Research Assistant in Participatory Evaluation

This is a time-limited evaluation project commissioned by the Public Health Team of Leeds City Council. They require a participatory evaluation of a city-wide programme to support community volunteers in areas of Leeds with high deprivation. The ‘Unfolding’ programme is a six-week programme to support the wellbeing of volunteers and their ability to support vulnerable people in their communities. Volunteers and communities have been affected by the cost-of-living crisis and continue to feel the impacts of the pandemic. 

The participatory evaluation will work in partnership with local communities, and in creative ways, to understand the experience and impact of the programme on volunteers and whether it has had any cascading impact on how they support people in their community. Central to this evaluation is participatory film-making, creative workshops to explore experience and impact, and a peer research approach to secure follow-up data and insights. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised, and capable researcher to deliver this evaluation, under the supervision of two experienced researchers at the University of Leeds. You will work closely with these supervisors to deliver the project, with scope to influence the approach and outputs. This role is well suited to a researcher with an interest in community mental health, in participatory research and in working in partnership with local council and communities.

What we offer in return

•    26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – that’s 42 days a year!

•    Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary

•    Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

•    Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and more.

•    Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Paul Cooke or Dr Siobhan Hugh-Jones 

Email: [email protected] 
Email: [email protected]  

Location:  Leeds – Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Medicine & Health
School/Institute:  School of Psychology
Category:  Research
Grade: 
Grade 6
Salary: 
£30,487 to £36,024
per annum pro-rata
Post Type: 
Part Time
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (6 months)
Release Date:  Wednesday 06 March 2024
Closing Date:  Wednesday 20 March 2024
Reference:  MHPSY1120
Further details: