Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

*Internal MPFT only* Research Associate

The closing date is 03 May 2026

Job summary

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

To conduct a research project to understand the barriers and potential areas for improvements in the following two areas:o Understand the process used by probation Court staff for identifying mental health needs of people they are writing pre-sentence reports (PSR) for and understand their decision making for making a referral to the Primary Care MHTR service. In addition, to collect / present data about PSR rates in each West Midland area (West Mercia, Staffordshire and Black Country), what types of people PSR are completed for (e.g., are they only completed for complex individuals?) and what are the reasons for low rates of PSR / noncompletion of a PSR?o Understand why Judges and Magistrates may not award a PC-MHTR despite these being recommended in the PSR.

This role involves a range of activities, including research design, data collection and data analysis, making recommendations for areas for improvements and policy development. The post holder is expected to work in line with relevant Trust policy, legislation and ethical processes. Also responsible for co-ordinating and completing reports to colleagues, external stakeholders, and commissioners. And to contribute to publications and other outputs.

Main duties of the job

Main duties and responsibilities:o To provide high quality research project management and delivery to ensure successful completion within timescale and budget for funded research project(s), supporting other staff as requiredo To undertake quantitative and qualitative data collection, management and analysiso To write or contribute to publications and dissemination of research findings, including stakeholder engagement.o To liaise closely with clinical colleagues and external agencies, to ensure that work is timely, well-designed and appropriateo Provide presentations to a range of stakeholders to provide information and support; and provide recommendations to commissioners, partner agencies and other senior colleagues about service areas for improvemento To work closely with MPFT research team to increase research awareness, understanding and activityo To widely disseminate findings from project(s) both locally and nationallyo Act as a first point of contact to clinical, probation and Court staff, communicating constructively learnings from the project

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Details

Date posted

17 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year pa pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

301-SB-26-7900097

Job locations

MHTR – Trust HQ, Mellor House

Stafford

ST16 3SR


Job description

Job responsibilities

For more details, see attached job description

Work closely with probation and judiciaries to review and identify:-- Decision making and processes for identifying individuals for an MHTR referral- Pre-sentence report processes and PSR rates including demographics- Decision making and processes for applying sentences to those who have been recommended for an MHTR.

This role involves a range of activities, including research design, data collection and data analysis, making recommendations for areas for improvements and policy development. The post holder is expected to work in line with relevant Trust policy, legislation and ethical processes. Also responsible for co-ordinating and completing reports to colleagues, external stakeholders, and commissioners. And to contribute to publications and other outputs.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For more details, see attached job description

Work closely with probation and judiciaries to review and identify:-- Decision making and processes for identifying individuals for an MHTR referral- Pre-sentence report processes and PSR rates including demographics- Decision making and processes for applying sentences to those who have been recommended for an MHTR.

This role involves a range of activities, including research design, data collection and data analysis, making recommendations for areas for improvements and policy development. The post holder is expected to work in line with relevant Trust policy, legislation and ethical processes. Also responsible for co-ordinating and completing reports to colleagues, external stakeholders, and commissioners. And to contribute to publications and other outputs.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

  • Relevant first degree or equivalent qualification
  • PhD in relevant research area or Doctorate in Psychology

Desirable

  • Professional Registration

Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of effective leadership
  • Project management experience
  • Significant research and service evaluation experience including qualitative and quantitative research skills Experience of processes for publishing with academic or professional publications

Desirable

  • Publications in peer reviewed journals
Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

  • Relevant first degree or equivalent qualification
  • PhD in relevant research area or Doctorate in Psychology

Desirable

  • Professional Registration

Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of effective leadership
  • Project management experience
  • Significant research and service evaluation experience including qualitative and quantitative research skills Experience of processes for publishing with academic or professional publications

Desirable

  • Publications in peer reviewed journals

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

MHTR – Trust HQ, Mellor House

Stafford

ST16 3SR


Employer's website

https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

MHTR – Trust HQ, Mellor House

Stafford

ST16 3SR


Employer's website

https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Service Lead

Heidi Mainwaring

Heidi.Mainwaring@mpft.nhs.uk

07821163289

Details

Date posted

17 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year pa pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

301-SB-26-7900097

Job locations

MHTR – Trust HQ, Mellor House

Stafford

ST16 3SR


Supporting documents

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