Application process
As part of the application form you will be asked to complete:
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A CV - clearly stating your experience of working in applied social research with dates for each example.
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A GSR eligibility form - Please add your Application ID to this form and upload it.
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A 500 word Statement of Suitability setting out how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification.
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250 words on how you meet the desirable criteria, if applicable.
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The GSR knowledge test for those not already badged.
Please note: If we receive a large number of applications for this role, we may carry out an initial sift on the CV only. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
GSR
We require any successful applicant to be a badged Government Social Researcher at the grade at which this job is being advertised. The recruitment process is designed so that relevant stages incorporate the required badging element.
Being part of an analytical profession supports you to build your professional networks, develop your career and stay in touch with best practice. Please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-government-social-research-profession-membership/government-social-research-membership-and-eligibility-guidance#introduction to check the eligibility requirements for GSR professional membership and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-framework to ensure you meet the requirements for an SRO role within the GSR technical framework.
CV
Please state clearly at the start of your CV whether you are or are not a badged Government Social Researcher and, if badged, the current grade of your badging (you should be prepared to provide proof if requested).
Knowledge Test
If you are successful at the sifting stage of the process and you are not currently badged at the HEO grade, you will be invited to complete the GSR online multiple choice knowledge test.
This is a timed test and must be completed and submitted by the stated date to be considered for the next stage of the process.
Please ensure you inform us ahead of the test if you require any reasonable adjustments to be considered.
Interview
The interview will assess:
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The behaviours listed in the advert, and
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Your technical skills in line with the GSR technical framework and job description.
The interview will also include a scenario-based exercise on a technical topic and questions that assess the GSR technical framework. Further details will be provided to those candidates who are invited to interview.
Interview date: Interviews are currently planned to take place in the weeks commencing 15th July 2026, although there may be some flexibility.
Interview location: 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
Reasonable adjustments
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 [email protected] 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 youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to Cabinet Office 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.
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/Disclosure Scotland 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 [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email [email protected]
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
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 applicants 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.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Please note that this role requires SC clearance, which would normally need 5 years UK residency in the past 5 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.
Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
