At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research to improve services in the arts and culture sector.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on user-centred design and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and support for disabled candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by advocating for diverse user voices and improving experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38689 - 38689 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham, Manchester or Nottingham (the role will be based in one of the listed locations; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1‑2 days a week).
Responsibilities
- Plan and conduct user research across a range of projects, using methods such as interviews, focus groups, roundtables and usability testing.
- Engage with a diverse range of users across the arts and culture sector, including individuals, organisations and underrepresented communities.
- Design inclusive and accessible research approaches, ensuring participation from people with different backgrounds and access needs.
- Work closely with service designers, product managers and delivery teams to help define research questions, analyse findings and translate evidence into actionable recommendations.
- Evaluate user journeys and experiences, identifying opportunities to improve services and remove barriers for users.
- Advocate for user‑centred design across the organisation, communicate insights through compelling reports and presentations, and contribute to developing research capability and good practice.
- Manage research logistics and work with external suppliers where required.
If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website. We participate in the 'Offer an Interview' scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they're applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long‑term condition and/or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme.
Qualifications
- Experience planning and conducting user research using a range of qualitative research methods, alongside a strong ability to analyse and synthesise findings into clear, evidence‑based insights.
- Skilled at engaging diverse audiences and designing inclusive research approaches that ensure a broad range of voices are represented.
- Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and be confident communicating findings to stakeholders at all levels.
- Understanding of user‑centred design principles and comfortable working across multiple projects in a structured and organised way.
- Experience of public sector services, the arts and culture sector, or Government Digital Service (GDS) approaches would be beneficial.
- Curious, empathetic and motivated by improving services through evidence and insight.
Contract and Salary
- Contract: Fixed term until 30 June 2028, working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcomes applications from individuals who require flexibility).
- Salary: £38,689 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
User Researcher in England employer: Arts Council England
As a User Researcher with us, you'll thrive in a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and collaboration. Based in vibrant cities like Birmingham, Manchester, or Nottingham, we offer flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a final salary pension scheme, ensuring you have the work-life balance you deserve. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the arts and culture sector while enjoying ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and culture sector on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that User Researcher role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your user research projects, especially those involving diverse audiences. We want to see how you’ve made an impact with your insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions about user-centred design and your research methods. We’re here to help you feel confident and prepared!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the User Researcher role. Highlight your experience with user research methods and how you've engaged diverse audiences. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Empathy:As a User Researcher, empathy is key! Share examples of how you've designed inclusive research approaches or worked with underrepresented communities. This will show us that you understand the importance of diverse voices in research.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to communicate your insights and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Know Your Research Methods
Brush up on the various qualitative research methods you'll be using, like interviews and usability testing. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in past projects and how they can benefit the role.
✨Showcase Your Inclusivity Skills
Since the role involves engaging diverse audiences, prepare examples of how you've designed inclusive research approaches. Highlight any experience working with underrepresented communities to demonstrate your commitment to accessibility.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex findings in a straightforward way. You might be asked to present insights during the interview, so think about how you can make your reports compelling and easy to understand for stakeholders.
✨Be Curious and Empathetic
Exhibit your curiosity and empathy during the interview. Share stories that showcase your motivation for improving services through user-centred design, and be prepared to discuss how you approach understanding user needs.
