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Senior User Researcher

Senior User Researcher

  • Liverpool
  • Manchester
  • Flexible working
  • Full-time
  • Job share
  • Part-time

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  • Closing on: May 27 2026
  • £58,541 - £64,624
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About the job

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it's really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

At HMRC, we are committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues; an inclusive and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society we serve. We want to maximise the potential of everyone who works for us, and we offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make an exciting career at HMRC accessible to you.

Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success, and we encourage applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.

About Unity Business Services

Unity Business Services sits within HMRC's People and Places Group, and provides critical human resources, recruitment, finance, payroll and procurement services to colleagues in HMRC and Department for Transport.

The Senior User Researcher role sits within Unity Business Service's People, Process and Technology (PTT) Team, which provides user-centred support including User Research, Content Design, Publishing, Business Analysis and Automation alongside project and product management.

Our current focus is supporting the implementation of the 'Unity Programme', which will introduce brand new shared services technologies and processes to support HMRC, Department for Transport, and the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government.

As a Senior User Researcher in PTT, you will help shape and lead user-centred design within Unity Business Services, with a strong focus on improving the guidance used by both Unity customers and internal adviser colleagues.

You will be responsible for setting the research direction to ensure UBS colleagues have the most streamlined and effective guidance to assist Unity customers. You will identify opportunities for continuous improvement and work with teams to ensure guidance and services are informed by robust user insight.

Job description

HMRC is currently undertaking some of the largest digital transformation programmes across Government and other sectors. Our user researchers are at the core of keeping user needs central to design and implementation, providing an opportunity to shape and improve Services that impact millions of users daily.

You will be joining a thriving and supportive User Researcher community, with regular opportunities for insight sharing, training and discussion. Our team draws together expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and sectors and welcomes new ideas on how we can continue to conduct robust research with real-world impact.

This is an exciting time to join an organisation that is at the forefront of cutting-edge user research. Our blog tells you a bit more about what we do and how we do it.

Link to video blog on User Research in HMRC .

If this sounds like the sort of thing which excites you, this is the job for you.

If you want to know more, we will be running an interactive Webinar event where we'll chat to you about what we do and give you a chance to ask us any questions before you apply - see more details below.

Webinar Information

Would you like to learn more about the role and what we do?

Are you keen to learn more about the technologies we use?

Would you like advice on submitting an effective application for the role?

If your answers are yes, then please join us at our webinar to learn more about working as a Senior User Researcher in HMRC.

We are inviting you to our Candidate Session Webinar

Friday 21st May 11am - 12pm - Register below.

** Candidate Information Session - Senior User Researcher- Friday 22/5/26 - 11:00am-12:00pm - Fill in form **

Please click the URL to register your interest, Registration doesn't guarantee attendance. Registration closes 30 mins before start.

Invite links will be sent in one anonymous group invite before 1030am on the morning of the session.

We would ask that you remain on mute and keep your cameras off to respect the session, other guests and the presenters.

Person specification

As a Senior User Researcher, your responsibilities include:
  • Leading on planning, recruiting and conducting user research in larger teams and on more complex services, including playing back user research to stakeholders and digital teams.
  • Understanding the service problem then aligning user research activities to influence and support decision-making.
  • Applying a range of techniques to analyse and synthesise user research insights, creating research outputs in an actionable way.
  • Advocating for, and including, all kinds of users in appropriate research activities to help teams design accessible services for all users.
  • Contributing to the user research community at HMRC.
  • Managing and/or mentoring User Researchers.
  • Participating in HMRC's cross-government research and conferences.
Essential Criteria

You will already have:
  • Extensive experience in senior user research, improving digital services and applying GDS standards to meet user needs.
  • Skilled in tackling complex problems, aligning research activities to guide decisions and deliver practical solutions.
  • Expert in a wide range of research methods, including usability testing, surveys, ethnographic techniques, and data analysis, producing clear, actionable insights.
  • Strong advocate for user-centred design, influencing stakeholders and embedding research practices into agile workflows.
  • Excellent communicator, able to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively; supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience.
  • Demonstratable experience in coaching and mentoring of team members.
Transitional Sites

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations .

If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it's important to note that these are not long-term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

These sites are:
  • Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle
You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
  • User research methods
  • Analysis and synthesis
  • Research management, leadership and assurance
  • Inclusive research
  • Stakeholder relationship management
Benefits

Alongside your salary of £58,541, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £16,959 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.
  • Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
  • Family friendly policies.
  • Personal support.
  • Coaching and development.
To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service

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
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:
  • A name-blind CV including your job history qualifications and key achievements reflecting the key responsibilities of the role
  • A 1000-word Personal Statement which should be used to describe how your skills and experience reflect the Essential Criteria of the role, providing specific examples from your career.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift will be carried out on your CV to assess Experience.

At full sift, we will review your Personal Statement to assess your ability to meet the requirements of the job role in line with the Essential Criteria and also assess your CV. Successful candidates will be invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

The interview will last 60-mins and will be held by a 3-person panel. During the interview, you will be assessed against the Technical Skills outlined below. You will be asked one question on each technical area below. When answering you will be required to provide a specific instance from your career which demonstrates the technical skill in question.
  • User research methods
  • Analysis and synthesis
  • Research management, leadership and assurance
  • Inclusive research
  • Stakeholder relationship management
https://ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk/role/user-researcher

We will ask you to complete a short user research exercise before the interview. Details will be provided 2 working days before the interview if you are successful to this stage.

You will be advised to apply the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique when delivering examples. You would be encouraged to prepare demonstratable examples of your experience ahead of the interview to ensure meaningfulness and completeness.

Please Note: The successful applicant for this role will need to be eligible for and willing to undergo standard BPSS Checks following appointment into the post.

Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form . Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application - [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]'.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application .

Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You'll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services .

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
  • Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ' help ' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers

This role may be suitable for existing HMRC employees who are contractual homeworkers. Occasional attendance to the office will be required where there is a business need. Please consider the advertised office locations for this role when applying and only select locations from the 'location preferences' section that you can travel to.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations .

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK .

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:
  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :
  • Name : Graham Jardine
  • Email : graham.jardine@hmrc.gov.uk
Recruitment team
  • Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk
Further information
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk. Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns, unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.

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