At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research to improve services in the arts and culture sector.
- Company: Join the Arts Council, a leader in promoting inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advocating for user-centred design and engaging diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38689 - 38689 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed term until 30 June 2028, working 35 hours per week. Salary: £38,689 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
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.
As a User Researcher, you will:
- 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 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.
You will have 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. You will be skilled at engaging diverse audiences and designing inclusive research approaches that ensure a broad range of voices are represented. You will have experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and be confident communicating findings to stakeholders at all levels. You will understand user-centred design principles and be 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. You are curious, empathetic and motivated by improving services through evidence and insight.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council. 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.
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.
The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.
About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme.
To view the job description please click here. To view the recruitment pack which outlines more details about working for Arts Council please click here.
Job ref: FCSF141
Closing date: 16:00 Friday 12 June
1st Interview: (virtual) Thursday 25 June
2nd Interview: (virtual) Wednesday 01 July
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
User Researcher employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility and inclusivity, offering a supportive work environment for User Researchers in Birmingham, Manchester, or Nottingham. With generous benefits such as a final salary pension scheme, ample annual leave, and opportunities for hybrid working, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the arts and culture sector. The organisation's commitment to diversity ensures that all voices are heard, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about user-centred design and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Arts Council's projects, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your user research skills before the interview. Think about how you would approach different user groups and prepare examples of how you've engaged diverse audiences in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the User Researcher role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Be Yourself:We want to see the real you! Use your own voice in your application. Share your experiences and insights that relate to user research. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with qualitative research methods and user-centred design principles. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to analyse findings and communicate insights clearly, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you submit your application there. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to complete your application successfully!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Know Your User Research Methods
Make sure you’re well-versed in various user research methods like interviews, focus groups, and usability testing. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these techniques in past projects and how they can be tailored to the arts and culture sector.
✨Showcase Your Inclusivity Skills
Since this role emphasises engaging diverse audiences, prepare examples of how you've designed inclusive research approaches. Highlight any experience working with underrepresented communities and how you ensured their voices were heard.
✨Communicate Insights Effectively
Practice presenting your findings in a clear and compelling way. Think about how you can translate complex data into actionable recommendations that resonate with stakeholders at all levels. Consider using visuals or storytelling techniques to enhance your presentation.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity and Empathy
Be prepared to discuss your motivation for improving services through evidence and insight. Share examples that showcase your curiosity about user needs and your empathetic approach to understanding their experiences. This will help convey your passion for user-centred design.
