Vacancy Community Connector Researcher

Introduction:

Tonic Health in association with the University of Plymouth are looking for a Community Connector Researcher for the Coastal and Rural Mental Health Study.

This role is about developing knowledge of mental health in coastal and/or rural community settings. Using an in-depth, on the ground, embedded approach, the post-holder will devote themselves to one place, or community of interest, spending time learning about how the community looks after its mental health, how they use mental health services (if they do), and whether changes in local services are better meeting their needs (or not) as coastal or rural residents. 

The post-holder will be part of a local team, working with a researcher at the University of Lincoln, and part of a national team including researchers from the University of Northumbria, and the University of Plymouth. 

Training and support will be provided throughout the contract of employment, and there will be opportunity to develop research skills.  Honorary Associate status will also be given for the University of Lincoln. 

Job Details

Role: Community Connector Researcher – Coastal and Rural Mental Health Study.

Faculty and School: Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health

Reports to: CARMHRS Senior Research Fellow

Salary: £37,000 per annum

FTE: FTE 1.0

Start date: 1st December 2025

Duration: 21 months from start date

Role managed and hosted by: Tonic Health

Responsibilities

With support from a line manager at Tonic Health and the project researchers, the main responsibilities of this role are to collect and analyse data within a local community. Data collection will include: spending time in community settings to understand everyday experiences (non-participant observation), talking one-to-one with people about their views (interviews), working with groups to create shared pictures of local contexts (‘deep mapping’ workshops), and bringing people together to compare perspectives (focus group discussions).

Tonic Health are taking a ‘realist’ approach to the research, which means they want to understand how and why change happens, and what influences people’s actions. Full training and ongoing support will be provided.

They will also co-facilitate the local patient and public involvement group and contribute to and attend a national community of practice, with other people involved in the study across the country.  Ethical approval for the study is underway with the University of Plymouth.

What they are looking for

They need someone who has a deep commitment to social justice, equity and inclusive research, with lived experience of Lincolnshire and strong interpersonal skills.  Good knowledge and excellent experience in doing research with communities is also necessary, but you don’t need to have worked in a University or have a degree to apply.  Attention to detail, and a thoughtful approach are also really important. 

Person specification

Essential

• Commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusive research.
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills – able to build trust, communicate sensitively, and record information accurately.
• Lived experience of Lincolnshire and an understanding of local communities.
• Knowledge of co-production and creative community engagement approaches
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity, particularly with underrepresented or marginalised groups.
• Research skills (e.g. interviews, focus groups, observation).
• Ability to analyse findings and contribute to reports or recommendations.
• Writing skills (e.g. report writing, funding applications, other kinds of formal writing)
• Basic IT skills
• Experience in mental health, social care, or community-based work or volunteering
• Experience working with diverse communities (ethnic, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, faith).
• Knowledge of local assets and services in Lincolnshire.
• Training or awareness of trauma-informed or peer-support approaches.
• Must have a driving license, their own vehicle, and be prepared to travel across the county, and to the University when required. Few sites will be reachable via public transport.
• You will need to complete an enhanced DBS check as you will be working with vulnerable adults. We can help the successful candidate complete this process.

Desirable

• Lived experience of mental health challenges or close work with people experiencing them.
• Deep knowledge of Lincolnshire’s political, cultural, and historic context.
• Strong advocacy skills – representing community voices in wider forums.
• Ability to co-produce research or services with communities.
• Creative approaches to engagement (arts, digital media, storytelling).

Next Steps

Completion of their application form.

Please follow this link to Google Drive, download, complete and return to Henry Wright using the details below, either as a word or pdf document.

This will involve detailing (in no more than 2 sides of A4) why you are applying for this position. This statement should make reference to their essential and desirable requirements.

They aim to shortlist and call to interview applicants week commencing 27th October 2025 with a view to starting employment by the week commencing 1st December 2025.

Please send your completed form to:

Henry Wright, HR
Tonic Health, 6 Broadgate House
Westlode Street, Spalding, PE11 2AF

Or email: henry@tonic-health.co.uk

For any further information please contact Henry Wright at Tonic Health by sending an email to henry@tonic-health.co.uk or Dr Rebecca Hardwick at University of Plymouth by sending an email to rebecca.hardwick@plymouth.ac.uk.