User Researcher

The Opportunity

Your technical skills can make a lasting difference to the UK's democracy. By introducing modern technology, we can make Parliament more open and accessible and streamline decision-making at every level. So you’ll have a vital role to play at UK Parliament.

Generating insights into the users of our digital products and services, you will act as the customer’s champion. We will look to you to guide the design process with skill and tenacity as you:

• plan, design and conduct wide-ranging analysis from briefs through to final reports
• communicate your findings clearly to diverse stakeholders and colleagues
• build a high-performing culture that truly values user insights
• promote a user-centred design approach to solve complex business problems
• undertake awareness-raising and educational activities to promote your role and cause

What You Need

To be equal to this high-profile challenge, you will require:

• innate understanding of the problems teams are trying to solve
• demonstrable aptitude for conducting contextual research, ad-hoc and lab usability testing, and in-depth interviewing
• proven ability to advocate for user research and persuade colleagues to share your outlook
• impressive critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to see the bigger picture
• sound awareness of the technologies behind digital products and of differing technical roles in a multidisciplinary team
• the ability to pass security clearance, backed by the right to work in the UK

About The Team

The Transforming Digital Directorate is being created to drive value from the investment that has been made through the Transforming Digital Programme. The Programme created a new digital and data operating model which is enabling Parliament to do more with digital and data. The Insights team within the new function will bring together a range of disciplines to gather and interrogate evidence about Parliament’s strategic approach to information, data and digital, and to identify opportunities to embed and operationalise the digital and data operating model. The User Researcher will be part of the Insights team in Transforming Digital and will generate and gain insight about users and the digital needs of Parliament to inform decisions about how to improve both the strategic approach taken to digital, data and information issues in Parliament, as well as any initiatives undertaken by the team.

About Us

UK Parliament is steeped in history and tradition. It is an important part of UK life and we need to ensure as many people as possible can engage with its work. This is why we are at the start of a huge transformation programme powered by technology. The Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) works with the House of Commons and the House of Lords with all their IT and digital needs. We are here to realise the digital ambitions of a modern Parliament and welcome you to join us in building a digital democracy.

Our Package

Please refer to our Candidate Information Pack for a full list of our benefits which include:

• up to 35 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays
• generous maternity pay policy up to 6 months full pay
• great pension scheme options (contributory and non-contributory)
• on-site subsidised gym, nursery, catering, post office, travel office and GP
• flexible options including hybrid working and family friendly policies

How To Apply

Please make sure you're clear on the requirements of the role. These can be found in the Job Description and Candidate Information Pack. You will need to upload a CV and show how you meet up to the first five criterion. Our application process is anonymous, so please remove any personal information from your CV.

Apply By: 9th April 2024 at 23:55

Interviews: 9th April

Format: Panel Interview (Remote)

Our Culture

For our people, we provide an amazing opportunity to bring their talents to an institution that sits right at the heart of society in the UK. We are helping to change UK Parliament and strengthen democracy. What matters here is your potential for growth and your commitment to playing your part in our ongoing success.

We are passionate about providing an environment which promotes inclusion, diversity and equality. Regardless of your age, gender, ethnicity, beliefs or any of the other things that make you, you. We welcome applications from people who feel under-represented in the workforce. This includes those who may feel disadvantaged because of their socioeconomic circumstances.

Our mission is to support a thriving parliamentary democracy – this means being ready to carry out our essential functions to support colleagues deliver excellent services on the Parliamentary Estate and remotely. The balance of location varies according to the requirements of each job role, including some roles which can only be carried out from the Parliamentary Estate. The usual working arrangements for teams in the Digital Service are set out in team hybrid working plans and are by agreement with the managers and leaders of those teams. All teams are required to attend the estate for part of the time to meet business requirements and for team communication, learning and training. Please refer to the hybrid working plan contained in the candidate pack for more information