Job Description:
Job Title: Community Health Activator – Researcher (CHAR)
Programme:
Breaking Barriers – Tackling Structural Racism and Health Inequalities
Location:
Sunderland
Salary:
£27 900 per annum (£14.5/hour)
Hours:
37 hours per week
Contract:
Fixed-term (5 years), subject to continued programme funding
Reports to:
Programme Director and ICOS as the delivery partner
We offer:
-Flexible hours to be agreed with you
-Opportunities to grow and training, including in areas such as safeguarding, GDPR, immigration law (levels 2/3 training) and research
-Working as part of a friendly and supportive team
-Access to free counselling
-Paid breaks
-A progressive holiday package, with the number of paid holiday per year increasing with the with length of service
-We are a Living Wage Employer. Your salary will increase every year, at least with line with the living wage, as set as the Living Wage Foundation
Role Summary: Community Health Activator Researcher (CHAR)
Location: Tyne and Wear (Employed by ICOS, Sunderland)
Programme: Breaking Barriers (Funded by the National Lottery)
About the Role
The Breaking Barriers Programme is a community-led initiative designed to tackle structural racism and health inequalities affecting Black, Muslim, and racially minoritised communities across Tyne and Wear. As a Community Health Activator Researcher (CHAR), you will work directly in high-need neighbourhoods to bridge the gap between minoritised groups and vital health, social care, and statutory services. Rather than simple referrals, the role focuses on building deep trust, providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed support, and driving long-term systemic change.
Key Responsibilities
- Outreach & Person-Centred Support: Conduct community outreach at local venues (mosques, schools, GP practices). Deliver tailored one-to-one casework and group support addressing social determinants of health, including housing, mental health, isolation, and welfare.
- Health & Digital Navigation: Assist residents in navigating NHS services, booking appointments, and adopting digital health tools (e.g., the NHS App).
- Community Research & Development: Collect qualitative and quantitative data through focus groups and surveys to surface emerging inequalities. Empower local communities by establishing peer support networks and encouraging local leadership.
- Partnership & Systemic Change: Collaborate with GP practices, NHS Trusts, local authorities, and faith groups to promote equity and culturally competent service delivery.
- Data Management: Maintain precise, confidential casework records aligned with GDPR to support ongoing programme evaluation.
Training & Qualifications
To build your expertise and support long-term career prospects, you will undertake:
- Regulated Immigration Training (Level 1, and Level 2 if required) to provide essential immigration advice.
- A Degree Level Apprenticeship in a health-related subject alongside your role.
Ideal Candidate
You possess a deep understanding of the cultural, linguistic, socio-economic, and faith-based factors impacting health access for racially minoritised communities, alongside a passion for equality and grassroots advocacy.
To apply:
- Download the application packs
- No CVs accepted
For more information and to request an application pack please contact: office@icos.org.uk
- Completed applications can be sent by email to Michal Chantkowski, Manager at michal@icos.org.uk
Schedule:
Application deadline: 19/10/2026. No applications will be accepted after this point.
Scoring/ initial results- by 26/10/2026
Interviews will be held on 03-04 /11/2026
Role commences: 09/11/2026 (flexibility on the start date is possible, e.g., to account for notice periods.
This post generously is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund’s Health Inequities fund. The Breaking Barriers Programme is led by the Sunderland Bangladeshi International Centre.