Apprenticeship training course

Social researcher (level 6)

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Information about Social researcher (level 6)

Provide robust research and analysis that forms the foundation for social policy development, implementation, and evaluation, impacting important decisions that seek to ensure the best possible investment of public money and outcomes for members of society.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The UK social and policy context and how this will inform and impact their research.
  • The role social research plays in providing evidence for social or policy questions.
  • The advantages and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation theories and methods, and how to apply these in research design.
  • Types of bias in research and how to identify and avoid them.
  • Quantitative research approaches and techniques, such as sampling, data collection, data cleaning, descriptive and inferential statistics.
  • Qualitative research approaches and techniques, such as recruiting participants, sampling and analysis.
  • Social research evaluation approaches and techniques such as theory of change, impact evaluation and process evaluation.
  • Critical approaches to secondary research, such as how to source information, assess research quality and use research from previously conducted studies.
  • Commercial frameworks, and how to write, contribute or respond to proposals, such as tender responses or grant proposals.
  • The organisation’s processes, procedures, and code of conduct.
  • Data protection regulation and legislation requirements, such as how to store, process and transfer data in line with the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
  • The key ethical issues and principles in research outlined in professional body guidance, such as informed consent and safeguarding.
  • Social inclusion, accessibility and how to design research to enable this.
  • Quality assurance principles and techniques for social research.
  • Cost estimation techniques and budgetary requirements for research.
  • Processes for procuring suppliers.
  • Project management principles and techniques.
  • Resource management and allocation.
  • Digital tools and software for fieldwork, analysis, communication, and reporting, and the impact of emerging technologies such as AI on research.
  • Reporting styles for social research.
  • Communication, presenting, influencing, and negotiating techniques and strategies, to interact with a range of key stakeholders.
  • Tools and principles for training and people development.
  • Role of technical professionals within a research team and how they impact each stage of a research project.
  • Taking account of the carbon footprint of each research project and considering how to reduce this.

  Skills

  • Interpret research objectives and recommend which research methods are the most appropriate to meet objectives.
  • Lead on the design of smaller research or evaluation studies and collaborate with others to design larger studies.
  • Lead and design data collection tools such as topic guides and questionnaires.
  • Undertake data collection using qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
  • Design research projects with consideration of sustainability best practice including reducing carbon emissions.
  • Undertake quality assurance and checks to avoid data errors.
  • Work with commercial teams and contractors to commission and deliver social research.
  • Project manage smaller research projects and manage discrete workstreams within larger studies.
  • Interpret and apply relevant legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.
  • Clean, analyse, and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data, including descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
  • Evaluate and bring together evidence from a range of sources to inform decisions.
  • Interpret and derive insights from quantitative, qualitative, and secondary analytical and research outputs.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders and research customers to design research projects.
  • Use influencing and negotiation skills and techniques to design and deliver research projects.
  • Develop and deliver analytical or professional training teach-ins or documents for others.
  • Report and present on research findings, adapting the approach for different audiences.
  • Organise and lead meetings, using digital collaboration tools to work with colleagues.
  • Use software to clean, manage, manipulate, and analyse qualitative and quantitative research data and identify solutions to research questions.

  Behaviours

  • Champions ethical behaviour and meets required standards of practice.
  • Works flexibly and adapts to circumstances.
  • Seek learning and continuous professional development opportunities for self and wider team.
  • Takes responsibility, shows initiative, and is organised.
  • Champions accessibility and diversity by designing inclusive research.
  • Works collaboratively with others across the organisation and external stakeholders.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Business and administration
• Qualification level: 6; Equal to degree
• Course duration: 42 months
• Maximum funding: £24,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Research executive
  • Research officer
  • Researcher
  • Senior research executive
  • Social researcher

View more information about Social researcher (level 6) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.