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- Tasks: Lead user-centred design strategy for a major government digital programme.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful government digital services.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working model, and strong potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public service through innovative design leadership.
- Qualifications: Active SC clearance and extensive GDS experience required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 67500 £ per year.
Rate: Up to £675 per day (Inside IR35)
Location: London (3 days per week on-site)
Contract: Initial contract with strong extension potential
We're looking for an experienced SC-cleared UCD Lead to take a senior, strategic role on a major central government digital programme. This role will suit someone who can set direction for user-centred design, lead and mentor teams, and influence at programme and senior stakeholder level while ensuring delivery meets the Government Service Standard.
Key Requirements
- Active Security Clearance (SC) - must be current and transferable
- Extensive GDS experience, working to the Government Service Standard
- Proven experience operating as a UCD / Design Lead on complex digital services
- Strong background in leading multidisciplinary design and research teams
- Confidence influencing senior stakeholders, service owners and programme leadership
- Experience shaping UCD strategy across multiple products or services
Responsibilities
- Set the UCD strategy and vision, ensuring alignment with organisational and programme objectives
- Provide clear leadership and direction to content designers, user researchers and interaction designers
- Champion user-centred design at a strategic level, embedding best practice across teams
- Oversee research-led design decisions and ensure insights directly inform delivery
- Coach and mentor team members, supporting capability development and quality standards
- Ensure all UCD outputs align with GDS standards and support successful service assessments
Working Pattern
3 days per week on-site in London. Remaining days remote, offering a balanced and flexible working model.
If you're an SC-cleared UCD Lead with strong GDS experience and a track record of strategic leadership within government digital programmes, we'd like to hear from you.
Reasonable Adjustments: Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
SC Cleared UCD Lead - GDS in Slough employer: Sanderson Government and Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government and Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SC Cleared UCD Lead - GDS in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with GDS and UCD roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your UCD strategies and GDS standards. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and influenced stakeholders in past projects. We want to see your passion for user-centred design!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've mentored team members and shaped UCD strategies. This will highlight your ability to align with organisational objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace SC Cleared UCD Lead - GDS in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your SC clearance and GDS experience. We want to see how your background aligns with the UCD Lead role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a UCD Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams. Use specific examples in your application that illustrate how you've influenced stakeholders and shaped UCD strategies in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government and Defence
✨Know Your GDS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Government Digital Service (GDS) standards. Familiarise yourself with their principles and how they apply to user-centred design. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to delivering high-quality digital services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Think about specific instances where you’ve influenced senior stakeholders or shaped UCD strategies. Being able to articulate your leadership style and its impact on project outcomes will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Your Coaching Experience
As a UCD Lead, mentoring is key. Be ready to discuss how you’ve supported team members in their development and maintained quality standards. Share success stories of how your coaching has led to improved team performance or innovative design solutions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think through potential challenges you might encounter in a government digital programme and how you would address them while adhering to GDS standards. This will showcase your strategic thinking and adaptability.