A career in Local Authority and Public Sector research involves demographic research with UK Local Authorities. Local government research is varied and provides opportunities to work on a wide range of projects using a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Role:
Local government is a large area when it comes to available roles. Research jobs in local government can be in a range of sectors which reflects this variety in careers. However some sectors where a career in Local Government may include are provided below:
- local councils
- research units jointly funded by several councils
- local government bodies (like the Local Government Association's research and information team).
Researchers might work in a specialist field or across a range of topics, but in either case will find that their work will have a direct impact on policy and practice. There are also opportunities to work with central government, research institutions and other agencies, private sector consultancies and voluntary organisations
Typical activities could include:
- Aanalysing the wealth of data held by local authorities and their partners, to help them improve their service delivery
- Analysing and presenting performance data in an easily understandable way
- Designing and conducting research projects, for example, surveys of residents or clients
- Synthesising and interpreting research and analysis to inform authorities about the latest evidence and learning for the services they deliver
Outside local government, in the private sector, a number of large research organisations have local government teams (who specialise in conducting work for local government) within their social research unit.
Source: Local Government Association
Skills Required:
Due to the statistical nature of this role a degree in Statistics, or at least with a substantial Statistics component, is sometimes a minimum requirement and MSc in Statistics.
Other skills required include:
- good analytical and numerical skills;
- accuracy and attention to detail;
- the ability to use initiative
- IT literacy
Relevant work experience gained in any area that requires analysing statistics will be valuable.
Useful Links:
The university is not responsible for external content
To find out more visit the Local Government Association (LGA) website: http://www.local.gov.uk/
Another relevant website is that of the Local Authority Research and Intelligence Association (LARIA)
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