Government social research officer
Government social research officers provide research input for the analysis required for the development, implementation, review and evaluation of new and existing government policies. Ultimately, this research evidence helps inform the policy decisions of ministers.
Government social research officers account for over 1,000 members of the workforce, spread over 20 government departments. They liaise closely with civil servants and other government analysts, such as operational researchers, economists and statisticians. Government social research officers are responsible for the research and analysis of policy, as well as commissioning and managing research. Their challenging, fast-moving and diverse role has a direct impact on many government activities, often at a high-profile level.
Research officers are also employed in local government, working for local authorities.
Job activities vary significantly according to department and policy area and whether research is conducted in-house or commissioned from external researchers.
Typical work activities are likely to include:
For entry into government social research, you need a good first or higher degree in a social science subject, usually with a significant statistics, research methods or social policy component. Mathematics and statistics graduates are sometimes employed. The following subjects may improve your chances:
If your undergraduate degree does not include training in social research methods, you could either pursue a further degree or take the relevant research modules of a higher degree. Postgraduate diploma courses are also available. Relevant further degree course subjects include:
In 2010, the Government Social Research (GSR) Unit introduced a new fast stream development programme for graduates (as well as continuing the fast stream programme for existing civil servants). Applicants need a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant social science with a substantial research component, or a second class honours degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification in social research.
Although postgraduate study is not essential, a Masters degree or PhD in a social science subject may be useful and demonstrates commitment. Further study may also be useful for future career development.
Entry without a degree is not possible.
Visit the GSR website for details of entry requirements and relevant social science subjects accepted for entry.
Although not essential, work experience in an applied research setting is desirable.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
In addition, knowledge of statistical theory and experience of employing statistical techniques and using the internet for research are important.
Each department undertakes its own recruitment. New graduates are usually recruited as research officers; for senior research officer posts you would be expected to have relevant work experience.
Entry is competitive. Consider writing to the chief researcher in a department to ask for work experience or work shadowing. The Welsh Government offers internships for undergraduate social science students interested in government research.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
As a government social research officer you will find that considerable emphasis is put on training, both on the job and by attending courses. The nature of the role demands the ability to take in a high level of information quickly and develop new skills at a fast pace.
All fast streamers have access to a development programme designed to develop their social research, managerial and communication skills, as well as preparing them for promotion to more senior roles. However, they will still keep their skills up to date via courses and seminars.
There can be opportunities to apply for day-release to college for training once a week, although this is largely dependent on the skills you start with. Depending on circumstances, some departments may support social research officers who wish to undertake a part-time, relevant postgraduate degree.
Training is planned to meet individuals’ needs, but might include:
Continuing professional development (CPD) is a feature of a career in government social research. Your skills and experience are constantly reviewed and appraised, offering opportunities for further training or on-the-job development.
More experienced researchers can develop their skills through a relevant university course recommended by the Government Social Research (GSR) Unit . In addition, training is available through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) , the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the Social Research Association (SRA) .
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.
Opportunities for government social research officers arise in 20 central departments:
Opportunities vary between departments - some have dedicated research teams whilst others are just starting to develop their own research capacity.
There are also opportunities within local authorities in areas such as environment, housing, economic development and neighbourhood renewal. These roles often involve a crossover with policy and information work. Local authorities tend to advertise vacancies through national and local press and on their own websites.
Each individual government department undertakes its own recruitment through the Civil Service Jobs Online and sometimes on their own websites, as and when they need researchers. Vacancies for the fast stream are advertised on the dedicated fast stream website.
SRA News , the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the Local Authorities Research and Intelligence Association (LARIA) may also have opportunities for social researchers.
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