Social Research Undergraduate Placement

Closing date: 08/02/2026, 16:00.

Advertising basis: Fixed Term, Placement.

Actual starting salary: A non-negotiable starting salary of £27,302 will be offered to the successful candidate.

Salary range or pay band: Team Support £27,302 to £29,291.

Work pattern: Full time (not suitable for candidates who wish to work on a part time or job share basis).

Duration: 50 weeks.

Location: Pan Wales.

The Welsh Government is the devolved government of Wales. Analysts provide high quality evidence to support policy making. Three posts are available with a reserve list, in the Social Research and Information Division, within Housing Research, Corporate Research and Education and Skills Research Teams.

These posts are open to undergraduate students on a sandwich year placement between their second and third year of study. Welsh Government seeks applications from candidates who demonstrate leadership, fresh skills, lived experiences and perspectives. The organisation is committed to anti-racism and inclusive working environments. Applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and disabled people who are under-represented in the Civil Service in Wales are particularly welcome.

The successful candidates will work with social researchers to support the development and delivery of different types of research projects.

Posts and responsibilities

• Post 1: Housing Research Branch - This role is based in the Housing Research Branch but will involve collaboration with researchers across topics in climate change and rural affairs policy areas. Duties include:

• Assisting with the design, delivery, analysis and reporting of primary and secondary research.
• Conducting evidence reviews.
• Developing and administering small-scale online surveys.
• Assisting with research development.
• Providing administrative support for research evidence planning.

• Using quantitative and qualitative analysis methods.
• Designing, carrying out and reporting primary research with staff and stakeholders.
• Conducting evidence reviews and developing best practice guides.
• Producing bulletins for the Social Research and Information Division.

• Contributing to development and delivery of research projects (e.g., literature reviews, evaluations).
• Assisting with design, management and reporting of social research.
• Assisting with corporate responsibilities.

Key tasks

• Supporting with management and quality assurance of research.
• Assisting with qualitative and quantitative research (interviews, focus groups, surveys, data analysis).
• Research design, analysis and synthesis.
• Literature searches and reviews.
• Liaising with analysts across the Welsh Government.
• Administrative support for data collection exercises.
• Preparing reports for publication or internal use.
• Project management.
• Administrative tasks (meetings, seminars, events, minutes, record keeping).
• Ensuring ethical compliance and legal requirements (UK GDPR) across projects.
• Coordinating stakeholder engagement meetings.
• Regular progress updates with senior analysts.

Development opportunities

• Learning how social research is commissioned and used within government.
• Understanding how evidence informs policy making and organisational practices.
• Developing key skills (communication, critical thinking, teamwork, deadlines).
• Experience with various research techniques (surveys, interviews, analysis, reporting).
• Project management skills.
• Attendance at relevant courses, conferences and seminars.
• Shadowing or collaboration with officials from other departments or government-funded bodies.

Other vacancy information

Confirmation that the successful applicant has passed their second year of study is required before the placement starts. The placements run from summer 2026 to summer 2027.

Application process and assessments are described in the advert, including Civil Service Behaviours, Success Profiles and eligibility criteria. The webinar date is Monday 2 February 2026, 11:30–12:30, via MS Teams. Booking details are provided in the advert.

Nationality and eligibility rules apply. Details include a list of eligible groups and notes on visa sponsorship.

How to apply

All applications must be made using the online application system. Wales Government does not routinely sponsor visas for this campaign. If you need an alternative format for the application pack or an adjustment, please contact the recruitment team.

We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. The Welsh Government offers various staff networks and benefits for employees, including pensions, annual leave, cycle schemes, and flexible working arrangements.