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- Tasks: Conduct user research to improve services for vulnerable people in the UK.
- Company: Join the Home Office's innovative User-Centred Design team.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on lives affected by modern slavery.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research methods and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Locations: Croydon, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield
Use user research to protect and support vulnerable people across the UK. We’re looking for a User Researcher who is a strong, confident advocate for users and wants their work to make a real difference. In this role, you’ll help improve government services that protect some of the most vulnerable people in society, supporting those affected by modern slavery and the professionals working to safeguard them.
Where you’ll work: You’ll join the Home Office’s Policing and Public Protection Technology (PPPT) portfolio, embedded within a central User‑Centred Design (UCD) team that operates like an in‑house agency across public safety and homeland security. Your initial focus will be modern slavery services, working at the intersection of:
- Safeguarding
- Serious crime
- Victim and survivor support
The impact you’ll have: Day to day, you’ll work closely with the Modern Slavery Unit (MSU), improving how a wide range of users navigate critical services, including:
- Emergency service workers
- Voluntary and support organisations
- People directly affected by modern slavery
You’ll carry out research from discovery through to live services, running interviews, observations and usability testing, then turning findings into clear, actionable insights that directly shape design decisions. This is research with real‑world consequences. The insights you produce will help shape services that support victims and those working to protect them.
What you’ll be doing:
- Plan, design and conduct user research and usability testing
- Use a range of methods to understand user needs and behaviours
- Analyse and synthesise complex research data into meaningful insight
- Clearly communicate findings to teams and stakeholders
- Advocate for user‑centred design principles and ways of working
- Ensure research is accessible and inclusive, including participants with access needs
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary delivery teams
- Manage research logistics, including recruitment and scheduling
What we’re looking for: You don’t need prior Home Office experience. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Experience using a range of user research methods
- Strong communication skills to persuade and advocate using evidence
- A good understanding of research ethics, particularly in sensitive contexts
- Experience conducting inclusive and accessible research
- Confidence in analysis and synthesis of findings
- A collaborative approach to working in multidisciplinary teams
User Researcher - Home Office - SEO employer: Manchester Digital
Contact Detail:
Manchester Digital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher - Home Office - SEO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those working in user research or at the Home Office. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your user research projects, focusing on how your insights made a difference. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your communication skills. Be ready to discuss your research methods and how they align with user-centred design principles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in making a difference. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with supporting vulnerable people.
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher - Home Office - SEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for User Advocacy: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for user advocacy shine through. We want to see how you can be a strong, confident advocate for users, especially those in vulnerable situations. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to making a real difference.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. Use bullet points if it helps, and don’t forget to tailor your application to the specific role of User Researcher.
Highlight Your Research Skills: Make sure to showcase your experience with various user research methods. We’re looking for someone who can plan, design, and conduct research effectively, so include examples of how you've done this in the past. Don’t shy away from discussing your analytical skills too!
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 shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Know Your User Research Methods
Make sure you’re well-versed in various user research methods. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these techniques in past projects, especially in sensitive contexts. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the complexities of researching vulnerable populations.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts on user advocacy and how your research can influence design decisions. Use examples from your experience to back up your points, demonstrating your ability to persuade and advocate effectively.
✨Show Your Understanding of Ethics
Given the sensitive nature of the work, it’s crucial to demonstrate a solid understanding of research ethics. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure inclusivity and accessibility in your research, particularly when working with vulnerable groups. This will highlight your commitment to ethical practices.
✨Collaborate and Engage
This role involves working within multidisciplinary teams, so showcase your collaborative spirit. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with others in the past, and be ready to discuss how you would approach teamwork in this new environment. It’s all about showing you can fit into their culture!