Community engagement officer east anglia jobs
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Join SmellTaste and lead the development of the charity’s involvement in research, shaping how lived experience of those affected by smell and taste impairment is integrated in research projects. As Research Development and Engagement Manager, you will lead engagement with researchers, our patient community, and external partners to develop and support new research collaborations. This includes leading the Public and Patient Involvement activity for a 12-month National Institute of Health Research-funded Programme Development Grant, the ICAST Programme: Improving Care for patients with Smell & Taste Disorders, and undertaking planning work for the prospective Programme Grant which is expected to follow this.
This post is funded for 2 days (15 hours) per week for an initial 12-month period, with the potential for the contract to be extended and for it to become a full-time role subject to further funding being secured.
You will be joining a small, friendly and ambitious team that will support your professional development as part of the charity’s ongoing growth.
If you are passionate about making a difference to an underserved patient community and want to be part of a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers the people it represents then we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Application instructions:
Please apply by providing both a CV and a covering letter which clearly states how you meet all the points in the Personal Specification.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the SmellTaste contribution to a 12-month National Institute of Health Research-funded Programme Development Grant, led by Prof Carl Philpott at the University of East Anglia (the ICAST Programme: Improving Care for patients with Smell & Taste Disorders).
- Develop a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) strategy for the above project, including evaluation of impact and dissemination
- Manage a PPI panel for the NIHR project, organise PPIE meetings and ensure participants and panel members are remunerated for activity.
- Develop a detailed, costed delivery plan for the national survey element of the planned Programme Grant which is expected to follow on from the Programme Development Grant, including marketing and publicity, recruitment and dissemination.
- Work with the charity’s CEO and honorary Director of Research and Medical Affairs to develop a research strategy for the charity that aligns with the research priorities identified in the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership for Smell and Taste Disorders.
- Work with the charity’s CEO, honorary Director of Research and Medical Affairs and external researchers to identify opportunities for new collaborative research opportunities.
- Develop funding applications for research projects.
- Oversee all of the charity’s collaborative research activity, including PPIE activity.
- Evaluate and report on the impact of research projects, ensuring inclusivity and ethical standards.
Personal specification
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in biological sciences or a related field
- Experience leading or supporting public and patient involvement and engagement initiatives in research
- Experience leading or supporting involvement in research
- Experience of writing grant applications
- Ability to communicate and interpret complex scientific research clearly
- Experience working with diverse and underrepresented communities
- Confident relationship builder with researchers and other external stakeholders
- Excellent organisational skills, including strong project management skills
Hours: Part-time, 15 hours per week
Salary: £40,000, pro-rata
Holiday allowance: 25 days pro-rata, plus bank holidays
Location: Home working. Some travel will be required to attend in-person meetings and events
Interviews expected to be held during the week commencing 22nd June.
SmellTaste is the charity for all those living with impaired smell and taste.


Be part of a life-saving mission.
We’re looking for a compassionate and strategic individual to join our Rail Team as the Regional Development Lead (RDL) for the East Midlands & Anglia routes. This is a pivotal role, responsible for building strong, collaborative relationships across the rail industry and leading on local delivery of Samaritans’ suicide prevention activities within the region.
As RDL, you will work closely with industry partners such as Network Rail, train operating companies (TOCs), and the British Transport Police, to drive forward meaningful change and support those impacted by suicide. From developing Joint Suicide Prevention Plans (JSPPs) to representing Samaritans at regional meetings and organising post-incident support, your work will help save lives and support communities.
Contract:
- Fixed Term - 12 months maternity cover (until June 2027)
- £32,850 per annum plus benefits
- Full time (35 hours per week)
- We are passionate about flexible working, please talk to us about your preferences
- Hybrid working: A blend of working from home and from regional rail offices. Significant travel throughout the Route. The successful candidate should live within or adjacent to the route. Do get in touch with any queries about location prior to applying.
About the Role:
You’ll represent Samaritans Rail Programme at a regional and local level, attending regular suicide prevention meetings and providing guidance and support both within and external to the rail industry, focusing on industry specific priorities.
What you’ll do:
- Act as a central point of contact for rail contacts, sharing information on national campaigns, internal communications, crisis signage, policy, and research.
- Manage regional suicide prevention activities, collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver impactful results.
- Lead community activities and post-incident support, ensuring local applicability of national guidelines and strategies.
- Promote responsible and ethical language around suicide and foster a culture change within the rail industry.
What you’ll bring:
- Strong project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives from start to finish.
- Experience in relationship management, with the ability to influence and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills to convey complex information clearly and accurately.
- A proactive, problem-solving approach with a strong sense of empathy and emotional intelligence.
Full outline in the Job description file below
Why Samaritans?
At Samaritans, people matter deeply. We know that meaningful impact starts with how we support each other.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and flexible workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity of thought, background and lived experience, and we actively encourage applications from people from all communities.
Every person at Samaritans plays a role in helping fewer people die by suicide. If you are motivated by purpose, compassion and the opportunity to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
To apply
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to upload your CV and cover letter. Please make sure to demonstrate in your cover letter how you meet the essential criteria.
We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, cover letter or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.
Applications close on 26th May at 9am
Video interviews taking place over w/c 1st June.
Apply now and help us continue to be there for people when it matters most.
We prevent suicide through the power of human connection. Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen.



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