Live Researcher in Residence Opportunities

 

Below are available Researcher in Residence Opportunities. For further information about opportunities available, please contact the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board Research Team at: bnssg.research@nhs.net.

Researcher in Residence role focused on improving alternatives to detention under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (BNSSG ICB) has an exciting opportunity to undertake a Researcher in Residence role focused on improving alternatives to detention under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

This project will support system-wide work across Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) and key partners, including Avon and Somerset Police, to improve experiences and outcomes for people experiencing mental health crisis.

Project Background

Use of Section 136 detention is often described by individuals as highly traumatising and can conflict with principles of least restrictive care. Evidence suggests that people detained under Section 136 may experience poorer service experiences and longer-term health outcomes, including longer inpatient stays.

Bristol is currently a national outlier in the use of Section 136 by population. This project aims to strengthen the evidence base to inform the development of effective, compassionate alternatives.

Aim of the Project

The Researcher in Residence will support work to:

  • Reduce the number of people detained under Section 136
  • Reduce the time taken to complete mental health assessments
  • Support timely admission to hospital for those who need it
  • Inform system development of alternatives to Section 136 during mental health crisis

Findings will inform service development, business cases for future investment, and internal and external quality and safety assurance processes. Outputs may also contribute to academic or professional publications.

Activities

Depending on expertise and available time, activities may include:

  • Qualitative interviews and qualitative data analysis
  • Quantitative analysis of existing datasets
  • Survey design, delivery, and analysis
  • Synthesising evidence from multiple sources into a report
  • Supporting Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities

 Embedding and Support

The Researcher in Residence will be embedded within the project team and supported through:

  • Access to relevant professionals and project groups
  • Potential access to lived experience experts
  • Access to AWP data and, where appropriate, partner data
  • Opportunities to observe and learn from alternative models in other trusts

The researcher will be expected to attend relevant project and governance meetings, including AWP project groups and the BNSSG Crisis and Inpatient Group, and to meet regularly (approximately fortnightly) with the project lead.

Practical Details

  • Start date: As soon as possible
  • Duration: To be agreed
  • Time commitment: Approximately 1 day per week (flexible)
  • Funding available: Up to £7,000, equivalent to approximately 20–25 researcher days

Successful applicants will be offered an honorary contract with BNSSG ICB, providing access to ICB systems, offices, and relevant data.

To apply, please complete the Researcher in Residence Expression of Interest form and submit it to: bnssg.research@nhs.net.