GOVERNMENT SOCIAL RESEARCH: Fast Stream 2021 JOB DESCRIPTIONS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
GOVERNMENT SOCIAL RESEARCH:
Fast Stream 2021
JOB DESCRIPTIONSDepartment for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Locations: London
Number of positions available: 5
About BEIS
• BEIS is a truly great Department to work in. It has one of the widest remits in Whitehall and has a key role to
play in making markets work well for business, consumers and workers. Our work ensures that the economy
grows strongly in all parts of the country, based on a robust industrial strategy and that the UK has secure
energy supplies that are reliable, affordable and clean.
Government Social Researcher Roles
There are a wide range of opportunities for SRs within BEIS. Some of the policy questions SRs will be involved
in helping to answer, include:
• How can Government support good quality ‘hybrid’ working as the economy emerges from the Covid
outbreak?
• What do people think reaching UK climate targets means for them as individuals and for society as a whole?
• What variation do we see in the outcomes for specific groups in the labour market, what are the key drivers
of any unequal outcomes and how can we address to improve opportunities for all?
• How can energy consumption feedback for households support behaviour change, reduce energy use and
help deliver net zero?
BEIS Social Researcher Community
• BEIS has one of the largest analytical communities across government, with a vibrant workforce of over 600
analysts, including c.70 social researchers. Our people understand, analyse and solve some of the greatest
challenges we face today.
Learning and Development Opportunities
• You will have the opportunity to take part in rotations within department every 12 to 18 months and there is
also the possibility of undertaking some line management responsibility
• SRs in BEIS benefit from a comprehensive 9-month leadership programme to help ensure readiness for
progression through the fast stream programme.
• BEIS offers a varied L&D programme for SRs, focussed on expanding technical skills and experience. SRs will
be given the chance to benefit from a varied technical and non-technical training programme that runs all
year round
Locations:
• Our posts are based in London
For further information on working as an Assistant Economist in BEIS, please contact the Analysis
Professional Support and Development Team on AnalystsProfessionalSupport@beis.gov.ukCabinet Office
About Cabinet Office
The Cabinet Office supports the Prime Minister and ensures the effective running of government. We are
also the corporate headquarters for government, in partnership with HM Treasury.
The work Cabinet Office delivers is therefore vast and presents opportunities to develop your skills and
experience in a variety of critical government agendas.
An organisation with approximately 7,000 employees, Cabinet Office is a vibrant, modern and exciting place
to work, with core values centred on respect, collaboration and trust. Our main offices are in London, but we have
staff based around the UK.
Cabinet Office Social Research Community
We have a small, but growing community of around 30 social researchers at Cabinet Office. Our social
researchers are based within a range of teams including, for example, the central Analysis and Insight Directorate,
the Government Equalities Office, National Security Secretariat, the Prime Minister's Implementation Unit, and
Constitution Group.
Social researchers in Cabinet Office typically have a mixed portfolio of work that provides the opportunity to
develop skills in all areas of social research methods and analysis. There is also a strong culture of multidisciplinary
working in Cabinet Office, with social researchers working closely alongside economists, statisticians, policy
customers, and senior stakeholders.
Types of Roles
Specific examples of social research activity include:
• Delivering a major programme of research and analysis to understand and address the drivers of equality
and overseeing a major collaboration with the Behavioural Insights Team to run trials with large employers
to increase gender equality.
• Providing an evaluation consultancy function across National Security, working across departments to
embed an outcomes focussed approach.
• Utilising quantitative and qualitative research methods to provide an evidence base for registration,
elections and Union & Devolution policy areas. This includes surveys, interviews and focus groups,
evaluation, and externally commissioned research.Defra GSR Faststream
Location: London, Bristol, York
Posts: Up to 5
About Defra:
In Defra, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact people’s lives. We are responsible
for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead
responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. Your role will be critically
important to achieving our vision of ‘creating a great place for living’.
This is a particularly exciting time to join the Defra group. You will have the opportunity to contribute
towards and influence the development of new approaches and policies on a wide range of issues affecting
millions of people in the UK. You will play an active role in shaping and delivering the Defra group’s priorities,
working creatively and collaboratively with others to deliver excellent outcomes.
At Defra, we passionately believe in equality, diversity & inclusion and we match that belief with
action. We are committed to be an organisation in which fairness and equality of opportunity is central to
the approach in business and working relationships, and where the organisational culture reflects and
supports these values.
