Academic Social Research Secondment

The roles provide the opportunity to bring your qualitative analytical skills to the heart of government designing and creating social research projects to develop the evidence base to inform key decisions. The roles involve active participation in the end-to-end research process working with a wide range of stakeholders including the DWP analytical community, policy colleagues, Finance Group, senior civil servants and Ministers.

You will support work utilising a diverse range of qualitative research and evaluation techniques, including project design, involvement in fieldwork, some project management, and provide expert advice to colleagues delivering programmes of research to support policy decision-making. You will have the opportunity to share your expertise and bring innovative methodological practice to use with colleagues playing a critical role in supporting the professional development of the DWP Social Research community to help build future capability.

These job roles are for a secondment opportunity. Successful individual post holders will work within DWP at the same time as remaining salaried employees of their home employer, subject to their home employer terms, conditions and benefits. For avoidance of doubt, DWP will pay your employer at your current salary rate up to a maximum of £52,450 (National), £55,530 (SLPZ), £55,997 (Outer London) and £57,541 (Inner London) pa pro-rata (pay award pending). Pay rates are standardised across the department and there is no possibility of individual pay negotiation above the band maximum. Post holders will also need to adhere to the standards of the Civil Service behaviours, operate within the framework of the Civil Service Code and operate with a legally binding non-disclosure agreement.

Secondment Eligibility

We are looking for someone currently working in qualitative research within an academic setting. We are seeking early to mid-career academics for this secondment opportunity (full-time hours are preferred, job-share or part-time hours can be considered but would be a minimum of 3 days a week). Successful candidates will be classed as homeworkers with occasional visits to DWP hubs for fieldwork and Team and project meetings. The DWP hub sites available for these secondments are Sheffield, London, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle.

Candidates employed in research posts outside of an academic setting (e.g in a job role where the primary function is designing and delivering social research) may be considered if they have the essential qualifications, meet the key criteria and are actively engaged with social policy research. Please contact the job holder by email where this is the case.

This role will have a start date in January 2027.

Job Description

DWP has an excellent reputation for ensuring its work is underpinned by robust evidence and analysis. Analysts work flexibly, in multi-disciplinary, multi-site teams across the organisation, embedded within policy, operational and wider analytical teams, to develop the evidence base providing research and analysis to support key decisions underpinning Departmental policies and projects. These roles sit within the DWP In-House Research Unit (IHRU) which undertakes qualitative research projects to support policy and strategic decision making. We require analysts with proven qualitative analysis skills to take part in the DWP research programme and help to build the capabilities of DWP staff by conducting, analysing and presenting qualitative research.

The In-House Research Unit works across the Department with stakeholders in policy, finance, service delivery and the senior civil servants. IHRU reports to the DWP Chief Analyst/Chief Scientific Adviser and the DWP Senior Analytical Leadership Team, to identify evidence gaps and engage in qualitative research projects to meet known evidence needs. The In-House Research Unit engages with academic and professional experts via seminars, presentations and joint working to expand the knowledge and capability of staff.

IHRU sits in the DWP Central Analysis and Science Strategy unit, providing a unique opportunity to work within the central team developing research processes, supporting guidance and monitoring approvals across the entirety of DWP research. You will work closely with teams who ensure analytical resources are devoted to responding to the highest priority policy questions, shaping and influencing the evidence base. IHRU work closely with the DWP Library service, improving access to information and research literature across the Department.

On a day-to-day basis you will be part with a large team of Social Research colleagues designing and delivering in house research projects. You will meet regularly with project teams to advise on end-to-end research processes including shaping project aims and objectives, methods selection, sample selection, with a good understanding of project management techniques, meeting delivery timelines and recognising the need to understand risks and mitigations, utilising a range of traditional and cutting edge analysis techniques while being skilled in the delivery of research outputs and reporting techniques. You will support the professional development of qualitative research staff in projects with Social Research staff with a range of experience helping to build capability within the IHRU team and wider Department.

Some project management opportunities are anticipated, as well as the ability to work as part of a cohort of secondees to advise the Department’s analysts as well as conduct bespoke fieldwork for research to meet the needs of stakeholders. Research respondents include DWP customers, staff and citizens.  Excellent presentation skills will be used to ensure research findings have impact with internal policy stakeholders and commissioners. Excellent consultation and quality assurance skills will be required to advise colleagues at each stage of research process, independently monitoring and reviewing project elements including fieldwork, analysis and reporting.

