Head of Research and Impact

Role Introduction

We are looking for a talented research manager to join us at the Tony Little Centre for Innovation and Research in Learning (CIRL) at Eton College. The Head of Research and Impact will build our expertise and knowledge about the evidence-informed practice and impact evaluation across a variety of innovative projects in schools. This comes at a time when we are embarking on an exciting, ambitious strategy for expanding our network of partner state schools. The post-holder will enable CIRL to play a sector-leading role in identifying and sharing best practices from across the education system, evidencing impact both within Eton College and outside it.

The Head of Research and Impact will work with the Director of CIRL and the Head of Teaching Practice at Eton to maintain a consistent focus on the use of evidence to promote excellence in teaching and learning, in keeping with the school’s Teaching and Learning Policy and in support of the school’s educational aims. The role will include synthesising the existing evidence on teaching and learning to disseminate within the school, and cultivating reflective practice and action research among Eton’s teachers. It will involve supporting our work across the curriculum and co-curriculum including diversity and inclusion, pastoral care, and the well-being of staff and pupils.

The Head of Research and Impact will be based in the College in a shared office at CIRL and will work across our partnership schools. Accommodation is not provided.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• Develop our research and impact evaluation capacity on our major strategic projects;
• Build an evidence base for these projects both at Eton and across our growing network of CIRLs at partner schools;
• Conduct literature reviews, scope research projects, manage data gathering and evaluations within Eton and at our partner schools to support our work across the curriculum and co-curriculum;
• Summarise and synthesise for teacher’s high-quality education research in written form and in presentations;
• Support the creation of evidence-informed Continuing Professional Development at Eton, alongside the Head of Teaching Practice and a team of Lead Practitioners, focused in particular on teaching and learning, character education, and pastoral care;
• Provide guidance and support on action research and/or professional enquiry projects to staff at Eton and across partner schools;
• Prepare and publish data, reports and information, and provide regular written and verbal information about research projects to the staff and participants;
• Work with Eton’s Digital Education team and contribute to their work with research, evidence, and impact assessment;
• Speak at conferences about CIRL’s work;
• Organise webinars and write workshop courses based on key priorities;
• Support our digital education team with the development of course content with the writing of courses;
• Further develop our Leadership Institute with partner schools;
• Undertake other duties related to communications, research and evaluation, as required by the Director of CIRL;
• Be committed to and promote equality, diversity and inclusion;
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:

• A deep understanding of school education and a grasp of the evidence base for effective teaching and learning;
• A track record of managing innovative research projects either as Project Lead or as Co-Lead;
• Experience of impact evaluation;
• A range of research skills, including writing research protocols, conducting literature reviews, preparing research materials, writing up papers/chapters for publication, and expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies;
• Excellent communication skills in face-to-face, online and written communication with people from a range of backgrounds;
• Experience of working with young people, teachers and schools is highly advantageous;
• Experience at creating and delivering professional development materials for use inside and outside the schoolroom is desirable.

You will be

• An enthusiastic, positive and collaborative colleague;
• Highly motivated and able to work independently as well as within wider teams;
• Willing to work flexibly to fit in with project requirements;
• An analytical thinker;
• Skilled at administration and IT including MS Office skills: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and referencing;
• Punctual and reliable with high standards of integrity;
• Willing to travel to schools and collaborating organisations;
• Committed to embedding values of diversity, equity and inclusion; able to support Eton’s values and embody them in your work.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including; an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme (where applicable), free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discount at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and, where applicable, a Barred List, Prohibition and EEA checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.