Senior evidence and impact research officer

Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location Bristol, South West England, BS2 0PS : Glasgow, Scotland, G2 8HS : Salford, North West England, M3 5DS : York, Yorkshire and the Humber, YO1 7PX About the job Job summary The Government People Group exists to work with departments, professions, and functions to build a modern, effective Civil Service. We support the government workforce with the right skills and capability. We are working with leaders to get the right people in the right jobs, with the right skills and continuous learning to excel in their roles. We provide leadership, and in turn, create leaders with exceptional line management capability across departments, influencing partners in the wider public sector and beyond. This involves getting our retention and reward strategy right, to nurture specific skills, and create pride and resilience in our workforce. Our role is also to provide system leadership across central government in pulling together back office services. Collectively, we help support the Cabinet Offices priority to drive efficiencies, and reforms that will make government work better, to ultimately provide a better service to the public. Within the GPG, Government Skills was set up in 2020 to drive up capability across Government in an evidence-based and impact-led way. Government Skills ensures all civil servants, from entry to most senior leadership, have the core and specialist knowledge, skills and networks they need to deliver great public services and address complex systemic challenges, now and in the future. This work is central to the Public Sector Reform and Efficiency policy area, and supports Mission Delivery by ensuring the workforce has the capability and learning culture to deliver against the Governments missions. The Evidence and Impact team within Government Skills is responsible for ensuring that hundreds of millions of pounds of annual spend on developing the skills, knowledge and relationships of the Government workforce is evidence-based and impact-led. We use a combination of analytical methods covering monitoring/data analytics, social research, evaluation, statistics, behavioural and user research, and economic analysis to provide robust, purposeful insights to inform business decisions. Our evidence supports the creation of effective policy and strategy on the future skills needs of the government and wider public sector workforce, and supports effective design, commissioning and delivery of the interventions required to achieve this. The team has a reputation as a centre of expertise supporting the whole of government on these issues, and is expanding as part of plans for the next spending review period 2025-26. You can find more information about Government Skills on our GOV.UK page: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-skills-and-curriculum-unit including about our team: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/evidence-based-learning-and-development and our current Evaluation Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-campus-evaluation-strategy. Job description As Senior Evidence and Impact Research Officer you will lead and manage research and evaluation projects which contribute programmatically to the evidence base on what works, for who, in what conditions, and why, when building the capability and skills of the civil service and public sector workforce. As part of a diverse, and expanding, analytical team you will work in partnership with other analysts, and with policy and delivery colleagues, to build capacity across the system to develop and mobilise high quality evidence to develop the government and public sector workforce we need to deliver the Governments Missions and other key priorities. You will apply your social research knowledge, skills and relationships to develop robust and purposeful monitoring and evaluation approaches for specific programmes, supporting innovation through test and learn by striking the right balance between speed of evidence and rigour. You will lead evidence reviews and mapping exercises to ensure we are making best use of existing evidence, and make recommendations for new research and evaluation projects based on this. You will design and deliver research projects which help us to understand the capability, learning and development landscape across Government, and help us design interventions that really shift the dial on skills, and work in the varied contexts of the civil service and public sector. You will work proactively across the whole Civil Service to support policy, delivery and investment teams working on civil service and public sector workforce capability, ensuring they have the evidence and tools they need to make decisions. You will report to the Evidence and Impact Lead for Leadership and Management, who is also the head of research operations for the team, but will work on a range of projects across our varied business areas. These are likely to include leadership and management development; core and priority workforce skills like policy or digital, data and innovation; the Fast Stream and emerging talent; National Security capability; and priority projects, including digital and data transformation projects and Government Major Projects. Responsibilities will include: Lead specific research and evaluation projects, ongoing monitoring activity, and thematic strands of our research programme to strengthen the existing evidence base on government and public sector skills, working across the full cycle of intervention design and delivery. As part of this work, design and deliver impact, process and economic evaluation of interventions; systematised evidence reviews; and research projects. Develop and implement appropriate monitoring processes and reporting tools, supporting the Government Skills team to make full use of data to facilitate appropriate interpretation and decision-making. Alongside the Evidence and Impact Team leads, work closely with internal stakeholders to identify, prioritise and thematically connect longer term and immediate evidence needs (including understanding user needs and implementation contexts for Government Skills work). Promote innovation in social research methods through applying your existing knowledge and skills, and proactively upskilling yourself, for example, on ethical and robust use of AI within social research, or participatory research methods. Manage internal and external commissioning of research and evaluation projects, and project manage these once in delivery. Contribute towards our (externally commissioned or internal) evaluation or research projects being robust, purposeful, efficient and aligned with the Government Campus Evaluation Strategy and other relevant policies, including the Magenta Book. Contributing to the effective development of the Evidence and Impact Team by leading on at least one cross-cutting work area, for example, developing shared resources to support high quality research and evaluation methods and processes across the team. Person specification Candidates must be eligible to be badged into the Government Social Research (GSR) profession at SRO level. If you are a Civil Servant already badged into GSR at SRO level please be prepared to show evidence of your badging as part of the process. Being part of an analytical profession supports you to build your professional networks, develop your career and stay in touch with best