We are hiring two User Researchers for GOV.UK, which is the trusted online home for government information and services. Every week millions of people rely on it to complete essential and often life‑changing tasks. GOV.UK also supports government colleagues to publish content, ensuring accurate and accessible information is always available to the public.
Responsibilities
* make an impact: work on and tackle challenges in public infrastructure, improving lives through solutions that are informed by high quality, evidence‑based, insights
* deliver work that matters: driving change, delivering better value and outcomes for users and government, to empower and transform
* grow with us: thrive in a supportive research community that values experimentation, learning, failing fast and reflection as key steps to growth. With dedicated development resources, training and cross‑government networks, you will have plenty of opportunities to grow.
* plan and conduct a wide range of user research projects that are aligned with your teams’ vision and goals
* deliver high‑quality, end‑to‑end research: from planning, research design, and participant recruitment to analysis and actionable reporting
* design and execute user research that drives the development and continuous improvement of government products/services, ensuring insights lead to informed decision‑making
* collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders throughout the research process, working closely with product managers, designers, and developers to transform user insights into impactful product and service features
* advocate for the user by maintaining a clear focus on their needs and behaviours, while also understanding wider business goals - bringing both perspectives together to deliver impactful research that fosters empathy and supports informed, balanced decision‑making
* clearly and effectively communicate user research insights to teams, fostering a shared and deep understanding of research learnings
* be a reflective practitioner - consistently explore and implement innovative ways to deliver better outcomes, whether by refining existing methods/practices or experimenting with new, creative approaches
* manage time effectively to deliver high‑quality research on time, while sharing ideas and learnings to support team growth and contribute to research libraries and reusable knowledge - helping to shape the future of the research community through collaboration
Person specification
You don't need government experience to apply for this role. We’re looking for User Researchers for GOV.UK with experience in applying a range of research methods and approaches. You’ll be a good communicator with a proven track record of advocating for users, delivering impactful research insights that drive informed decision‑making.
Qualifications
* experience and understanding of established user research methods, including those related with planning, analysis, and sharing of findings - to generate insights that inform inclusive, human‑centred design, grounded in an understanding of user behaviour and psychology
* ability to present clear insights that colleagues can understand and use, through clear, compelling storytelling
* experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, actively engaging colleagues in research activities
* ability to include all kinds of users in appropriate research activities to help teams understand the diversity of users of government services
* understanding of social and technological contexts and their influence on user behaviour and solutions. Knowledgeable in user‑centred design, accessibility, and inclusion practices
* demonstrates initiative and a proactive mindset by seeking creative and collaborative solutions - whether working independently or with support on complex projects - and consistently reflects on practice to drive improvement and deliver meaningful change
Benefits
* flexible hybrid working with flexi‑time and the option to work part‑time or condensed hours
* a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
* 25 days of annual leave, increasing by a day each year up to a maximum of 30 days
* an extra day off for the King’s birthday
* an in‑year bonus scheme to recognise high performance
* career progression and coaching, including a training budget for personal development
* a focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
* job satisfaction from making government services easier to use and more inclusive for people across the UK
* advances on pay, including for travel season tickets
* death in service benefits
* cycle to work scheme and facilities
* access to an employee discounts scheme
* 10 learning days per year
* volunteering opportunities (5 special leave days per year)
* access to a suite of learning activities through Civil Service learning
Any move to Government Digital Service from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
Location
Whilst this role's location is Bristol / Manchester, if you are a current Civil servant working in DSIT and based in London, you are also able to apply for this role. If you are successful, you will retain your London location and pay.
Visa Sponsorship
DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
Security
Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) is required if an individual is working in proximity to public figures or requires unescorted access to buildings assessed to be at particular risk from terrorist attacks. Applicants usually need to have been a UK resident for a minimum of 3 years. Additional checks are conducted to prevent persons who may have connections with terrorist organisations from undertaking sensitive duties. CTC normally takes 4‑6 weeks.
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