At a Glance
- Tasks: Design user-centred services and improve public sector experiences through data-driven insights.
- Company: Join the DVSA, a leader in service design and user research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and 25+ days annual leave.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in service design, agile delivery, and user-focused methodologies.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Location: Bristol, Swansea, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oldham, Birmingham, Yeading (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
Salary: £44,241 - Plus an additional Government Digital and Data Profession allowance up to £14,756. Candidates based in Yeading will receive the London Weighting allowance of £4,000. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
Available Positions: 2
As Senior Service Designer in the DVSA Service Design and User Research team your role will be to help DVSA deliver and continuously improve joined up, end-to-end services based on data and evidence. You will work in a delivery focused environment in collaboration with members of multi-disciplinary agile teams including policy experts, user researchers, data analysts, developers, content designers and business analysts.
Top Responsibilities
- Designing services which meet the Government Service Standard
- Carry out a wide range of service design activities from problem framing, journey mapping, prototyping and workshop facilitation.
- Translate actionable insights from user research and other insight sources into accessible designs
- Ensuring services meet public sector accessibility regulations
- Development of user-facing features ensuring technical feasibility of UI/UX designs in line with the GDS Design System
- Will prototype website designs and UI elements as required.
- Play a leading role in developing a user centred design community that will discuss methods, best practice and identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the agency including service owners, product owners, user researchers, business analysts, content designers and developers.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Relevant experience in design services and human-centred experiences including defining service design approaches, methodologies, and deliverables
- Experience of agile delivery and awareness of agile tools and how to use them
- Iterative and rapid prototyping with multidisciplinary teams
- Good understanding of responsive design and designing for mobile first
- Experience of delivering simple and clear communication of technical designs to non-technical stakeholders
- Experience of designing against constraints
- Awareness and experience of working to accessibility standards
- Strong understanding of information architecture, interaction design, visual design and prototyping.
- Experience in building coded prototypes using HTML and CSS or experience using the GOV.UK Prototype kit. Knowledge of JavaScript beneficial.
Additional Information
The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability-Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance. The base pay is £44,241. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £14,756. The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process.
How to Apply
Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided. This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 31st May 2026.
Senior Service Designer in Bristol employer: Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, DVSA empowers its staff to thrive in a collaborative environment while contributing to meaningful public service improvements. Join us in Bristol, Swansea, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oldham, Birmingham, or Yeading, where you can make a real impact on the lives of citizens through innovative service design.
Contact Detail:
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Service Designer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DVSA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to service design. We should also be ready to showcase our portfolio, highlighting projects that align with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in service design and user research. Sharing insights during interviews shows our passion and commitment to continuous improvement, which DVSA values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we can tailor our application to highlight how we meet the job description perfectly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Service Designer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Senior Service Designer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Include examples of your previous work in service design, especially any projects that involved user research or agile methodologies. We want to see how you’ve applied your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. Remember, we appreciate clarity as much as creativity!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps streamline the process. Plus, it shows you're following instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
✨Know Your Service Design Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in service design principles and methodologies. Brush up on your experience with user-centred design, agile delivery, and prototyping. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
As a Senior Service Designer, you'll be working with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders like user researchers and developers. Highlight your ability to communicate technical designs to non-technical folks.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Accessibility
Accessibility is key in public sector roles. Familiarise yourself with the relevant standards and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured your designs meet these requirements in past projects. This will show your commitment to inclusive design.
✨Prepare for Practical Exercises
You might be asked to participate in a practical exercise during the interview. Practice journey mapping or prototyping tasks beforehand. This will help you feel more confident and demonstrate your hands-on skills effectively.
