User Researcher - Government Property Agency

The GPA is developing a user research capability as a core part of its approach to developing technology services. The senior user research will lead the development of this capability working alongside product managers, technical architects, delivery managers and service owners. Working with the people who work in our buildings to understand user needs and help translate these into technical requirements to ensure a quality service.

Client Details

The Government Property Agency is changing the way the Civil Service works and is at the forefront of Government's transformation agenda; reshaping the relationship civil servants have with their place of work. The Agency is central to the delivery of key Government policies including moving 22,000 Civil Service roles out of London by 2030 and tackling climate change by contributing to the Net Zero agenda. To do this we are delivering a major change programme across the UK and consolidating our portfolio in order to save GBP1.4 Bn over 10 years.

.This role can be based at Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham or Bristol*

Beyond the bricks and mortar, the GPA is about providing great workplaces for our people. Through programmes like Hubs, Whitehall Campus and Smart Working you will be in the vanguard of creating model working environments and promoting flexible working practices.

This is an ambitious and exciting task, for which we need innovative people, with strong commercial acumen, who are passionate about visualising and implementing customer needs. Launched as an Executive Agency of the Cabinet Office in 2018, we're a relatively new department and we are growing fast so we also need people who thrive in ambiguity, can adapt quickly to change and are comfortable stepping outside of their remit to drive outcomes.

Description

As a Senior User Researcher working in the Government Property Agency, you will:

• Plan user research activities that help teams gain a deep understanding of the people that use our services.
• Turn research data into clear findings that inform decisions by involving colleagues in analysis and synthesis to increase consensus and challenge assumptions.
• Understand the diversity of users by effectively including all kinds of users in appropriate research activities to help teams deliver accessible services.
• Understand and demonstrate experience in a range of user research methods and can apply them correctly for different situations and stages of the product life cycle.
• Align user research activities to inform decision making that will help the team with the problem they are trying to resolve.
• Align user research activities with organisational objectives to create strategic insights that inform policy and proposition.
• Have an understanding of user-centred design practices and how to embed them into an Agile workflow to produce timely findings.

Profile

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities and wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a sense of belonging in a workplace where everyone feels valued.

Analysis and synthesis

Understands how to apply basic techniques for analysis of research data and synthesis of findings. Knows how to involve their team in analysis and synthesis. Can present clear findings that colleagues can understand and use.

Inclusive research

Understands the diversity of users of government services and the need to make services usable and accessible for everyone. Can work with colleagues to include many kinds of users in appropriate research activities.

Research skills

Understands and has experience of basic user research methods. Understands when to use those methods and how to apply them correctly. Knows how to involve their team in research activities.

Society and technology

Understands the social and technological context for government services. Can align user research activities to help their team understand changing user behaviour.

Strategic insight

Understands what problem the team is trying to solve. Can align user research activities to inform decision making and action.

User centred and agile practices

Understands and has experience of a range of user-centred practices. Can work with colleagues to plan and do continuous user research in a multidisciplinary team.

Candidates would be expected to work towards the British Computing Society Chartered Institute for IT accreditation. Attaining this qualification will attract an additional allowance on top of the basic salary.

Pre-screening criteria:

• You must have had significant experience in User Research, with a strong desire to work in an infrastructure setting.
• You must have had significant experience of engaging with stakeholders of all levels
• Ideally (not a must-have), you will have had experience in a Government DDaT setting, and have already worked in an infrastructure setting.

Job Offer

Alongside your salary of GBP51,700, GPA contributes GBP13,959 towards you being a member of the CS DBP Pension scheme.

Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides here:

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Generous annual leave

This vacancy is using Civil Service Success Profiles:

These will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities and wider society that we serve.

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme (RIS) to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction.
Sift
The closing date is 12.2.24, the sift is due to take place by 14.2.24 but is subject to change.
Applicants successful at sift will be invited to interviews, due to take place week commencing 19.2.24 and will be a virtual interview.
This is subject to change dependent upon where most successful candidates are based.