With apologies for Cross-postings.
I would like to draw your attention to a vacancy for a Research Officer
advertised in last week's Guardian. If you know of anyone suitable, please
'pass it on'!! - and encourage any interested parties to contact Kirsty
Person (on 020 7438 4371) or myself (on 020 7438 4491). The address for an
application pack is given below.
The deadline for applications is: Monday 10th July, at 4.00pm.
THE PERSON
We are looking for a keen researcher with a good social science degree and
experience of using social research methods - for example, either 2+ years
work work-experience, or an MSc in (Social) Research Methods (or equivalent)
plus some relevant work experience. The successful candidate will have an
understanding of the role of quantitative and qualitative methods in policy
evaluation, be able to write clearly and concisely and be able to summarise
complex information. He/she will be a good communicator and have the
confidence to be able to work with colleagues within the Inland Revenue,
from university departments, from social research companies and from other
Government departments. More specifically, we are looking for someone who
can who is keen to further develop their social research skills within a
policy making environment and to apply research findings to policy issues.
THE JOB
The post-holder would contribute to (and help to manage contractors who are
involved in) an evaluation of two high-profile forms of in-work support:
Working Families' Tax Credit (WFTC) and Disabled Person's Tax Credit (DPTC).
See 'The Programme of Research' below.
The post-holder will report to me (Heather Trickey) and will be based within
the evaluation team working on the social dimension of WFTC/DPTC, which is
headed by Kirsty Person. This team is situated within an Economics Unit
(headed by Bill NcNie) which provides advice on a wider range of issues,
including personal tax.
Advertised salary = circa £21,000 (depending on experience).
A higher salary may be available for exceptional candidates.
Appointments are on a permanent basis. The post is not restricted to UK
nationals. Expenses for relocation are available.
BACKGROUND
The government has set out its twin goals of creating employment opportunity
for all and tackling child poverty. Making work pay through reform of the
tax and benefit system is a key component of the Government's strategy to
achieve these goals. Tax credits were introduced in October 1999 and
payments via employers began in April 2000.
EVALUATION OBJECTIVES
In line with the Government's commitment to evidence-based policy making the
new tax credits are the subject of an on-going programme of evaluation.
Main topics for evaluation include:
1. Awareness of WFTC/DPTC;
2. Impact of WFTC/DPTC on incomes and poverty;
3. Impact of WFTC/DPTC on work incentives;
4. Impact of WFTC on childcare use;
5. Take-up of WFTC/DPTC;
6. Interaction of WFTC/DPTC with maintenance payments;
7. Interaction of WFTC/DPTC with other Government programmes
8. Effectiveness of the new payment method;
9. Impact of WFTC/DPTC on employers and employer behaviour; and
10. Effectiveness and cost of delivery.
THE PROGRAMME OF RESEARCH
The research programmes include:
1. Reviews of existing evidence regarding in-work support for families with
children and for disabled people;
2. Analysis of in-house administrative data and helpline services;
3. Analysis of major surveys, particularly Survey of Low Income Families
with Children
4. Survey research with claimants, potential claimants and employers; and,
5. Qualitative research with claimants, employers and administrators
6. Econometric research
This research programme is on-going. All aspects of the programme are
managed from within Inland Revenue.
The evaluation team works closely with those responsible for tax credit
policy development within the Inland Revenue and links to researchers and
policy makers working across Government in other relevant departments. Many
elements of the programme are contracted to independent researchers and
managing contracted research is a major component of the work of the
evaluation team.
APPLICATION PACK
from...
Charles Gifford
Tel: 020 7438 7477
Address:
ASD (OR)
Inland Revenue
2nd Floor
Bush House
South West Wing
London WC2B 4QN
Plus, feel free to give Kirsty / myself a ring.
Heather
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