What is the Research Practitioner Placement
The Research Practitioner Placement (RPP) is a funded opportunity for council staff to build their research, analytical and evaluation skills. It involves the staff member being given time and support for one-to-two days a week for up to a maximum of 12 months to contribute to research and valuation projects within the Somerset Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC). The initiative intends to build capacity within council services to carry out robust research, evaluation, and community engagement and participation, focusing on the The Building Blocks of Health.
Example learning opportunities could include:
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods (including service or intervention evaluations, focus groups with community members, surveys)
- Community participation methods (how to meaningfully involve community members in service design, evaluation, and proposals)
- Research governance, management and leadership
- Inclusive information sharing and integrating evidence into practice and decision-making
- Stakeholder engagement and community relationship building
This can help to shape policies and services by embedding evidence and best-practice into our decision making to improve health outcomes across Somerset and reduce inequalities. Any level of knowledge or experience in research, evaluation or community involvement is welcome. We are able to offer opportunities and support that cover foundational skills all the way through to more advanced research and evaluation competencies.
Our current Research Practitioners projects
- How do flood cafes provide mental health and community resilience support in flood affected areas?
- How are hidden harms identified and responded to for children in universal and early help services?
- How do socioeconomic factors influence repeated access of Somerset Council housing systems and long-term housing stability?
- What is the social and economic impact of a dedicated caseworker on timely delivery of Disabled Facilities Grant funded adaptations
- How can intervention effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and the impact of partnership working be sustainably measured within Early Help services?
- What support can Learning Mentors offer children and young people in Key Stage 2 and 3?
- What factors drive absenteeism among statutory school-aged children in Somerset, and how do these factors relate to key childhood vulnerabilities
In October 2025, Somerset’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration and Public Health team were delighted to welcome Professor Sir Michael Marmot to Somerset. During his visit, he spent time with local families at a Healthy Little Ones session, where he spoke with health visitors and assistant practitioners about the FOREST programme and its impact on early years development.
Later in the day, Sir Michael met our newly appointed Research Practitioners, who shared their early ideas for future research projects. Their proposals span a wide range of areas, including:
- Education
- Housing
- Best start in life
- Flooding
- Children’s and adults’ services
More information
To find out more information, or if you have any questions, please contact either Jack Brazier (jack.brazier@somerset.gov.uk) or Emily Hutt (emily.hutt@somerset.gov.uk).