User Researcher – Public Sector Digital Transformation

Location: UK (Hybrid, with potential travel to client sites)

Type: Permanent

Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 + Benefits
Clearance: SC clearance or eligibility required

Help shape user‑centred public services used by millions.

We’re hiring a User Researcher to join digital transformation programmes across the UK public sector. You’ll work closely with designers, product managers, delivery teams and technical specialists to understand user needs, shape better services, and ensure digital products are inclusive, intuitive and effective.

This is an opportunity to apply user‑centred design at scale, solving real problems for citizens, frontline workers and communities.

The Role

As a User Researcher, you’ll plan and conduct research that uncovers deep insights into user behaviours, contexts and pain points. You’ll turn that insight into clear, actionable recommendations that influence service design, product decisions and wider transformation efforts.

You’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary team, championing evidence‑based decision‑making and ensuring the outcomes genuinely meet user and organisational needs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Planning, designing and delivering user research across digital services
• Conducting user interviews, contextual research, usability testing, surveys and workshops
• Collaborating with product managers, service designers, UX designers and engineers
• Producing personas, journey maps, insight reports and clear recommendations
• Presenting research findings to stakeholders in an engaging, accessible way
• Ensuring research activities follow ethical, accessibility and inclusion standards
• Supporting early‑stage discovery and problem-definition work
• Advocating for UCD practices within teams and helping others understand user needs
• Contributing to iterative design and continuous service improvement

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Previous or current public sector and/or consultancy experience.
• Strong experience conducting user research for digital services or products
• Ability to use a wide range of research methods and choose the right approach for each stage
• Confidence planning research in complex environments with varied user groups
• Clear written and verbal communication skills – able to explain insights to non‑researchers
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary delivery team
• Ability to produce high‑quality research artefacts (insight reports, personas, maps, flows)
• Strong understanding of accessibility, inclusion and ethical research considerations

Desirable

• Experience working with public sector organisations or aligning to GDS service standards
• Knowledge of service design and the wider UCD toolkit
• Experience running workshops or facilitating research sessions
• Familiarity with agile delivery environments
• Ability to adapt research for harder‑to‑reach or constrained user groups

Who This Role Suits

You’ll thrive here if you:

• Enjoy solving real problems that directly improve people’s lives
• Are passionate about inclusive and ethical research
• Like collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
• Are comfortable navigating ambiguity and shaping direction through insight
• Want to contribute to meaningful public sector transformation

Why Join

This organisation is rooted in people‑powered transformation, working with public sector partners to deliver accessible, sustainable and user‑centred digital services. You’ll join a collaborative UCD community that values inclusion, learning and open working.

Benefits typically include:

• Flexible hybrid working
• Generous holiday allowance
• Professional development budget
• Volunteer days
• Wellbeing and healthcare support
• Pension and employee benefits scheme

📩 Interested?

If you’re a User Researcher who’s passionate about improving digital public services and creating real impact for people and communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

User Experience Designer (SC Eligible)
Location: UK (Hybrid, with potential travel to client sites)

Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 + Benefits
Clearance: SC clearance or eligibility required

Non Negotiable Requirement: Candidates must have experience with public sector clients and be familiar with the GDS toolkit.

Join a dynamic digital consultancy team focused on user-centred design and impactful digital transformation across public and private sectors.

Role Overview

As a UX Designer, you’ll work in agile, multidisciplinary teams to design accessible, user-focused digital services. You’ll apply inclusive design principles, collaborate with stakeholders, and create intuitive experiences that meet user needs and business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct user research and translate insights into design solutions.
• Design accessible, user-friendly digital products and services.
• Create wireframes, prototypes, personas, and service maps.
• Facilitate workshops and present design concepts to stakeholders.
• Apply iterative design methods and agile delivery practices.
• Use tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, and Axure.
• Build and test interactive prototypes using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

What You’ll Bring

• Strong foundation in user-centred design across the full lifecycle.
• Previous or current public sector and/or consultancy experience
• Must have experience with GDS standards/toolkits and inclusive design practices.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to lead design work and collaborate across teams.
• Experience with accessibility testing and assistive technologies.
• Familiarity with accessibility certifications (e.g., CPACC, WAS, CPWA) is a plus.

Why Join?

