Content Designer

Searchability; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 101,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

SC clearance

Job summary

Searchability is seeking a Content Designer (Trauma-Informed Content Design) to craft clear, accessible content for government digital services in line with GOV.UK standards. The role involves collaborating with researchers, designers and developers to translate complex information into concise, user-friendly copy.

You will design content for sensitive, trauma-related journeys, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Content Designer within a GDS/government environment.
• Strong knowledge of GOV.UK style guide and content design principles.
• Experience designing trauma-informed content for sensitive user journeys.
• Experience with user research and usability testing.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, concise content.
• Experience conducting content audits and gap analysis.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience working with CMS or government publishing tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English; Welsh desirable).
• Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA).
• Ability to work collaboratively in Agile teams.

Responsibilities

• Create clear, accessible, user-focused content for government digital services.
• Collaborate with researchers, designers and developers to translate complex information into simple content.
• Design content for trauma-informed services for potentially vulnerable users.
• Contribute to usability testing, content audits and continuous improvement of digital services.

Skills

GDS Content Design

GOV.UK style guide

Trauma-informed content

User research

Usability testing

Content audits

Stakeholder engagement

CMS / Gov publishing tools

English (Welsh desirable)

WCAG 2.2 AA

Agile teams

Tools

CMS / Gov publishing tools

Job description

CONTENT DESIGNER (Trauma-Informed Content Design)

• Content Designer | GDS | Trauma-Informed Content Design
• Initial contract until the end of the year (in line with current SoW)
• Extensions through to at least the end of 2027
• Circa £500per day outside IR35
• Hybrid – 2 days a fortnight in Newcastle
• Ability to obtain SC is required

ABOUT THE CLIENT

Our client delivers critical digital services within the UK public sector, focused on improving accessibility, usability, and support outcomes for millions of users. They are seeking an experienced Content Designer to join a collaborative, user-centred team working to GDS standards.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful digital transformation projects, including services supporting users interacting with sensitive and trauma-related subject matter.

THE CONTENT DESIGNER ROLE

As a Content Designer, you will play a key role in creating clear, accessible, and user-focused content for government digital services.

You will work closely with user researchers, designers, and developers to understand user needs and translate complex information into simple, effective content that aligns with GOV.UK standards.

A key part of this role will involve designing content for services supporting users in potentially vulnerable or distressing situations. Experience creating trauma-informed content, handling sensitive subject matter, and designing empathetic user journeys will therefore be essential.

You will also contribute to usability testing, content audits, and continuous improvement of digital services, ensuring content is accurate, inclusive, accessible, and easy to navigate.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Proven experience as a Content Designer within a GDS / government environment
• Strong knowledge of the GOV.UK style guide and content design principles
• Experience designing content for trauma-related, sensitive, or vulnerable user journeys
• Experience working with user research and usability testing
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, concise content
• Experience conducting content audits and gap analysis
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Experience working with CMS or government publishing tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English and Welsh desirable)
• Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA)
• Ability to work collaboratively in Agile teams