At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research to improve digital services for vulnerable users across the UK.
- Company: Join DWP Digital, the UK's largest government department focused on empowering millions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, a generous pension, and 26-31 days of holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing services that affect nearly every person in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research or related fields, with strong qualitative and quantitative skills required.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning culture that values diversity and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Do you want to be part of a User Centred Design community of practice that will support your development and nurture your curiosity? Could your research skills improve digital services for the most vulnerable users in the UK?
We are looking for a User Researcher to join our community of tech experts in DWP Digital. Our teams use fresh ideas, user research and leading-edge tech to build and maintain digital solutions that will be used by nearly every person in the UK, every day and at key moments in their lives. DWP is the UK's largest government department. We help people into work and make payments worth over £195bn a year to support and empower millions of people.
What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?
- Experience of user research or appropriate experience in other fields of research.
- Knowledge and experience of using a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, selecting the most appropriate method depending on the requirements.
- Significant experience of planning and conducting research that considers the diversity of users, keeping in mind access needs and the ethical nature of research.
- Extensive experience and proven track record of generating new and useful insights for a project team to leverage, ensuring where relevant that the insights influence decisions.
- Experience of communicating insights from research to project teams and wider stakeholders or clients, to inform their decisions and make actionable recommendations.
As a User Researcher you will plan, design and carry out research programmes which help us understand the needs of DWP users. You'll draw insights from your research, identifying opportunities to improve our services and systems, and presenting these to key stakeholders to help us design and deliver better services for our users. You will work closely with the wider digital team - designers, engineers, analysts and architects - to develop research strategies that give us a deeper understanding of considerations that affect our diverse user range, such as the access needs of vulnerable claimants and customers.
Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Blackpool, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield, whichever is most convenient for you.
Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.
Pay: We offer competitive pay of up to £45,081.
Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £13,028 per year.
Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time. You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.
We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:
- An award-winning environment and culture.
- Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies.
- Time off volunteering and charitable giving.
- Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'.
- Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more.
- Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket.
- Sports and social activities.
- Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
Process: We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:
- Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
- Interview: a single stage interview online.
CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.
User Researcher employer: DWP Digital
Contact Detail:
DWP Digital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the DWP's mission and values. Understanding their focus on user-centred design and how they aim to improve services for vulnerable users will help you align your research approach with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss specific user research methods you've used in the past. Be ready to share examples of how you've selected appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods based on project needs, as this will demonstrate your expertise and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 3
Think about how you can communicate insights effectively. Practice explaining complex research findings in a clear and actionable way, as this is crucial for influencing decisions within project teams and stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your understanding of diversity and accessibility in user research. Be prepared to discuss how you've considered the needs of diverse user groups in your previous work, as this aligns with DWP's commitment to inclusivity.
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the User Researcher position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in user research or related fields. Be specific about the qualitative and quantitative methods you've used and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Insights: Provide examples of how your research has generated actionable insights in previous roles. This could include how your findings influenced project decisions or improved services for users.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and mission of DWP Digital. Mention your commitment to improving digital services for vulnerable users and how your skills align with their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital
✨Understand User-Centred Design
Familiarise yourself with the principles of user-centred design. Be prepared to discuss how your research skills can enhance digital services for vulnerable users, as this is a key focus for the role.
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Highlight your experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Be ready to provide examples of how you've selected appropriate methods for different projects and the insights gained from them.
✨Communicate Insights Effectively
Prepare to demonstrate how you have communicated research findings to project teams and stakeholders. Use specific examples to illustrate how your insights influenced decisions and led to actionable recommendations.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Accessibility
Discuss your understanding of the diverse user range and the importance of considering access needs in your research. Be ready to share experiences where you’ve planned research that takes these factors into account.