User Researcher (FCSF141)
Contract: Fixed term until 30 June 2028, working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility)
Salary: £38,689 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Birmingham, Manchester or Nottingham (The role will be based in one of the listed locations; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week)
As a User Researcher, you will plan and conduct user research across a range of projects, using methods such as interviews, focus groups, roundtables and usability testing
You will engage with a diverse range of users across the arts and culture sector, including individuals, organisations and underrepresented communities. You will design inclusive and accessible research approaches, ensuring participation from people with different backgrounds and access needs.
Working closely with service designers, product managers and delivery teams, you will help define research questions, analyse findings and translate evidence into actionable recommendations. You will evaluate user journeys and experiences, identifying opportunities to improve services and remove barriers for users.
You will advocate for user-centred design across the organisation, communicate insights through compelling reports and presentations, and contribute to developing research capability and good practice. The role also includes managing research logistics and working with external suppliers where required.
You will have experience planning and conducting user research using a range of qualitative research methods, alongside a strong ability to analyse and synthesise findings into clear, evidence-based insights.
You will be skilled at engaging diverse audiences and designing inclusive research approaches that ensure a broad range of voices are represented. You will have experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and be confident communicating findings to stakeholders at all levels.
You will understand user-centred design principles and be comfortable working across multiple projects in a structured and organised way.
Experience of public sector services, the arts and culture sector, or Government Digital Service (GDS) approaches would be beneficial.
You are curious, empathetic and motivated by improving services through evidence and insight.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.
If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website here
We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/ or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.
About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme. To find out more, click here .
Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website here.
To view the job description please click here
To view the recruitment pack which outlines more details about working for Arts Council please click here
Job ref: FCSF141
Closing date: 16:00 Friday 12 June
1st Interview: (virtual) Thursday 25 June
2nd Interview: (virtual) Wednesday 01 July
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk