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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research to shape public services that truly meet user needs.
- Company: Join a dynamic digital team focused on user-centred government services.
- Benefits: Flexible remote/hybrid work options and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of improving public services through user insights.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research within UK Government or GDS environments.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enhance your skills in a supportive setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract User Researcher (Government / GDS Experience)
Location: UK (Remote / Hybrid options)
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced Contract User Researcher with strong UK Government and GDS experience to join a multidisciplinary digital team delivering user-centred public services. You’ll play a key role in ensuring services meet real user needs, working closely with product managers, designers, developers, and policy colleagues. This role requires confidence operating in complex government environments and a solid understanding of the GDS Service Standard and Service Assessments.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, design, and conduct qualitative and quantitative user research across discovery, alpha, beta, and live phases
- Advocate for user needs and ensure research insights directly inform service and policy decisions
- Work collaboratively within agile, multidisciplinary teams
- Design inclusive research approaches, engaging hard-to-reach or vulnerable users where required
- Analyse and synthesise research findings into clear, actionable insights
- Communicate research outcomes effectively to a range of stakeholders, including senior civil servants
- Support teams through GDS service assessments with robust evidence of user-centred design
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a User Researcher within UK Government or GDS-aligned organisations
- Strong knowledge of the GDS Service Standard and government design principles
- Experience delivering research across the full service lifecycle
- Expertise in a wide range of user research methods (e.g. interviews, usability testing, surveys, diary studies)
- Confidence working in agile environments and multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience designing inclusive and accessible research
Desirable
- Experience working on large-scale or complex public services
- Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices
- Previous involvement in successful GDS service assessments
User Researcher - Public Sector employer: BrightBox Group
Contact Detail:
BrightBox Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher - Public Sector
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry, especially those who've worked in government or GDS. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your user research projects, especially those relevant to public services. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable discussing your research methods and findings. Mock interviews with friends can help you articulate your experience confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be just what you’re looking for. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher - Public Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with UK Government and GDS. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role is all about user research, be sure to detail your expertise in various research methods. We love seeing examples of how you've used these methods to inform service design, so include specific outcomes where possible.
Communicate Clearly: Your ability to communicate research findings is key! Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate how you can effectively share insights with stakeholders. Remember, we’re looking for clarity and impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at BrightBox Group
✨Know Your GDS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the GDS Service Standard and its principles. Familiarise yourself with how these standards apply to user research in government settings. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied these standards in your previous roles will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also experienced.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about the various user research methods you've used, like interviews or usability testing. Have a couple of solid examples ready where your research directly influenced service design or policy decisions. This will demonstrate your ability to advocate for user needs effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can communicate complex research findings to different stakeholders, including senior civil servants. Practice explaining your insights in a clear and concise manner, as this is crucial for ensuring your research has an impact on decision-making.
✨Be Inclusive and Accessible
Highlight your experience in designing inclusive research approaches, especially when working with hard-to-reach or vulnerable users. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure accessibility in your research methods, as this aligns with the values of public sector work and shows your commitment to user-centred design.
