At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research to shape accessible digital services for the public sector.
- Company: Leading digital transformation consultancy focused on user-centred design.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunity to influence government services.
- Other info: Initial contract until 31/10/2026 with potential for extension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research within public sector and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 45000 £ per year.
Our client is a leading digital transformation consultancy delivering user-centred services across major UK public sector programmes. They are seeking an experienced User Researcher to support the delivery of accessible, evidence‑led digital services within a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment.
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to large‑scale government digital transformation initiatives, helping shape services through the full GDS lifecycle from Discovery and Alpha through to Beta and Live.
THE USER RESEARCHER ROLE
As User Researcher, you will play a key role in understanding user needs, behaviours, and pain points across complex public sector digital services. You will work closely with Product Managers, Content Designers, Interaction Designers, and wider multidisciplinary teams to ensure services are designed around genuine user needs and aligned to GDS standards.
You will be responsible for planning and conducting inclusive user research activities, selecting appropriate research methods across different phases of the product lifecycle, and translating findings into actionable insights that inform service design and delivery decisions.
The role will involve supporting services through GDS assessments, facilitating collaborative analysis and synthesis sessions, challenging assumptions through evidence‑led research, and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity are embedded throughout service design activities.
You will also help teams understand the wider societal and technological context surrounding digital government services while contributing to Agile, iterative delivery environments.
USER RESEARCHER ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Strong experience as a User Researcher within Public Sector or Government environments
- Experience delivering services through GDS phases including Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live
- Experience supporting GDS assessments and strong understanding of user‑centred design principles and practices
- Experience conducting inclusive and accessible user research activities
- Ability to select and apply appropriate research methods across the product lifecycle
- Experience analysing and synthesising research findings into actionable insights
- Experience working within multidisciplinary Agile delivery teams
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Experience collaborating with Product Managers, Content Designers, Interaction Designers, and delivery teams
- Understanding of the social and technological context surrounding government digital services
- Ability to challenge assumptions and influence decision‑making through evidence‑based research
- Strong organisational and facilitation skills
BPSS clearance required.
User Researcher in London employer: Searchability
As a leading digital transformation consultancy, our company offers an exceptional work environment for User Researchers, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the public sector. With a focus on user-centred design and agile methodologies, employees benefit from meaningful projects that directly impact government services, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive team atmosphere. Located in London, we provide a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while engaging in large-scale initiatives that shape the future of digital services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those who work in public sector roles. LinkedIn is your best mate here – connect, engage, and don’t be shy to ask for informational chats.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your user research projects, especially those that align with GDS phases. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of user-centred design principles and GDS standards. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles and how you can contribute to their projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a User Researcher, especially in public sector environments. We want to see how you've delivered services through GDS phases like Discovery and Alpha, so don’t hold back on those details!
Showcase Your Research Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to conduct inclusive and accessible user research activities. We’re looking for evidence of how you’ve selected appropriate research methods and translated findings into actionable insights.
Communicate Clearly:Strong stakeholder engagement is key! Use your application to demonstrate your communication skills and how you’ve collaborated with multidisciplinary teams. We love seeing examples of how you’ve influenced decision-making through evidence-based research.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Searchability
✨Know Your GDS Phases
Make sure you’re well-versed in the GDS phases: Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live. Be ready to discuss your experience in each phase and how you've contributed to user-centred design in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about specific user research methods you've used. Highlight how you’ve selected appropriate methods for different stages of the product lifecycle and how your findings have led to actionable insights.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your strong communication skills by discussing how you’ve engaged with various stakeholders, including Product Managers and Designers. Share examples of how you’ve facilitated collaboration and influenced decision-making through evidence-based research.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Accessibility
Be prepared to discuss how you ensure inclusivity and accessibility in your research activities. Share examples of how you’ve challenged assumptions and advocated for user needs, especially in public sector contexts.
