Hays
SC Cleared User Researcher

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SC Cleared User Researcher
Location: Predominantly Remote (occasional travel required for user research activities)
Rate: £492 per day (Umbrella)
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Security Clearance: Active SC Clearance and BPSS required
Your New Role
We are currently recruiting for an experienced User Researcher to join a major public sector transformation programme. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping digital services that are accessible, inclusive, and truly centred around user needs.
Working within a multidisciplinary agile environment, you will lead and deliver user research across different stages of the service lifecycle, helping teams make evidence-based decisions that improve user outcomes and support wider organisational transformation.
The successful candidate will have extensive experience working within the Public Sector and a strong understanding of Government Digital Service (GDS) standards and ways of working.
What You'll Be Doing
- Planning and conducting user research activities using appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Understanding and applying a range of user research methods across different service lifecycle phases and advising teams on best practice.
- Synthesising and communicating user insights in a clear, impactful way to influence service design, policy development, and strategic decision-making.
- Establishing and embedding a strong user-centred design culture within agile delivery teams.
- Working closely with multidisciplinary teams including Product, Delivery, Service Design, Policy, Operations, and User-Centred Design professionals.
- Championing user-centred and inclusive design principles across the organisation.
- Researching diverse user groups to ensure digital services are accessible and inclusive.
- Influencing senior stakeholders and demonstrating the value of user-centred design through evidence-based recommendations.
- Ensuring ethical research standards are maintained and that participants' wellbeing and safeguarding requirements are upheld throughout research activities.
- Supporting the development of service strategies, transformation roadmaps, and future-state service propositions.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What You'll Need to Succeed
- Active SC Clearance and BPSS clearance.
- Extensive User Research experience within UK Public Sector environments.
- Strong knowledge and practical application of GDS standards, service assessments, and user-centred design principles.
- Experience delivering research across multiple phases of the service lifecycle.
- Ability to analyse complex research findings and present actionable insights to a variety of audiences.
- Proven experience influencing stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.
- Strong understanding of accessibility and inclusive design.
- Experience working within agile, multidisciplinary delivery teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Knowledge of research ethics, safeguarding, and participant wellbeing considerations.


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What You'll Get in Return
- Opportunity to contribute to high-profile public sector digital transformation programmes.
- Predominantly remote working arrangement.
- Collaborative and user-focused delivery environment.
- Competitive day rate of £492 per day.
- Chance to work alongside experienced digital, product, and design professionals delivering services that make a real impact.
What You Need to Do Now
If you're interested in this role, click 'Apply Now' to submit your application, or contact Hays Technology for a confidential discussion and further information.
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