SC Cleared User Researcher

Sanderson Government & Defence; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 22,140,000 - 25,830,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanderson Government & Defence is seeking an SC Cleared User Researcher to support a Central Government programme on a 4-month contract in London. You will deliver high‑quality user research to ensure user needs shape digital services, working 1-2 days onsite per week in a multidisciplinary agile team.

The role requires active SC clearance, experience in central government, and strong knowledge of GDS standards.

Qualifications

• Active SC Clearance is essential.
• Proven User Research experience within Central Government.
• Strong knowledge of GDS standards and the Digital Service Standard.
• Experience across Discovery, Alpha, Beta and Live phases.
• Ability to select and apply appropriate research methods to meet project objectives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Experience working within agile, multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct qualitative and quantitative user research activities.
• Carry out user interviews, usability testing, workshops and discovery research.
• Analyse and synthesize research findings into clear, actionable insights.
• Communicate findings to product, design and delivery teams, as well as senior stakeholders.
• Produce user journeys, personas and other research artefacts where appropriate.
• Champion user-centred design and evidence-based decision making.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Service Designers and Delivery teams throughout the service lifecycle.

Skills

SC Clearance

User Research

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

SC Cleared User Researcher | Central Government | Up to £540 per day | Inside IR35

We are seeking an experienced SC Cleared User Researcher to join a high-profile Central Government programme on an initial 4-month contract.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary agile team, you will help shape and improve digital services by delivering high-quality user research and ensuring user needs are central to service design and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct qualitative and quantitative user research activities.


• Carry out user interviews, usability testing, workshops and discovery research.


• Analyse and synthesise research findings into clear, actionable insights.


• Communicate findings to product, design and delivery teams, as well as senior stakeholders.


• Produce user journeys, personas and other research artefacts where appropriate.


• Champion user-centred design and evidence-based decision making.


• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Service Designers and Delivery teams throughout the service lifecycle.

Essential Experience

• Active SC Clearance (current and transferable).


• Proven User Research experience within Central Government.


• Strong knowledge of GDS standards, the Digital Service Standard and user-centred design principles.


• Experience working across Discovery, Alpha, Beta and Live phases.


• Ability to select and apply appropriate research methods to meet project objectives.


• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.


• Experience working within agile, multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable Experience

• Experience supporting services through GDS assessments.


• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design practices.


• Experience delivering research on large-scale digital transformation programmes.

Contract Details

• Role: User Researcher


• Sector: Central Government


• Security Clearance: Active SC Clearance required


• Location: London (1-2 days per week onsite)


• Contract Length: 4 months


• Rate: Up to £540 per day


• IR35: Inside IR35

This is an excellent opportunity for a User Researcher with strong GDS and Central Government experience to contribute to the delivery of impactful public services.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.