• Work on high-impact digital transformation projects.
• Access to extensive training and certifications in design, tech, and agile delivery.
• Opportunities for career growth, internal initiatives, and thought leadership.
• Inclusive, flexible working culture with a strong focus on wellbeing.
• Regular team events, knowledge-sharing sessions, and social activities.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

User Researcher – Central Government – Remote / London – £450/day (Inside IR35) – Contract via Umbrella Company

We are seeking an experienced Senior User Researcher to support a Central Government department on key digital service initiatives. This predominantly remote role, with occasional travel to London offices, focuses on complex user research delivered to Government Digital Service (GDS) standards using the GOV.UK Design System.

The Role

You will lead and coordinate user research activities, ensuring evidence-based insights inform service design and strategic decisions. Acting as a senior practitioner, you will guide teams on best practice, advocate for user-centred approaches, and influence stakeholders to deliver services that meet user needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead user research programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.

• Conduct and synthesise complex research, delivering actionable insights for service design.

• Set and maintain high standards of research quality, ethics, and accessibility in line with GDS guidance.

• Advise stakeholders and ensure research findings are applied effectively.

• Apply inclusive research practices, representing diverse users and meeting accessibility standards.

• Operate effectively in secure, collaborative government environments.

• Work within agile teams, adapting methods to product complexity.

• Support and mentor junior researchers to foster a culture of research excellence.

Essential Experience

• Senior-level user research experience in the public sector, ideally with multiple Central Government roles.

• Expertise in GOV.UK User Design & User Research, and the GOV.UK Design System.

• Proven ability to lead complex research programmes and translate findings into strategic insights.

• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.

• Comfortable working remotely with occasional London travel.

Desirable

• Experience mentoring or leading a research community of practice.

• Familiarity with government digital services and agile product delivery.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Sanderson are currently working with a client who are looking to grow their Embedded Software Engineering team.

You will be designing and implementing real time system software around RF communications and sensors. This senior engineering role combines hands-on detailed design with technical team leadership.

Job Purpose & Key Responsibilities

As an embedded software engineer your responsibilities could include:

• Capture of embedded software requirements, software design and test / verification processes for efficient real time systems from R&D concept through to the full product development lifecycle
• The implementation of bespoke data processing and control schemes.
• Understanding and applying new and emerging technologies inclusive of algorithm techniques

Essential skills will include

• Strong skill set in C and/or C++ for embedded development and associated operating systems
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver full lifecycle developments
• Knowledge of latest System on Chip devices, Software Defined Radio platforms and open-source frameworks
• Good understanding of Digital Signal Processing algorithms and experience of modelling or simulation algorithms

This role will require eligibility to be clearable to DV Clearance

If you’re interested in the above, apply or reach out to [email protected]

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Sanderson are currently working with a client who are looking to grow their RF Development team. As the RF Engineer, you’ll be helping to deliver complex and unique challenges to enable mission critical success. Your responsibilities will be varied and wide ranging, as shown below:

The key requirements

• Manage the requirements of RF sub-systems
• Design of RF, analogue, interface, control and conversion circuits
• Write and conduct sub-system tests for your designs
• Produce supporting documentation
• Support integration and test activities amongst other activities

This role will require eligibility to be clearable to DV Clearance

If you’re interested in the above, apply or reach out to [email protected]

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Job Title: Content Designer(GDS)
Location: Newcastle
Working Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days on sight every 3 weeks)
Pay Rate: £300-£380
Start Date: ASAP

An international IT consultancy working in the Government sector is looking for a Content Designer.

Skills & Experience Required:

Essential

• Proven experience as a Content Designer, UX Writer, or similar role within government or public‑sector digital services.
• Strong working knowledge of GDS standards, GOV.UK design system, and service assessment requirements.
• Ability to create clear, concise, accessible content for complex services.
• Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams.
• Understanding of user research methods and how to apply insights to content.
• Ability to explain content decisions to stakeholders and defend them with evidence.

Desirable

• Experience contributing to discovery, alpha, beta, and live phases.
• Familiarity with prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, or similar).
• Understanding of service design principles.
• Experience working with technical teams on APIs, workflows, or back‑end processes

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Role: Interaction Designer

Rate: £375-£415 p/d (Inside IR35)

Location: Remote – occasional travel to London once or twice a month (Canary Wharf)

Duration: Until November 2026

Looking for an experienced Interaction Designer to join the digital team and help design accessible, user-centred services that meet the needs of the public. You’ll work on complex, high-impact services, collaborating closely with researchers, content designers, developers and policy colleagues.

Technical Expectations:

* Ability to code and build interactive prototypes in HTML/CSS/JavaScript.

