At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful social research to shape driver and vehicle policies.
- Company: Join the DVSA, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to equality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in transport policy while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field with experience in social research or evaluation.
The predicted salary is between 44241 - 44241 £ per year.
Do you thrive in an environment where you can work methodically? Can you review key research and create insights to be communicated to others? Are you able to work independently to produce quality outcomes, in a timely manner? If so, we'd love to hear from you!
The successful Social Researcher will manage a programme of work across a number of policy areas including driver policy, motorcycle policy and vocational vehicles. This includes managing research and evaluation projects targeted on policy questions, but also work with policy colleagues and other analysts to quickly draw on or gather new evidence for decisions.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Design, specify, commission, deliver and disseminate social research and evaluation projects to inform policy.
- Engage widely with various customers (policy, analysts, external) to identify evidence needs, shape work and deliver evidence or advice.
- Collate insights from the evidence base to answer emerging policy questions.
- Provide technical advice to policy colleagues on evaluation and social research methods, including on the relative robustness of evidence sources, and the interpretation of findings.
- Take individual responsibility for providing timely, high-quality advice, research, analysis and briefing of both driver policy and legislation.
To succeed in this role, you will need to have experience of designing, managing and/or implementing complex social research or evaluation projects, to ensure the delivery of robust results on time. You will need to have experience of using your leadership, communication, and collaboration skills to achieve impact from research or evaluation. You will need to have experience of analysing a range of information and evidence from diverse sources to form conclusions and make recommendations.
Working hours consist of 37 hours per week. While we welcome applications from those looking to work part-time, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week. This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.
Qualifications: The expectation is that candidates will have the same qualifications as GSR (Government Social Research) members. Qualification requirements are dependent on whether candidates are eligible for GSR professional membership under the qualification route or the experience route:
- Qualification route: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with an additional postgraduate degree.
- Experience route: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with an additional postgraduate degree, in any subject; OR a degree equivalent such as the MRS Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice.
Behaviours we'll assess you against during the selection process include: Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service.
Technical skills we'll assess you against during the selection process include: Knowledge of research methods, techniques and applications of these in more complex projects; Identifying research needs, designing and specifying research; Analysis and interpretation; Managing and commissioning social research.
Alongside your salary of £44,241, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contributes £12,816 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits.
Social Researcher in Nottingham employer: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee well-being, offering a generous pension scheme, flexible working options, and ample annual leave. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, DVSA empowers its employees to thrive while contributing to safer and more sustainable road transport across the UK. Join us in making a meaningful impact on road safety and enjoy a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Researcher in Nottingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Researcher in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