You will attend and contribute to regular Teams keep-in-touch meetings held to discuss the progress of projects and enable team members to be sighted on progress, resource allocation and emerging demands. Some travel to other locations for meetings and fieldwork is anticipated.

This role is highly collaborative. Research staff work together to achieve joint goals working on a variety of projects to develop evidence across a range of different policy areas, including labour market programmes, disability, work and health, Universal Credit and pensions. We cannot guarantee which policy areas will have projects for the In-House Research Unit. The role will include working on projects focused on DWP ministerial priorities. You will be immersed in the civil service working culture, providing the opportunity to learn how analysis is used in evidence-based policy development within a government department.

Person specification

Essential Qualifications

In order to be eligible to apply for these posts, you must: 

Hold a postgraduate degree/qualification in a relevant social science subject, with a focus on qualitative research, plus:

• Have ideally at least four years’ social research practice experience working in a university, research agency, market research agency or specialist research team.
• You must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include qualitative research methods*.
• You must have experience of teaching/coaching either groups or individuals in qualitative research methods.

You must already hold the qualifications listed, we cannot accept applications if you are still studying or awaiting the outcome of your post-graduate degree.

If any of the detail is not clear or provided in the qualifications or employment history section of the application form, your application will be deemed ineligible and will be rejected.

You must be already employed to be eligible to be considered for this secondment opportunity. You must have a contract with your employer for the length of the secondment. Applicants working in the Civil Service are not eligible for this opportunity.

* Qualitative methods– including research design, data collection, data analysis, data representation, quality assurance, dissemination 

Essential Experience Criteria

We are looking for applicants who demonstrate experience against the following criteria:

1. Proven experience of applying a range of qualitative research techniques within a policy-focused or public service delivery setting & experience of building the capability of less experienced analysts, in research methods/techniques. (Lead Experience Criterion).
2. Proven experience of maximising opportunities to actively promote, use and communicate analysis with impact to influence decisions.
3. Proven experience of leading analytical projects with a wide range of stakeholders; prioritising and driving improvements across competing demands
4. At least three of the following:
   • Proven experience of teaching, coaching and upskilling individuals in qualitative method, both at a group and individual level - including research design, data collection (i.e. interviewing, focus groups, ethnography), data analysis (e.g. thematic analysis), however, this role is intended to build capability so we specifically seek those who also have deep knowledge of other qualitative techniques that could be applied to the DWP context.
   • A proven track record of delivering and publishing qualitative research.
   • Interpretation of data (qualitative), presentation of results, provision of recommendations/conclusions
   • Study design and application of ethics to research. 

Experience and knowledge in participatory methods and theory-based methods are desirable but not essential

If there are a high number of applications, the lead Experience Criterion may be used to conduct an initial sift and applications that do not meet the minimum requirement for this criterion will not progress to a full sift.

In the event of a large number of candidates meeting the pass standard at sift, we may take the option of only the strongest candidates proceeding to interview. The remaining candidates will be longlisted and their applications only proceeded if roles remain unfilled.

Offered benefits

• Family friendly flexible working arrangements, such as hybrid working, job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours
• Learning and development tailored to your role this could include industry recognised qualifications, coaching and mentoring
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join staff networks including: Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities

Selection process details

The assessment process for this vacancy is split into two stages:

• STAGE 1: Written Sift based on CV and Personal Statement provided in application.
• STAGE 2: Online interview including a short presentation.

Stage 1 – Sift based on CV and personal statement

The written sift will be conducted using evidence from your CV and Personal Statement and will be assessed in 2 parts:

1. Pre-sift of your CV against the essential qualifications and secondment eligibility
2. Sift of your personal statement against the key criteria

If you do not meet the essential qualifications and secondment eligibility (the first stage of the sift), then your personal statement will not be sifted and your application will be withdrawn. 

CV

The CV is an on-line tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobsite and there is no requirement to upload your personal CV.  Our CV element is short, and allows an initial check of eligibility against the secondment eligibility and essential qualifications, so please put the main content of your key criteria evidence and skills in your Personal Statement. 

