Senior Social Research Scientist (Band 3/SEO)

Health and Safety Executive; Earl Sterndale; On-site; GBP 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A government safety agency in the UK is hiring a social researcher to support the Building Safety Programme. The successful candidate will provide high-quality analysis, advise on social sciences, and work closely with various stakeholders. Qualifications include a relevant undergraduate degree and substantial research methods knowledge. The role offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including a Civil Service pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive pay (£47,686)

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension contribution (£13,814)

Flexible working options

25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 5 years

Access to Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Applicants must meet the qualification or experience route for GSR professional membership.
• Undergraduate degree must include research methods component.
• At least 4 years’ social research experience for experience route.

Responsibilities

• Provide social-science advice to support Building Safety Programme.
• Work with analysts and stakeholders to understand evidence needs.
• Conduct synthesis of evaluation evidence and analysis.

Skills

Delivering challenging research projects

Producing robust social‑science based advice

Synthesising data and information

Designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative research

Advocating for social research

Critically evaluating data

Knowledge of ethical and legal requirements

Education

Undergraduate degree with postgraduate degree or equivalent

MRS Advanced Certificate or equivalent

Job description

We are looking for an exceptional social researcher to provide high quality analysis to support the Building Safety Programme. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the independent regulator for work‑related health and safety, protecting people and the environment. This role will join the Economic and Social Analysis Team (ESAT) and work closely with economists, statisticians, psychologists, epidemiologists, data scientists and GIS specialists across HSE sites in Bootle and Buxton.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide sound social‑science based advice and analysis to support the Building Safety Programme (BSP).
• Work closely with analysts, operational and policy colleagues and stakeholders to understand and meet evidence needs.
• Support triangulation of secondary data sources such as programme monitoring data, baseline surveys and qualitative data.
• Conduct synthesis of evaluation evidence and draw out key messages.
• Carry out further analysis of secondary data to answer specific policy questions.
• Interpret evidence and analysis to inform ongoing refinement of the theory of change.
• Disseminate evidence and analysis to generate impact.
• Take a proactive role in your professional development, engaging with GSR activities and supporting learning within the team.

Essential Skills and Criteria

• Delivering challenging research projects.
• Producing robust social‑science based advice and analysis to support decision‑making.
• Synthesising data and information to understand the evidence base, highlight gaps and convey key messages.
• Designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
• Advocating for social research and presenting findings to non‑specialists and senior managers.
• Supporting senior leaders with effective partnership and collaborative working to deliver positive outcomes.
• Critically evaluating data and information to make sound evidence‑based decisions.
• Knowledge of the ethical issues and legal requirements surrounding research.

Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet the qualification route or the experience route for Government Social Research (GSR) professional membership.

• Qualification Route:
  • Undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1 or 2:2) with a postgraduate degree or equivalent.
  • Degree must include a substantial research methods component (≈30% of modules).
• Experience Route:
  • Undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1 or 2:2) with a postgraduate degree or equivalent, or an equivalent qualification such as the MRS Advanced Certificate.
  • At least 4 years’ experience of social research practice in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team.

In Your Application

• Details of any social research modules taken as part of your undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
• Relevant professional qualifications you hold, such as the MRS Advanced Certificate or equivalent.
• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and baseline personnel security standard checks.

Benefits

• Competitive pay (£47,686) with a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension contribution (£13,814).
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Flexible working options.
• Inclusive culture encouraging diversity and equality.
• Family‑friendly and carer‑friendly policies.
• Holiday: 25 days annual, increasing to 30 days after 5 years, plus bank holidays and 1 day Civil Service privilege leave.
• Parental leave benefits.
• Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme, E‑Gift Cards and vouchers via partner EdenRed.

Selection Process Details

The vacancy uses Success Profiles and will assess behaviours, experience and technical skills. Interviews will be held from 15th December. Candidates selected will be required to prepare a 10‑minute presentation followed by panel questions.

Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland.
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK.
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status.
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020.
• Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued right to work in the Civil Service.

Equal Opportunities

HSE is a Disability Confident Employer and welcomes applications from disabled people. We offer workplace adjustments to ensure participation in the recruitment and selection process. For more information or to request an alternative application format, email [e-mail].