practice. Please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-government-social-research-profession-membership/government-social-research-membership-and-eligibility-guidanceintroduction to check the eligibility requirements for GSR professional membership and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-framework to ensure you meet the requirements for an SRO role within the GSR technical framework. Badging will be undertaken as part of the selection process, unless candidates are already badged into GSR at SRO level. We are currently recruiting two other SEO level analytical roles. If you are not eligible for membership to the GSR profession, but are eligible to be badged as an SEO level statistician or economist please consider applying for those roles. Person specification Essential: Strong technical knowledge and prior experience of a range of research and evaluation methods; this could include experimental, quasi-experimental and theory based evaluation designs, as well as other quantitative and qualitative methods. Strong technical knowledge and prior experience of a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods which must include systematised approaches to synthesising existing literature. Experience of communicating the findings of research and evaluation projects effectively to technical and non-technical audiences, and achieving impact through the findings. Experience of identifying the need for social research to address or improve a business issue or policy decision, working with stakeholders to co-construct an effective research brief, and of influencing stakeholders of the value social research can offer in this situation. Experience of working in a team to successfully design, implement, manage, deliver and communicate research and/or evaluation projects, including working with people in other professions that are not social research. Experience of delivering a diverse portfolio of social research work successfully and managing work flexibly to adapt as priorities change, including maintaining high quality standards (including relating to GDPR and ethics) when working at pace. Desirable: Knowledge or experience of the evidence base and research and evaluation methods and measures used in research into skills, professional learning, organisational change, educational evaluation or psychology/learning sciences. Knowledge and experience of theory-based and high quality qualitative research and evaluation methods. This role requires baseline (BPSS) security clearance but team members are encouraged to apply for SC clearance once in role if they will be handling personally identifiable data. You should be willing to apply for SC clearance if appointed to this role. Additional information: A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. Although requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance. Qualifications Candidates must be eligible to be badged into the Government Social Research (GSR) profession at SRO level. If you are a Civil Servant already badged into GSR at SRO level please be prepared to show evidence of your badging as part of the process. Information about GSR can be found on the Social Research Profession website, https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-service-government-social-research-profession. You must qualify for Social Research membership via one of the following two routes: Relevant Qualification route: Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research. Professional Experience route: Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research. Memberships Government Social Research (GSR); but can be badged during the process. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Making Effective Decisions Delivering at Pace Working Together Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: GSR Technical Skills GSR Using and Promoting Social Research Benefits Alongside your salary of £42,382, Cabinet Office contributes £12,278 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Learning and development tailored to your role. An environment with flexible working options. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity. A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and employer contributions of 28.97%. A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. Application process As part of the application form you will be asked to complete: A CV A 500 word Personal Statement setting out how you meet the criteria in the person specification. 250 word examples on the two required Technical Skills. When you submit 250 words on each of your Technical Skills, please set out how you meet the professional and technical skills expected at this grade, in line with your professions competency framework. This should be Government Social Research unless you are already a member of another profession. Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Technical skills. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview. Selection process If you are invited to an interview you will be asked to prepare a presentation on a technical topic to deliver at the interview, and will be sent a technical scenario-based exercise for discussion at interview. We will also ask questions about the following Civil Service Behaviours, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Working Together. You will also need to sit the GSR Knowledge Test, unless you are already badged into GSR. Further details will be provided to those candidates who are invited to interview. Expected timeline (subject to change) Expected sift date 18th February 2025 Expected interview date/s W/C 24th March Interview location - Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview. Reasonable adjustments If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact Government Recruitment Service at: cabinetofficerecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the assistance required section in the personal information page of your application form to provide information we should be aware of that will enable us to support you further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional. Further information If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'contact point for applicants' section. Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you. Any move to Cabinet Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made. If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out. In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Infodisclosurescotland.co.uk New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window). 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 to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Diarmid Campbell-Jack Email : diarmid.campbelljackcabinetoffice.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : cabinetofficerecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk Further information Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commissions Recruitment Principles. If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact Government Recruitment Service by email at : cabinetofficerecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at infocsc.gov.uk. For further information on the Recruitment Principles and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk. Attachments Cabinet Office Employee Offer (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 344kB) Cabinet Office Terms and Conditions - Across government (1) (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 83kB) Share this page Print Email Gmail Facebook LinkedIn