The government social research service fast stream , is a scheme designed to provide a pathway into social research within the government. This allows you to carry out research having a direct impact on government policy.
What qualifications do I need?
GSR members come from a range of social science related backgrounds. A qualifying degree is one which contains substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken in the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design and hypothesis testing; and application of ethics to research.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply for the Civil Service Fast Stream if:
- You need, or should expect, to achieve a minimum of 2:1 in your undergraduate degree; or a 2:2 with a postgraduate degree.
- The qualifying degree must contain a minimum of 30% in social research methods covering all the criteria outlined below (it is not sufficient to hold the majority in one area – coverage across all areas is required)
- If you satisfy both the Nationality and Right to work/Immigration requirements.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate these criteria clearly on application.
Social Research Method Degree Content Criteria:
To qualify a degree must include quantitative research methods including research design, data collection (i.e. questionnaire design, sampling, weighting) and data analysis (e.g. statistical analysis).
It must also include at least three of the following:
- qualitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. interviewing, focus groups, ethnographic), data analysis (e.g. thematic analysis)
- study design, hypothesis formation, testing and evaluation
- systematic/literature reviews
- interpretation of data (qualitative and quantitative), presentation of results, provision of recommendations/ conclusions
- application of ethics to research
Professional Experience
- Hold an undergraduate degree, at a minimum of 2:1; or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree in any subject or a degree equivalent (e.g. Advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS); And at have at least 4 years social research practice experience.
- Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team.
- To apply via this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design and hypothesis testing; and application of ethics to research.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate these criteria clearly on their application. Please ensure you indicate the number of credits associated with the relevant modules covering your social research methods training. We receive a high volume of applications for the scheme, so please ensure you are clear and concise in outlining the relevant modules for consideration.
What would I do?
Government social researchers play a critical role in gathering analysing and interpreting the information that forms the foundation for decision-making affecting every UK resident. As a Research Officer (Fast Stream) working for a civil service organisation you can contribute to the reporting of social trends, the development of government policy and evaluation of how policies make a difference to public services. Your work might involve developing surveys, analysing data, producing statistics, reviewing existing research evidence and working with other analysts in government to provide timely, relevant and robust briefing for policy colleagues and Ministers.
Social Researchers working in departments and agencies
To find out more on the work of social researchers in some of the departments, please see the job specification documents at the top of this page.
Allocation to a GSR department
You will be placed into a department for your first posting in the GSR, with an expectation of starting in September 2023 (noting there can be some flexibility regarding personal circumstances) and that posting lasting at least 12 months. During the course of the scheme you will be rotated into differing posts on at least one occasion.
We will look at candidate’s preferences on the application form but as we are only expecting to be able to offer a very small number of places, the chances of meeting your preferences are significantly reduced. It is also worth remembering that starting your career in a department which is not your first choice can be very rewarding, particularly in terms of broadening your experience and furthering your career.
How much would I earn?
Salaries vary between departments. The average starting salary in London is about £27,000.
What is the Social Research Assessment Centre (SRAC)?
It is a half-day assessment centre to assess a candidate’s social research skills against set criteria. You should be aware that there may be periods of downtime in your timetable when you do not have to complete any exercises. Each candidate completes the same series of exercises with the same amount of time to prepare, so time delays will not disadvantage or advantage you.
There are 3 separate social research exercises to complete at the SRAC.
The following guidance is aimed at helping you prepare beforehand so that you can demonstrate your full potential on the day. You will be asked to produce your written work on a computer.
You will be assessed against 3 competencies throughout the SRAC:
- social research professional expertise
- managing a quality service
- leading and communicating
You must reach the standard for all 3 competencies to pass SRAC
Check out the scheme and roles here !
FS_GSR_2021_job_advert__1_.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)