* Proficiency in design tools such as Figma

* Experience working in Agile, product‑focused delivery environments

Key Attributes:

* Exceptional communication skills

* Enthusiastic and engaged

* Proactive and self‑directed

* Comfortable with ambiguity

* Resilient and adaptable

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

SC Cleared User Researcher – Occasional Travel to Exeter – £500/day Inside IR35

We are seeking an experienced User Researcher with active SC clearance to support a Central Government department on a major digital programme. This role is ideal for someone with deep user research expertise, experience delivering insights that shape complex digital services, and familiarity with GDS standards and ways of working.

The Role

You will play a pivotal role in understanding user needs, behaviours, and experiences, helping teams design services that are effective, usable, and accessible. You’ll work closely with delivery teams, service designers, and senior stakeholders to embed user-centred design principles across programmes.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Planning and conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and field studies

• Analysing and synthesising research findings into clear, actionable insights

• Creating personas, user journeys, and experience maps to inform service design

• Advising on research methods, best practices, and user-centred approaches

• Collaborating with service designers, product teams, and stakeholders to ensure research informs decisions

• Supporting accessibility, inclusivity, and regulatory compliance in digital services

• Ensuring research aligns with GDS standards and government service design principles

• Communicating findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Occasional travel to Exeter

About You

Essential Experience:

• Proven experience as a User Researcher or in a similar user-centred design role

• Active SC clearance

• Strong expertise in planning, conducting, and analysing user research

• Experience with a range of research methods (qualitative and quantitative)

• Skilled at synthesising research into actionable insights and recommendations

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• Experience in regulated, sensitive, or government environments

• Experience working with GDS standards and digital service frameworks

Nice to Have:

• Experience with remote research tools and techniques

• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design standards

• Familiarity with service design, UX design, or digital transformation programmes

• Relevant certifications (e.g., UX, HCI, or research-related qualifications)

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Role: Interaction Designer
Rate: £450 p/d (Inside IR35)
Location: Remote – occasional travel to London once or twice a month
Duration: Until March 31^st 2026 – Extensions highly likely

Looking for an experienced Interaction Designer to join the digital team and help design accessible, user-centred services that meet the needs of the public. You’ll work on complex, high-impact services, collaborating closely with researchers, content designers, developers and policy colleagues.

What you’ll do

• Design intuitive, inclusive and accessible user journeys for public sector digital services
• Apply user-centred design principles across discovery, alpha, beta and live phases
• Produce and iterate interaction designs using wireframes, prototypes and service flows
• Use the GOV.UK Design System and contribute to design patterns where appropriate
• Collaborate with user researchers to test and refine designs based on evidence
• Work closely with developers to ensure designs are feasible and implemented effectively
• Present design decisions clearly to a range of stakeholders, including senior leaders

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience as an Interaction Designer in the UK public sector
• Strong understanding of GDS, the Service Standard, and agile delivery
• Experience designing accessible services that meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards
• Confidence working in multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to explain and justify design decisions using user evidence

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

SC Cleared Interaction Designer (Mid-Senior) – Central Government (Contract)
Duration: ASAP start for an initial 6 months
Rate: Up To £540 per day (Inside IR35)
Location: Remote working with occasional onsite attendance
Clearance: UKSV SC (active)

We are seeking a mid-senior level SC Cleared Interaction Designer to support a UK Central Government department on a complex digital delivery programme. This Inside IR35 role requires a confident practitioner who can lead interaction design work, contribute to strategic decision-making, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary agile teams.

The Role

You will be responsible for designing intuitive, accessible, and user-centred interactions across one or more digital services. Working closely with user researchers, service designers, developers, and product managers, you will help shape solutions that meet user needs and align with GDS standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing user-centred interactions across complex digital services

• Producing wireframes, prototypes, and interaction flows at varying levels of fidelity

• Applying GDS standards, design patterns, and accessibility best practice (WCAG)

• Collaborating with user researchers to iterate designs based on evidence and insight

• Working closely with developers to ensure high-quality implementation of designs

• Facilitating design workshops and contributing to design critiques

• Supporting services through discovery, alpha, beta, and live phases

• Clearly documenting and communicating design decisions to stakeholders

About You

Essential experience:

• Active UKSV SC clearance

• Proven experience as an Interaction Designer at mid-senior level

• Experience delivering digital services within UK Central Government or similarly regulated environments

• Strong understanding of GDS standards and the GOV.UK Design System

• Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary delivery teams

• Confidence engaging and influencing senior stakeholders

• Comfortable working remotely with occasional onsite attendance

Nice to Have:

• Experience mentoring or supporting junior designers

• Strong prototyping skills using tools such as Figma

• Experience designing for complex user journeys or transactional services

• Familiarity with accessibility testing and inclusive design practices

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.