Government social research officer : Career development

A typical new entrant might expect to be a research officer for two years before promotion to senior research officer, although applicants who already have a postgraduate qualification and relevant experience might enter as senior research officers from the start.

Fast stream graduates undertake an accelerated development and leadership programme, giving them access to more resources in order to reach senior levels more quickly. Fast streamers can expect to move jobs every 18 months to 2 years in the first few years of their career. It is also possible to broaden your experience through taking a secondment to another government department. The first promotion is to senior research officer. Promotion to principal research officer generally takes four years, depending on the individual. After this, promotion is generally to chief research officer, who is usually head of social research in a department. There are also opportunities to take on posts in the Senior Civil Service.

Promotion is based on merit and opportunity. You need to demonstrate competency across a range of skills including, as you become more senior, staff management and strategic management of projects and research programmes.

Career opportunities are diverse, with plenty of scope for moving between departments and also for working on different policy areas within departments. It is also possible to transfer out of research into mainstream civil service policy or administration roles. Secondments outside government are also possible.