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 excellent career development opportunities.
- 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.
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.
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.
To be considered, please either apply via this advert or email your CV directly to ryan.baker@searchability.com. For further information, please call 07719 051875.
User Researcher employer: Searchability
Join a leading digital transformation consultancy that champions user-centred design within the public sector. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity, this role offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact on government services while enjoying a hybrid working model in London. The company fosters a supportive work culture with ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that your contributions are valued and recognised in shaping the future of digital services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector or user research field. Attend meetups, webinars, or even casual coffee chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your user research projects, especially those that align with GDS phases. Use real examples to demonstrate how your insights led to actionable changes. This will make you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨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 tackled challenges in previous roles and how you can contribute to their team. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talented User Researchers to join our mission in transforming public sector services. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the User Researcher role. Highlight your experience in user-centred design and any work you've done within public sector environments. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Showcase Your Research Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience with different research methods and how you've applied them in past projects. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've turned insights into actionable outcomes!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Searchability
✨Know Your User Research Methods
Make sure you’re well-versed in various user research methods. Be ready to discuss which methods you've used in past projects and why you chose them. This shows your understanding of the user-centred design principles that are crucial for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with GDS Phases
Brush up on the Government Digital Service (GDS) phases: Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live. Be prepared to share examples of how you've contributed to these phases in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your relevant experience and knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, think of specific instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with Product Managers, Content Designers, or Interaction Designers. Highlighting your teamwork will show you can thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you’ve engaged with stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss how you’ve communicated research findings and influenced decision-making. This is key for demonstrating your strong communication skills and ability to challenge assumptions effectively.
