Social Researcher

Job summary

We are looking to fill two Research Officer posts in the Farming and Countryside directorate.

As a Research Officer you will typically design, manage, and/or conduct research projects (which may be commissioned externally, or conducted ‘in-house’). Additionally, you will analyse and interpret existing data and provide guidance to policy colleagues on current research evidence. Other examples of projects include policy evaluations, literature reviews, public consultations, interviews and surveys.

Background to Defra

Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food & farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. 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.

Social Research in Defra

Social researchers provide an essential role in helping Defra understand the context in which policy is delivered and its likely impact. We help by framing and contextualizing the policy challenge, identifying “what works”, developing policy solutions, and measuring and understanding the impact of government action. There are social researchers in all the policy directorates in Defra and are involved in the challenges which are important to the Defra group. These include securing food supply sustainability, reducing air pollution, improving the environmental contribution of farming, and addressing marine pollution. Social researchers are embedded in policy and evidence teams across the directorates or work in a central research team. We are also full members of the Government Social Research profession.

Job description

We are looking to fill two Research Officer posts in Defra’s Farming Evidence team. You will support work across the Farming and Countryside Directorate, principally providing social research advice in support of the Government’s approach to agricultural policy delivery. These are policy-focused posts within an interdisciplinary evidence team and will enable social science input to inform a range of policy and delivery activities to support key outcomes including net zero, economic growth, water quality and food production.

Working in a flexible analytical team, and directly with policy, means this role is ideal for anyone looking to develop their research skills and influence policy. You will have the opportunity to help shape key policy and scheme delivery decisions to deliver ambitious public benefit outcomes.

The postholders will be responsible for a mix of qualitative and quantitative work covering both an understanding of the current issues affecting farming and also evaluation of the impacts of policies, including economic support schemes aimed at farm businesses in England. Some work is commissioned but most is undertaken in-house, using existing evidence as well as being responsible for new survey data and qualitative data from interviews and group discussions. There will be opportunities for primary research including designing and undertaking surveys and interviews. An interest in farming, the environment and evaluation welcomed but experience in these areas is not essential.

Key responsibilities for the role

The successful candidate will have:

• Knowledge of research and analytical methodologies and ability to demonstrate practical application of both qualitative and quantitative approaches through project-based work. A suitable level of experience would be that obtained from a 1st or 2:1 degree in a social science discipline, or a postgraduate qualification if that included a substantial element of social research methods and training
• Ability to design research projects, defining research questions and writing draft specifications
• Ability to summarise and interpret information accurately, making use of different sources and to conduct basic analyses of key datasets utilising a working knowledge of relevant data analysis packages
• Ability to build networks and relationships to deliver common objectives
• Ability to communicate research insights and technical subjects to non-specialists in a clear and concise fashion.

The Defra group is dedicated to having a diverse workforce which represents people in our communities and an inclusive culture where everyone feels they can be their authentic self at work, belong in the organisation and can speak up to challenge others when needed. We want everyone to be able to contribute to the success of our organisation, regardless of your background.

Person specification

Essential Skills and Experience

The following criteria are essential to these posts:

1) Excellent analytical skills – with the ability to identify, champion, and use both qualitative and quantitative social research approaches to explore and answer research questions.

2) The ability to collaborate effectively with others across boundaries, to deliver results and engaging multiple stakeholder groups with differing priorities and perspectives to agree consensus-based solutions.

3) The ability to take personal responsibility for shaping, planning and driving forward work, delivering at pace and managing deadlines across a broad portfolio of work.

4) An ability to keep in touch with new research findings and methods in your field and accessibly interpreting and sharing these with colleagues.

You will need a 2:1 degree or higher in any social science discipline with a substantial social research methods component, or a relevant post-graduate degree. As part of your application you will be asked whether you hold the required Government Social Research (GSR) profession membership. If you are not a member, you will need to complete and pass the GSR assessment during the application process. The GSR assessment includes two parts, firstly an online knowledge test (conducted prior to interview), and secondly an interview to test technical skills. Further details will be provided. Please see here for GSR membership eligibility details.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Government Social Research professional experience (RO level): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-f…

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,765, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £10,071 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

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 Behaviours, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.

We are holding an information session on Wednesday 25th Feb 15:30 to 16:30 to provide more information on the application process and information on the roles. You can join using this line on MS Teams:

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3515808739554?p=Y8LZJPJttxcyfeFdEg

Meeting ID: 351 580 873 955 4

Passcode: kw7LZ6Wp

Assessment criteria

You will need a 2:1 degree or higher in any social science discipline with a substantial social research methods component, or a relevant post-graduate degree. As part of your application you will be asked whether you hold the required Government Social Research (GSR) profession membership. If you are not a member, you will need to complete and pass the GSR assessment during the application process. The GSR assessment includes two parts, firstly an online knowledge test (conducted prior to interview), and secondly an interview to test technical skills. Further details will be provided. Please see here for GSR membership eligibility details.

To be invited to interview you will be assessed as to whether satisfactory evidence is provided in both the CV and personal statement of your application (500 words demonstrating how you meet the criteria, skills and experience).

Interview

At interview you will be assessed against the essential behaviours listed below (three Civil Service behaviours and one Government Social Research skill).

Behaviours. We will assess you at HEO level for the following three behaviours: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles/success-profiles-civil-service-behaviours

• Working together
• Delivering at pace
• Making effective decisions

Technical skills. We will you assess you against the Government Social Research professional experience (RO level): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-framework

Interviews will last for up to one hour. A presentation will be expected as part of the technical skills. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interview.

Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

You will be able to express a preference for one of the posts. We will endeavour to adhere to your preferences but we cannot guarantee you will be allocated to your chosen post. Please note you will be given the opportunity to specify your preference at interview.

Application process

All applicants will follow the same selection process for interview. Candidates will be selected for interview based on (1) successful completion of an online Government Social Research knowledge test (not required for existing GSR members), and (2) the assessment criteria outlined above.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Location

As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s)

Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.

Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.

The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.

Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.

The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.

Salary

New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

Childcare Vouchers

Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.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.

Accessibility

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

Visa Sponsorship Statement

Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Merit Lists

Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be appointed in merit order for each location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.

Criminal Record Check

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to London may be subject to a higher level of clearance because of the security requirements for that location. Job offers to these posts are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.

Internal Fraud Database Check

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.

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter

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 theCivil 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.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).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 : Nick Boase
• Email : nick.boase@defra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here