Senior User Researcher

About Scrumconnect Consulting

Scrumconnect Consulting is a multi-award-winning digital consultancy, recognised for delivering impactful and innovative technology solutions across UK government departments. Our work has positively influenced the lives of over 40 million UK citizens.

We are passionate about user-centred design, agile delivery, and building digital services that make a real difference. Our teams work at the forefront of innovation, helping organisations transform and deliver high-quality, scalable solutions that truly matter.

Role Summary

The Senior User Researcher will lead the user research programme for the Discovery, designing and executing a comprehensive research approach to understand the needs, behaviours and pain points of building control authority teams across England. Operating at SFIA Level 5, this role requires an experienced researcher capable of working autonomously, advising on research strategy and producing high-quality, evidence-based outputs that directly inform the design of a new digital notification system.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design and execution of the user research strategy for the SCS-N discovery, including defining research questions, selecting appropriate methods and managing participant recruitment
Plan and facilitate in-depth interviews, focus groups, contextual enquiries and usability sessions with building control authority (BCA) teams[7.1] across a representative sample of local authorities
Design and deploy surveys, diary studies and other mixed-methods research instruments
Synthesise and analyse large volumes of qualitative and quantitative research data to identify themes, insights and user needs
Produce clear, compelling and high-quality research outputs including findings reports, insight packs, affinity diagrams, personas and journey maps
Contribute to the 'as-is' process mapping of how BCA teams manage SCS-N notifications
Define and prioritise user needs for the new system (essential vs desirable), in collaboration with the BA and Service Designer
Present research findings clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders at BSR and MHCLG[8.1]
Ensure all research is conducted in accordance with GDPR, ethical research standards and the Government Social Research framework
Mentor[9.1] junior researchers and contribute to raising research standards across the team

Essential Skills & Experience

Significant experience as a User Researcher in UK public sector or government digital delivery
Strong qualitative research skills including interview design, facilitation, analysis and synthesis
Experience designing and executing large-scale research programmes engaging diverse and geographically distributed participant groups
Proficiency in research tools such as Dovetail, Lookback, Optimal Workshop, Miro or equivalent
Experience producing GDS-standard research outputs including needs registers, research findings reports and journey maps
Ability to communicate complex research findings in plain English to non-specialist audiences
Knowledge of the GDS Service Standard and the role of research across Discovery, Alpha and Beta
SFIA Level 5 competencies as defined in the SFIA framework

Desirable Skills & Experience

Experience researching local authority, building control or regulatory services[10.1]
Knowledge of quantitative research methods and survey design
Experience with remote and in-person research facilitation across public sector contexts
Government Social Research (GSR) accreditation or equivalent professional research qualification

SFIA Level 5 Behaviours Expected

At SFIA Level 5 (Ensure, Advise), the successful candidate will demonstrate the following core behaviours:

Takes responsibility for the quality and rigour of the research programme
Advises on research strategy, method selection and approach at programme level
Works autonomously, self-directing research activities with minimal supervision
Influences decisions on service design and policy through evidence-based research
Demonstrates accountability for research outputs and their impact on delivery

Diversity & Inclusion

At Scrumconnect Consulting, we believe that diversity drives innovation and better outcomes. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is valued, respected, and supported.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and actively encourage individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, people with disabilities, and diverse communities, as well as those seeking flexible working arrangements.

As a Disability Confident Level 1 employer, we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment to ensure equal opportunities for all.