Your CV will be used to check eligibility on qualifications and to outline your employment history. You will not be given a separate score for your CV. Please focus on your qualitative research experience. Please make sure that you fully complete the qualifications and employment history section in the application form. Applications submitted without key details like: degree studied, grades and credits or without sufficient detail of relevant modules will be discounted. Failure to provide this information clearly will result in your application being withdrawn.

Personal statement 

When completing your personal statement, please read and understand the Essential Experience Criteria thoroughly as this is what your 750-word personal statement will be assessed against. Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc. You may choose to address each criteria separately, however, one narrative example may cover and evidence several key criteria. You may not be able to meet all the key criteria, but please ensure you evidence: the key personal requirements and what have you done that relates to the requirements. You don’t have to explain the whole process, just what you have done and the skills and experience you have used. Share with us what makes you suited to this role and why, what you can do and the skills you have that are transferable to the key requirements, and the life experience or passion you have that are linked to this role. 

Please do not use excessive forward slash (/), backslash (\) or dashes (-) in your personal statement. By excessive, we mean hyphenating words that are not normally hyphenated, using slashes between many words or formatting slashes in white font so they can’t immediately be seen. Any applications that do this will not be sifted or the form will be amended to remove the excess slashes and then anything after the 750 word count will be ignored. 

Stage 2 - Online Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. This will be a video interview.The interview panel will be a minimum of two people. The interview will assess: Behaviours and Technical skills. Theinterview aims to be more of a conversation exploring the candidate’s capability for the role. 

At interview all candidates will be asked to do a 5 minute presentation. This will involve presenting a piece of analysis and providing details of the qualitative skills used. The specific presentation question will be shared 5 days in advance of the interview. After the normal introductions, the interview will start with your presentation. You may then be asked follow ups and other questions to assess your technical professional skills. In this part of the interview you will be assessed across Government Social Research Technical Framework at Principle Research Officer (Grade 7 level) (see below for framework link), but we would like the presentation to bring out your qualitative skills in particular.

Although this role will be assessed against the Government Social Research (GSR) Technical Framework, this role is not a badged analyst profession post.

Government Social Research Technical Framework 

While the technical section of the interview could cover any part of the relevant professional framework, we are assessing against the broad framework and recognise it is not possible within the timescale for every sub-category of the relevant framework to be covered. The framework is a good guide for the areas you could be asked questions about and the level to present your evidence at.

To help you prepare and settle into the interview you will be sent the behaviour questions in advance of the interview, 5 days prior to your interview. These questions should be treated as confidential. The interview panel may ask you other questions which will not be shared in advance, including follow-up questions, and those about your experience and technical abilities. Candidates will be asked further probing questions to determine suitability for the role. 

The Government Social Research Technical Framework - GOV.UK

Civil Service Behaviours

At interview candidates will be asked to present evidence of the following three Civil Service Behaviours:

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

The main interview behaviour questions will be provided in advance with your interview invite.

It may help to use one or more examples of a piece of work you have completed or a situation you have been in, and use the WHO or STAR model to explain: What was the task/ work, How you approached the task/work/situation and what the Outcomes were, what did you achieve? Or: What was the Situation? What were the Tasks? What Action did you take? What were the Results of your actions?   

An example of a Behavioural style question would be: Tell me about a time when you’ve had to deal with a difficult customer…   

You can read more about Civil Service Behaviours in the link below where you can also find definitions and examples of the three Civil Service Behaviours above, that we will be assessing at interview: Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Selection and Feedback

We will notify all candidates as soon as possible. Feedback will only be provided following an interview.

A reserve list will be held for up to 12 months, which we may also use to fill future similar vacancies.

Reasonable Adjustments

At DWP we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, especially those that are underrepresented in our workforce.  

We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.  

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact Government Recruitment Service as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. 

Complete the “Reasonable Adjustments” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. 

Disability Confident Scheme 

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. DWP is recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, demonstrating the departmental commitment to attracting, recruiting and retaining disabled people and supporting them in achieving their full potential. We run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the advertised role. To be considered for an interview, you must have:

• A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term (over 12 months) adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities; or a long-term health condition; and
• Demonstrated that you meet all the minimum qualifying criteria set out in the advertisement for the post at the application and testing stages.

A full definition and examples of conditions can be found on this webpage. You will be asked at the initial application stage if you wish to apply via the scheme.

Please apply by email via the ‘Apply’ button above (ihru.secondee@dwp.gov.uk)

your current salary rate (please see advert)