User Researcher - Public Sector

BrightBox Group; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced Contract User Researcher to join a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering user-centred public services. The ideal candidate will possess background in UK Government or GDS, strong expertise in diverse user research methods, and the ability to advocate for user needs. This role emphasizes collaboration within agile teams to ensure services are designed effectively and inclusively, making real impacts on public services.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a User Researcher within UK Government or GDS-aligned organisations.
• Strong knowledge of the GDS Service Standard and government design principles.
• Experience delivering research across the full service lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct qualitative and quantitative user research.
• Advocate for user needs and ensure research insights inform service decisions.
• Work collaboratively within agile, multidisciplinary teams.
• Design inclusive research approaches for hard-to-reach users.

Skills

User Research

Stakeholder Management

Usability Testing

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Agile Methodologies

Inclusive Design

Job description

Contract User Researcher (Government / GDS Experience)

Location: UK (Remote / Hybrid options)

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced Contract User Researcher with strong UK Government and GDS experience to join a multidisciplinary digital team delivering user-centred public services.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring services meet real user needs, working closely with product managers, designers, developers, and policy colleagues. This role requires confidence operating in complex government environments and a solid understanding of the GDS Service Standard and Service Assessments.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct qualitative and quantitative user research across discovery, alpha, beta, and live phases
• Advocate for user needs and ensure research insights directly inform service and policy decisions
• Work collaboratively within agile, multidisciplinary teams
• Design inclusive research approaches, engaging hard-to-reach or vulnerable users where required
• Analyse and synthesise research findings into clear, actionable insights
• Communicate research outcomes effectively to a range of stakeholders, including senior civil servants
• Support teams through GDS service assessments with robust evidence of user-centred design

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a User Researcher within UK Government or GDS-aligned organisations
• Strong knowledge of the GDS Service Standard and government design principles
• Experience delivering research across the full service lifecycle
• Expertise in a wide range of user research methods (e.g. interviews, usability testing, surveys, diary studies)
• Confidence working in agile environments and multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience designing inclusive and accessible research

Desirable

• Experience working on large-scale or complex public services
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices
• Previous involvement in successful GDS service assessments