Senior User Researcher

ContentsLocationAbout the jobBenefitsThings you need to knowApply and further informationLocationBirmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, London, Manchester, YorkAbout the jobSummaryAt the Government Digital Service (GDS), our mission is to build a simple, joined-up and personalised experience of government for everyone. Using our unique position at the centre of government, we develop services that work for the user, however complex the underlying systems may be.We believe that ensuring things work for end users is the only way to realise the efficiencies that come with digital transformation. Our focus is on delivering five missions in the following areas: GOV.UK as the single and trusted online destination for government information and services Joined-up services that solve whole problems and span multiple departments A simple digital identity solution that works for everyone Common tools and expert services Joined-up data across departments You can read more about these missions and our vision for the transformation of government in our 2021-2024 Strategy.Job descriptionWe are looking for a Senior User Researcher who has exceptional research skills and with track records of conducting strategic research to direct decision making. You will plan and lead user research projects, build user centred practices, and translate quality research into design, product and organisational decisions by informing propositions and directions. GOV.UK is the best place to find government services and information, and user needs are at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is for GOV.UK to offer users joined-up, trusted and personalised interactions. As a Senior User Researcher, you’ll: lead and conduct a wide range of user research projects (from discovery to evaluative research, and from qualitative to quantitative research) by aligning with GOV.UK vision and goals be bold and creative in trying out new methods and approaches, and actively seek out better ways to improve and do research run high quality research projects end-to-end: planning, recruiting participants, conducting the research, analysis and reporting findings and insights and ensure learnings are being acted upon involve colleagues and relevant senior stakeholders throughout the end-to-end research process produce impactful actionable insights to inform, guide (or even reset) design, product and strategic decisions at team and organisational level persuade colleagues and stakeholders on evidence-based decision-making and the introduction of new research initiatives be actively identifying research opportunities that would bring great value and impact to GOV.UK and GDS in supporting our vision mentor less experienced researchersResponsibilitiesWe’re interested in people who: are rigorous and have exceptional research skills, but who also understands the balance between scrappy and rigour, and knows when to adopt which. have extensive experience in a wide range of research methodologies and are able to execute them to high standards, from diary studies, ethnography to planning quantitative research and carry out data analysis using statistical techniques. have strong analysis skills to distil hidden and longevity insights from research data have a good understanding of the social and technological context for product and services and align research to understand the changing user behaviour know it is not enough to report just interesting things about users and have a track record of translating research into real impact and value have experience working with a variety of multi-disciplinary colleagues and stakeholders and experienced in advocating user centred design and persuade sceptical colleagues and stakeholders are expert in communicating results and illustrate suggestions in compelling and creative ways to a broad and diverse audience including senior stakeholders.Benefits• Learning and development tailored to your role. • An environment with flexible working options. • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity. • A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 27%. • A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.Things you need to knowSecuritySuccessful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.Selection process detailsThe selection process as a standard for all of our roles consists of: An application screening process An interview GDS offers hybrid working for all employees. This means that everyone does some working from home/remote working and also spends some time in their local office. You will agree to your hybrid working arrangement with your line manager in line with your preferences and business needs. How to applyThe standard selection process for roles at GDS consists of: An application screening process - Simply, click apply. We only ask for a CV and Cover Letter Up to 1000 words for the 7 competencies. Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “Who you are” section above.Depending on the volume of applications we may also include an additional stage, which you will be invited to should you pass the application screening stage. The standard selection process for this role at GDS consists of: An application screening process - Simply, hit apply. We ask for a CV and Cover Letter - up to 850 words to use concrete examples to demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience listed in the ‘who you’ll be’ section above.An interview - we will assess you against the Behaviours and Competencies, as well as your experience. If you are invited to interview there will be a 60 minute task set prior to the 60 minute interview. Please note that the total time you will need to be available for an interview is 120’.We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. If we receive a high number of applications, we may decide to include an additional round (this would typically be a short telephone interview or assessment/exercise depending on the type of role). A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made. Candidates that do not pass the interview, however, have demonstrated an acceptable standard will be considered for similar roles at a lower grade. Security level for the role; This role requires BPSS security clearance.Further InformationIf successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out. In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.Nationality requirementsThis job is broadly open to the following groups:UK nationalsnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Servicerelevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Servicecertain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationalsFurther information on nationality requirementsWorking for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.Apply and further informationThis vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob contact : Name : GDS RecruitmentEmail : gds-recruitment@digital.cabinet-office.gov.ukRecruitment team : Email : cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.ukFurther informationAppointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact Government Recruitment Service at: cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: info@csc.gov.uk.For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.DetailsReference number 226921 Salary49,700 - 62,500Up to 62,500(London)/55,000(National) - based on capability. The base salary of this grade is 54,700(London)/49,700(National). Offers made above this will be made up with a specialist pay allowance. For more info visit our things you need to know page.GBPGradeGrade 7Contract typePermanentType of roleDigitalWorking patternFlexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-timeNumber of posts1