GSR Fast Streamer roles:
GSR fast streamers in Defra apply their quantitative and qualitative research skills, investigating and
advising on core policy questions. Examples include:
• Designing a monitoring and evaluation framework for the Rural Development Programme for
England which included in-house analysis as well as commissioning managing external researchers,
and working closely with the devolved Governments;
• Contributing to Defra’s rapid response to Covid-19, including survey design and analysis to support
food for vulnerable people activity; and
• Designing and delivering evidence-based international development programmes, including
designing theories of change and evaluation plans.
Defra Social Research Community:
We have a rapidly expanding social research community in the Defra group (currently around 80
members), which reflects how important Defra sees social science in addressing current challenges. We are
increasing our focus on behaviour change and policy evaluation meaning social researchers across the
department are delivering excellent and innovative social research which has a real impact on policy. We
work in interdisciplinary teams and across a wide range of vital issues.
We are a close professional cohort with a strong identity, who support each other and share our
expertise to deliver high-quality, impactful research. As a department, Defra is committed to developing
strong professional capabilities, providing rewarding professional roles, and supporting excellent career and
personal development opportunities.
Learning and development opportunities:You will join a culture where continuous learning is encouraged, and colleagues are happy to share
their expertise. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from alternative professions such
as policy, science, statistics, operational research and economics, in a rich learning and policy-making
environment. We will also offer you the chance to develop social research and policy competences through
in-work training and other opportunities, such as analysis seminars.
For further information about working as a fast streamer in Defra – please contact the Head of
Profession for Social Research in Defra – Emily Cattell CattellHurley.Jobshare@defra.gov.uk
“Defra is a fascinating place to build a career in Government Social Research and to learn about the
importance of the natural environment on which we all depend. If you are passionate about evidence–based
policy making and improving the lives of citizens, we very much look forward to receiving your applications.”
Emily Cattell, Defra Head of Profession for Social ResearchDepartment for Transport
Location: London
Number of positions available: 10
About DfT
The UK’s transport system is used by most of the population every day, whether travelling to and from work,
school, shops, hospitals, or just meeting friends and family. Transport is key to supporting the growth of the
economy as the UK exits the EU.
The Department for Transport is investing to make journeys better: simpler, faster and more reliable. Our
policies and regulations support jobs, enable business growth, and bring our country closer together.
The role of Economists
Our analysis gives ministers fresh ideas about big, complex issues and deep insight into policy options. We
analyse the wide-ranging economic impacts of transport schemes. We assess the social and environmental benefits
and costs, to get a full picture of the impact of a scheme.
We look ahead at key trends in society, such as population growth or the number of trips people take, to
forecast how demand for transport will change in the future.
Working in DfT
Our roles offer the chance to put your academic knowledge and skills into practice and gain experience in
government economics, in an organisation that genuinely values sound analytical thinking. There are opportunities
to apply economics expertise to live policy issues, use econometrics, develop cutting-edge appraisal guidance, use
economics to support the development of transport schemes and comparison of options, and more.
The roles offer high levels of responsibility, with the chance to manage your own projects. Experienced
Assistant Economists often get the chance to manage a summer student. Work can be a mix of fast paced analysis
and longer-term projects which aim to build on our evidence base, providing an ideal opportunity to develop the key
analytical skills required for promotion.
You’ll move between posts once a year, to help build your skills and exposure to a range of economist roles.
This includes the chance to work in partner departments – Defra and MHCLG.
For further information contact Kirstie Burgin kirstie.burgin@dft.gov.uk
“I enjoy applying my degree skills to real-world scenarios. Plus, I’ve expanded my knowledge to new areas
like carbon emissions”Department for International Trade
Locations: London
Number of Positions: 3
About the Department for International Trade
The UK government is pursuing an ambitious agenda that champions free trade across all corners of the
globe and levels up the regions of the UK, in the context of other key government objectives such as clean growth
and coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery. Under the leadership of the Secretary of State for International Trade, the
department has the remit to:
• bring together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment, and
help businesses succeed
• deliver a new trade policy framework for an independent UK
• promote British trade and investment across the world
• build the global appetite for British goods and services
Given the scale and reach of this agenda, and the pace of change across emerging technologies, global
economic challenges and scientific trends, the use of cutting-edge evidence in DIT’s policy and operations is vital.
This is particularly important as the UK government, industry, and research communities across the world respond to
challenges arising from the outbreak of COVID-19.
DIT has colleagues all across the world, and depending on your role maybe regularly engaging with your
colleagues in Africa, Latin America, Asia etc. For some roles there may be a requirement to travel abroad.
