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- Tasks: Lead user-centred design for a major government digital programme and mentor teams.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on delivering impactful digital services for the government.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique perspective.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public service while shaping user experience at a strategic level.
- 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
- 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. We want to support you throughout the recruitment process. If you need any help or adjustments 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 London employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SC Cleared UCD Lead - GDS in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with GDS. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to UCD and GDS. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with articulating your experience and strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your past roles, highlight how you’ve influenced teams and stakeholders. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to set direction and mentor others.
✨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’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace SC Cleared UCD Lead - GDS in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the SC Cleared UCD Lead role. Highlight your GDS experience and any leadership roles you've had in user-centred design. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve influenced stakeholders or led teams to success. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about user-centred design and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful, and make sure to connect your experience to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your GDS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Government Digital Service (GDS) standards. Brush up on how they apply to user-centred design and be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your understanding and application of these standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience leading multidisciplinary teams. Think of concrete examples where you’ve set direction, mentored team members, or influenced stakeholders. Highlight how your leadership has directly contributed to successful project outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in a UCD context. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, especially in relation to aligning UCD strategy with organisational objectives.
✨Demonstrate Your Stakeholder Influence
Prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. Have examples ready that illustrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and how you’ve championed user-centred design at a strategic level.