User Researcher

Job summary

We are MHCLG

Here at the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), we work on things that make a real difference to people's lives. Whether it's through the homes we live in, the work of our local councils, or the communities we're all part of, our work is at the top of the political agenda. We have ambitious and far-reaching outcomes to achieve this year and, if you're thinking of joining us, there's never been a more exciting time.

This role sits within part of the Buildings Design and Construction Digital team, which delivers cross-cutting projects across professions, products and building performance. These areas are facing similar challenges and require joined-up solutions to implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry and to make sure the sector is positioned ready for a digital future.

As User Researcher you will work in a multidisciplinary environment, collaborating closely with policy, analytical and digital colleagues to plan, design and carry out research activities with users that help the division get a deep understanding of the people that will use new digital services in the built environment. A particular area of focus will be on developing digital services and common data standards and architecture to underpin the work of the Single Construction Regulator and to support a digitised construction industry. This role will ensure our reforms reflect how the sector – including the large number of SMEs – work in practice and help address the cultural challenges in the industry.

Find out more about our Digital teams and what they are working on through our MHCLG Digital blog. Please note that MHCLG do not offer visa sponsorship and applicants will need a valid visa for the duration of your employment.

Job description

As a User Researcher, you'll:

• Work across teams to plan and undertake user research to inform how we develop common data standards across products, professions and performance
• Develop a clear understanding of the diversity of users of government services and how we can ensure our reforms and services are accessible for everyone
• Own stakeholder relationships with parts of the BDC Directorate to drive forward agreement on standards, bringing together building control, Approved Documents, products and Competent Person Schemes
• Advocate for users by sharing research insights on user needs and changing user behaviour with colleagues across the directorate

Person specification

As a User Researcher, you'll have:

• Experience planning, designing and conducting research in a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis of research results to present clear findings and recommendations
• Experience identifying and communicating with stakeholders, tailoring communication to their needs and building consensus
• Experience working with colleagues to include different users in research activities

Desirable:

• Understanding of the diversity of potential users of services in the built environment

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,004, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government contributes £12,747 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).At MHCLG we offer many benefits that range from tailored career pathways and flexible working to MyLifestyle Childcare Voucher and Cycle to Work Schemes. For more information, please click here.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Application and Selection

The application process will be split into 2 stages, testing the following Success Profiles:

Experience , Technical

Please ensure your CV does not contain any personally identifiable information.

Note: We do not consider direct CV applications. All applications must be submitted via the provided application link.

Important: Your CV and Cover Letter must be merged into a single document before uploading.

Stage 1: Sift (CV & Cover Letter)

Experience & Technical

In your CV and covering letter, please include:
a. why you are interested in the role;
b. how you meet the essential and desirable skills and experience required

Most of our campaigns utilise multiple assessors and so it is possible that each of your answers would be viewed by different assessors.

In the event that we receive a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift using the lead sift question listed in the advert. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to interview.

Lead sift question (Technical): Describe a complex piece of user research that you led which influenced an important decision. What was your personal contribution, and what changed as a result?

Stage 2: Interview

• Experience: Experience questions will be based around the essential & desirable skills and criteria as listed in the job description.
• Technical: Technical questions will be based around the essential & desirable skills and criteria as listed in the job description.

Candidates will be asked to prepare a 5-10 minute presentation, further details will be provided on invitation to interview.

Sift and Interview Dates

Sifting is envisaged to take place the week commencing 31st August 2026.

Interviews are envisaged to take place the week comm