For latest news on DIT, check out www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-
trade
Diversity and Inclusion culture
DIT embraces a diversity and inclusion culture. 86% of the respondents at the 2019 people survey
said that they are treated with respect by the people they work with. DIT is ranked the 30th place in
Stonewall’s UK Workplace Equality Index, as well as being named as one of the UK’s Top Trans Inclusive
Employers. There are also many social and diversity networks for people to join and meet new people (all
around the world), including language networks, volunteering network, DIT tag rugby club and mindfulness
club, just to name a few.Social Research roles
Most analysts in DIT work within the Analysis Group, headed by the Chief Economist Richard Price, who you can
follow on https://twitter.com/richardprice101
Social researchers, work alongside economists, operational researchers, statisticians and data scientists
across the Analysis Group. Social researchers in DIT work in a variety of policy areas where they apply their
understanding of social research theories and methods to a range of key government policy issues. Examples of work
include:
• Export Client Survey which is the main vehicle to understand, businesses views, experiences and satisfaction
with export promotion services.
• National Survey of Registered Businesses evaluates outcomes of the Exporting is GREAT campaign and
provides a robust and comprehensive evidence base on the exporting behaviours and attitudes of UK
businesses, for use across government and externally.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Investment Promotion Activities to identify a more sophisticated
way to deliver these services effectively, by undertaking additionality research, understanding the business
behaviours, and estimating the counterfactuals of not providing DIT assistance for landing of investment
projects.
• Investment Service Transformation Review to develop costed, evidence-based proposals for strategic,
operational and/or organisational changes to optimise the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of DIT
investment support services.
• Dubai Expo Evaluation will be the first time the UK's presence at an Expo has been evaluated in a
comprehensive way by an independent external research agency. It is a process, impact and economic
evaluation as well monitor the UK presence at Expo Dubai.
Many social researchers manage externally commissioned research as part of their role, and are supported by the
Central Analysis Team, who provides support to:
➢ Ensure research meets the strategic needs of DIT and avoid duplication
➢ Create accountability and transparency for research spend
➢ Support effective delivery of DIT policy and operations
➢ Provide quality assurance
➢ Ensure good value for moneyTwo bodies underpin the framework, the Research Governance Board and the Research Working Group. The Research Governance Board is chaired by the Chief Economist, and ultimately reports to the Departmental Board. In addition, a cross-DIT Ethics Committee supports ethical decision-making, and a recent internal assessment between DIT’s CSA Office and Central Analysis Team has demonstrated that DIT’s Research Governance Model is broadly in line with the requirements of the GO-Science Research Integrity Concordat. You may also like to check out DIT’s Areas of Research Interest that were recently refreshed. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dit-areas-of-research-interest/dit-areas-of-research-interest-2020-to- 2021 DIT Social Research Community DIT has a social research community of around 30, so we all know each other well. As a social researcher you’ll have the chance to work in a diverse environment where you’ll be supported by the breadth of experience the community has to offer. The community offers regular forums, chances to listen to external and internal speakers, an annual away way, and social events. Learning and Development Opportunities DIT offers learning and development opportunities for social researchers on the fast stream, in line with the Cabinet Office Principles. These opportunities will support you in your technical and leadership journey. You will be expected to rotate throughout the 3-year FS scheme to gain a wide range of experiences in a relatively short time. During the course of the year there may also be opportunities for social researchers to line or task manage placement students. The Government Social Research Head of Profession in DIT is Karin Bosveld, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to her at research@trade.gov.uk
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Locations: Edinburgh and Glasgow
Number of positions available: 3
About the Scottish Government
• The Scottish Government (SG)is responsible for a range of devolved issues most of which affect Scottish
people’s daily lives such as health, education, justice, rural affairs, housing, finance, energy, and transport.
Fast Stream Assistant Economist Role
• As an Assistant Economist you will provide model economic impacts of new and existing policies on the
economy and businesses economic advice, analysis, work closely on designing and influencing policies and
brief Ministers and senior colleagues on your work; and design and manage research projects.
• Link to further information about economist careers in the Scottish Government Economist Group .
SG Economic Community
• The Scottish Government Economist community offers opportunities to take part in internal and external
events, allowing networking with economists from other government departments, public and private
bodies.
