The insights you and the team unearth will directly support our policy and influencing work to break down barriers and create a fairer society for people with a learning disability. You will have access to Mencap’s wide reaching networks and be able to see the knowledge you bring into the organisation make a real difference in the delivery of our many different services and programmes.
This role is a full time (37.5 hours per week), permanent role. We’re offering flexibility as to where this role is based, we’re also open to discussions about part‑time working.
As Senior Research Specialist, you will:
- Design, develop and carry out research and analytical projects in support of Mencap’s strategic priorities such as health, social care, employment and education.
- Provide research and analytical support to the wider organisation, to ensure Mencap uses data and research both innovatively and accurately to maximise impact.
- Provide research advice and consultancy to Mencap staff on all aspects of research including research briefs, commissioning research, project management, data analysis and report writing.
- Develop our expertise in inclusive research and work with external stakeholders and research partners to support and promote Learning Disability research through collaboration and knowledge transfer.
- Provide effective and supportive line management to research colleagues, including colleagues with a Learning Disability.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in the policy, campaigns and media teams within Mencap and academic partners across the UK
- Deputise for the Head of Research on occasion.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Demonstrable skill and experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Ability to interpret and analyse quantitative and qualitative data including proficiency in software analysis tools (e.g. SPSS/ Excel)
- Proven ability to design and deliver research projects from conception to publication, including budget management
- Strong written and verbal communication skills including sharing complex findings and persuading new audiences
- Advanced skills in co-production, inclusive research, ethics and data protection
- Excellent knowledge of Learning Disability issues, or a proven ability to develop expertise in new areas quickly
- Experience of leading and coaching teams
- Ability to build strong, trusting professional relationships that last
- Commitment to Mencap’s mission and values
Apply now with an updated CV, applications close on 26 August 2026, with interviews to be held shortly afterward.
Benefits
Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings. For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!
About Mencap
Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in. At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.
Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes.
Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.
We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.
We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
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