This is an exciting opportunity to facilitate a local community participatory research project as part of a voluntary and statutory sector partnership. The role will support local researchers from minority ethnic communities in Reading to co-produce and carry out community research into widening health inequalities.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, inequalities in health, especially mental health, have become magnified amongst some Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups disproportionately affected. Public Health England’s report, Covid-19: understanding the impact on BAME communities, demonstrates the widening of existing health inequalities and as a result Health Education England SE are implementing a programme of work to support community participatory research, in which researchers and community stakeholders engage as equal partners.

Reading’s new CPAR Partnership

A partnership involving Reading Borough Council, Reading Voluntary Action (RVA), the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE), Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC) and the University of Reading’s Participation Lab has been successful in gaining a grant to train and support 5 local researchers from minority ethnic communities in Reading to co-produce and carry out this community research. Reading Borough Council has agreed to fund a part-time facilitator to support the community researchers and to coordinate this local partnership. Reading Voluntary Action are pleased to act as the employer for this new facilitator post for the partnership.

Could this be your next opportunity? Here’s who would be suited to this role:

As the CPAR Facilitator you will line manage and support 5 local community researchers from ethnic minority backgrounds and coordinate the local CPAR partnership, as well as liaising with other local partners and networks. This role is therefore ideal for someone who has an understanding of the needs and priorities in ethnic minority disadvantaged communities, particularly communities represented in Reading. You will also have basic knowledge of research skills and understand how to support community researchers, although some support and training will be given with this. You will have good communication skills with the ability to relate to a range of different people and groups, as well as strong project coordination and report writing skills.

If this sounds like it could be you, take a look at our more detailed Job Description and Person Specification below or call us for an informal discussion before applying.

Inclusion statement

The partnership recognizes that an inclusive and equitable approach is essential to the successful delivery of this CPAR project and is therefore encouraging applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals, and from those who have previous experience of engaging and working collaboratively with local ethnic minority communities in Reading, whether that was previously in a paid or voluntary role.

Reading Voluntary Action is an equal opportunities employer and has made a commitment to encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals, who are currently underrepresented within the organisation.

Timeline

• Applications open 14 April 2021
• Applications close 5 May 2021
• Interviews w/c 10 May (expected Wed 12 May 9.30 – 2.30pm, please keep this free where possible. Alternative dates can be arranged, please ask us at interview stage)
• Decision w/c 10 May
• In post by w/c 10 June

Please note that this is a shorter timeline as the community researchers are already engaged and we will need someone in post as soon as practicable.