Communications Officer - Research and Insights - 36260

Help us understand what people think

Are you passionate about uncovering insights, understanding audiences and using evidence to influence decisions? Do you enjoy turning market research findings into practical recommendations that improve communications, engagement and organisational performance? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

As a Research & Insight Specialist, you'll help leaders understand the views, needs and experiences of employees, stakeholders and wider audiences. Through high-quality research and actionable insight, you'll provide the evidence needed to shape decisions, strengthen engagement and improve outcomes.

You'll lead a range of research projects, from designing methodologies and developing questionnaires to managing fieldwork, analysing data and sharing findings. Using research, insight and horizon scanning, you'll identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities, helping teams respond to current challenges and plan for the future.

Working closely with colleagues and external research partners, you'll champion best practice in market research and insight. You'll ensure findings are clear, relevant and actionable, enabling evidence-based decisions and helping to bring employee and stakeholder voices into the heart of our work.

Why join us?

At the Environment Agency, the work you do will make a real difference to people, places and the environment. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Deliver research that influences decisions at a national level.
• Shape communications, engagement and stakeholder relationships.
• Work on diverse projects with meaningful, visible outcomes.
• Collaborate with supportive colleagues and expert partners.
• Develop your skills and grow your career.
• Contribute to an organisation dedicated to creating a better place for people and wildlife.

Join us and help turn insight into action, ensuring the voices of employees, stakeholders and audiences shape the decisions that matter the most.

The Team

We are Communications Strategy & Insights. We help build confidence and pride in the Environment Agency. This role is in the Research & Insights team which works closely with senior leaders to provide evidence and analysis that informs decision-making, improves communications and helps deliver EA2030.

Experience/Skills Required:

To be successful you’ll demonstrate

• A good understanding of the research process, including research design, methodology, sampling, analysis and reporting.
• Experience designing and delivering research using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Experience managing or commissioning research projects.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data and feedback into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Effective organisational and project management skills.
• The ability to build strong relationships, work collaboratively and influence others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• The ability to manage your own workload, use initiative and make informed decisions.
• Skills in presenting insight, emerging risks and opportunities that underpin our external affairs work.  

We're looking for someone who is curious, collaborative and keen to learn. You'll enjoy exploring new ideas, embracing challenges and finding practical solutions to complex issues. Supported by strong self-awareness and sound judgement, you'll make a positive and lasting contribution.

Contact and Additional Information

This is a national role with flexibility on location. You'll be assigned an Environment Agency office base and work in a hybrid way, balancing office and remote working.

While we make extensive use of digital tools to reduce travel, the role will require occasional travel and overnight stays.

Before applying, please read the Candidate and Additional Information Pack. For further information, contact [email protected].

We assess applications without identifying information, using your answers to the competency questions. The Candidate Pack explains how to answer these questions.

Interviews will take place through Microsoft Teams.

If you agree to join our reserve list, we'll keep your details for six months and may contact you about similar roles if you're unsuccessful in this recruitment process.

Competence 1

Evaluation, research and evidence

Competence 1 Description

Tell us about a time when you have been involved in a project which has used evaluation, research or insight to contribute to improving the business.

Competence 2

Data and Information Management

Competence 2 Description

This role requires the collection and management of data. Describe the key considerations and best practices you would follow when collecting and storing data.

Competence 3

Communicates Effectively

Competence 3 Description

Describe a time when you you’ve effectively used communication to change someone’s opinion or point of view.

Competence 4

Achieves Results

Competence 4 Description

Our team works remotely across different locations and manages a variety of projects. We stay connected regularly, but often work independently. In this environment:

a) How do you prioritise and manage your workload effectively?
b) How do you stay motivated and productive when working independently?