Learning and development opportunities
• Due to the range of responsibilities of the Scottish Government you will also have the opportunity to move
roles allowing you to broaden our experience and expertise in different parts of government towards career
progression into a more senior Economic Adviser position. There are also opportunities to develop
professional and general skills both though formal courses and less formal ways such as buddying and work
shadowing of other analyst and policy colleagues
• In additional to the academic qualifications specified in the advert we are looking for people with a good
grasp of economics, an ability to apply their economic knowledge to practical problems and communicate it
in an accessible way.
• For further information on working as a Fast Stream Assistant Economist in the Scottish Government please
contact Sandra Smith: Sandra.smith@gov.scot
• “Although I wasn’t sure I would fit into the civil service world, it turns out there’s more diversity than I
expected. In fact, the people are one of the things that make the job for me. I get to work with really clever
and fun people who care about making a difference to society.”Welsh Government
About Welsh Government
The Welsh Government is the devolved Government for Wales. It is responsible for
developing and implementing national policies for Wales and works across devolved areas that
include key areas of public life such as health, education and the environment.
Departments within the Welsh Government are arranged across ministerial portfolios to
encourage cross governmental working. Each group has a Director General overseeing the work of
their particular areas. These are:
• Health and Social Services: NHS planning, policy, governance, corporate services,
workforce and organisational development and social services.
• Office of the First Minister: Responsible for policy areas such as European Transition,
Cabinet division, Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO), Constitutional Affairs and Legal
Services.
• Permanent Secretary’s Group: Corporate Services (HR, ICT, Translation, Estates),
Finance, Governance and Performance and the Welsh Treasury.
• Education and Public Services Group: Education, Local Government, Communities and
Tackling Poverty, Housing and Regeneration.
• Economy, Skills and Natural Resources: Transport, Agriculture, Food and Marine,
Planning, Skills and Higher Education, Culture, Sport and Tourism, Environment and
Sustainable Development
Social Research in Welsh Government
Most social researchers in the Welsh Government are in a central department called
Knowledge and Analytical Services which also includes statisticians. Just over a quarter of the
social research profession are working in out bedded posts within policy departments.
The wide variety of the devolved powers of the Welsh Government allows Social Research
Fast Streamers to work across a range of policy areas. The work is fast-paced and will allow you
to develop your analytical skills by engaging in research to support policy teams and ministers.
This includes:
• Evaluating policies which are being implemented
• Conducting impact analysis or feasibility analyses on a policy which may be implemented in
future
• Providing evidence for a policy team
• Research to scope public attitudes toward key issues
• Disseminating research findings
• Working with stakeholders to create new monitoring and evaluation systems to monitor
Welsh Government funded programmes.
This might be done through both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Many
research projects at Welsh Government are contracted out to research companies, so there is
some contract management involved in the role. Depending on the research team, there is often
interaction with third sector organisations, academics and other Government departments. As
Welsh Government covers many policy areas, there are opportunities to move around to work
within different policy areas.
Examples of some research done by social research fast streamers at Welsh Government
include:
• Research to assess the impacts of a ban or restrictions in sale in Wales of items in the EU's
Single Use Plastics Directive. https://gov.wales/impacts-ban-or-restrictions-sale-items-eus-
single-use-plastics-directive• Research into Business' perceptions of risks due to heat-related climate change.
https://gov.wales/business-perceptions-risks-due-heat-related-climate-change
• An evaluation of the Out of Work Service in Wales looking at the performance of the service
in reducing unemployment, the effectiveness of the delivery process and participants
experiences of the service. https://gov.wales/out-work-service-evaluation-final-report
• Exploratory research to support provisions for extending the voting franchise in Wales to 16
and 17 year olds. https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/statistics-and-research/2020-
02/renewing-democratic-engagement-exploratory-research-summary.pdf
There is also the opportunity to work closely within policy teams offering a wide range of
support using your social research background. Social research fast streamers have recently
worked in the following areas:
• Working within a team to create a monitoring and evaluation framework for the Framework
for Regional Investment in Wales, which is set to replace previous EU funds. The role also
included working closely with implementation and policy colleagues as well as a subgroup
of monitoring and evaluation experts from Welsh Government and beyond.
• Supporting ‘A Healthier Wales’ Transformation Programme team on the national evaluation
of the Transformation Fund, which was set up to aid seamless alignment of health and
social care services. https://gov.wales/health-and-social-services-transformation-fund-
2018-2021-mid-point-evaluation
Working with the Childcare, Play and Early Years team to support the implementation and
evaluation of the Childcare Offer for Wales. https://gov.wales/evaluation-childcare-offer-walesYou can also read
