Role Summary

NdCare and the Neuro Inclusion Project are building neurodivergent-affirming clinical and systems-change models intended to operate within NHS, ICS, and other regulated environments.

We are seeking a Head of Research & Evidence to lead the development of NdCare’s evidence base, evaluation frameworks, and research narrative, ensuring the work is taken seriously by clinicians, commissioners, and policymakers... without compromising lived experience or safety.

This is not a “publish at all costs” role.
It is about credibility, integrity, and usefulness.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Research exists to:

• Build a robust, ND-affirming evidence base
• Translate complex clinical and nervous-system frameworks into evaluable models
• Support NHS- and commissioner-ready documentation
• Ensure NdCare’s claims are defensible, ethical, and grounded

If this role is done well, NdCare is seen as serious, safe, and credible... without losing its soul.

Key Responsibilities

1. Evidence Strategy & Frameworks

• Define NdCare’s overall research and evaluation strategy
• Identify appropriate methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods)
• Ensure outcomes reflect regulation, capacity, safety, and continuity, not just symptom reduction

2. Research Design & Oversight

• Support the design of pilots, trials, and validation studies
• Advise on measures, ethics, and feasibility
• Work closely with clinical and product teams to ensure research aligns with practice

3. White Papers & Publications

• Lead or support the development of white papers, insight reports, and evidence summaries
• Ensure clarity, accuracy, and commissioner relevance
• Support peer-reviewed outputs where appropriate (without over-prioritising them)

4. NHS & Commissioner Readiness

• Prepare evidence packs and evaluation logic for NHS, ICS, and public-sector partners
• Support conversations around outcomes, value, and risk
• Ensure claims are proportionate and defensible

5. Ethics & Lived Experience

• Ensure research approaches respect ND autonomy and consent
• Avoid extractive data practices
• Work alongside safeguarding and ethics advisors to uphold standards

What This Role Is Not

• It is not a grant-chasing role
• It is not a publication factory
• It is not about proving NdCare “works” at all costs
• It is not detached from real-world practice

This role values truth over hype.

Equity, Time & Structure

• Compensation: Equity only (shares or options)
• Equity range: ~0.75–1.5%
• Vesting: 3–4 years (structure to be agreed)
• Time commitment: ~1 day per week initially
• Review point: 6–9 months
• Salary transition: On funding, grants, or research contracts

Who This Role Is For

This role may suit someone who:

• Has a background in health services research, psychology, neuroscience, or public health
• Is comfortable with mixed-methods approaches
• Understands NHS and commissioner evidence requirements
• Is ND-literate or values neurodivergent-affirming frameworks
• Can translate between academic, clinical, and policy audiences

You do not need to be institutionally senior... clarity and judgement matter more.

What We Explicitly Welcome

• Neurodivergent researchers
• Flexible working patterns
• Asynchronous contribution
• Thoughtful challenge to assumptions and claims

We will adapt processes to support nervous-system safety.

Why This Role Matters

NdCare is challenging dominant narratives about ADHD and neurodivergence.
That requires rigour, not rebellion for its own sake.

The Head of Research ensures:

• claims are grounded
• outcomes are meaningful
• credibility is earned
• harm is avoided