Service Designer (Public Sector Projects) - Inside IR35 Contract

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Service Designer (Public Sector Projects) - Inside IR35 Contract

Company: Version 1

Location: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Belfast, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time Contract

Category: Digital Design & GDS Operations

Date Posted: March 03, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role demands a skilled Service Designer to drive digital transformation within the public sector, focusing on end-to-end service lifecycle management.

• You will be instrumental in mapping current and future service states, ensuring digital delivery aligns with policy and operational realities for government clients.

• Collaboration with multidisciplinary, agile teams is key, including content designers, user researchers, and product managers, to shape service visions and define foundational processes.

• The position requires strong stakeholder management and the ability to translate complex user needs and system landscapes into actionable service designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original listing focuses on "Service Designer," the "Public Sector Projects" and "GDS (Government Digital Service) projects" context strongly indicates a role within the broader GTM and digital transformation operations sphere, specifically for government clients. The "Inside IR35" nature points to a contract role, requiring specific administrative and tax considerations for the candidate. The emphasis on "agile teams" and "full service lifecycle" highlights the need for an operations-minded approach to service delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the mapping of current and future service states, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation within public sector digital services.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (content designers, user researchers, product managers, business analysts, technical leads) to define and deliver excellent service outcomes.

• Facilitate workshops and design sessions to shape service visions, define user journeys, and establish the underlying structures and processes for great services.

• Ensure designs adhere to accessibility and inclusion standards across all channels and touchpoints, aligning with GOV.UK Service Standard requirements.

• Develop a strong evidence base for design decisions, utilizing performance data and user research to support strategic recommendations and defend them when challenged.

• Visualize complex systems through service blueprints, journey maps, or ecosystem diagrams, adapting outputs for diverse audiences and learning preferences.

• Plan and lead workshops, effectively navigating, managing, and influencing diverse stakeholder groups to achieve consensus and drive project forward.

• Simplify complex service requirements into understandable, usable, and scalable solutions for both internal teams and end-users.

• Work collaboratively with clients as a co-creator, building trusted partnerships to deliver sustainable, strategic, and future-proof services.

• Interpret performance data to inform design decisions, define success metrics, and effectively evaluate service impact and value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the operational aspects of service design within a public sector context, emphasizing process definition, stakeholder alignment, and data-driven decision-making, aligning with GTM operational excellence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience working within the public sector, with a deep understanding of its unique operational constraints and stakeholder dynamics.

• Demonstrable experience working to the GOV.UK Service Standard, ensuring compliance and best practices in digital service delivery.

• Experience as a Product Owner or Product Manager with a software product vendor, providing insight into product development lifecycles and vendor-client relationships.

Required Skills:

• Service Design Expertise: Ability to design and articulate end-to-end service lifecycles, from discovery to live.

• Public Sector & GDS Standards: In-depth knowledge of public sector operations and adherence to GOV.UK Service Standard.

• Stakeholder Management & Influence: Proven ability to navigate, manage, and influence diverse stakeholders, including those unfamiliar with service design.

• Workshop Facilitation: Skilled in planning and leading workshops, co-design sessions, and collaborative problem-solving activities.

• Accessibility & Inclusion Design: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of designing for accessibility and inclusion across all service touchpoints.

• Data Interpretation & Metrics Definition: Ability to interpret performance data to inform design decisions and define success metrics for service evaluation.

• Agile Methodologies: Experience working effectively within agile, multidisciplinary teams.

• Design & Visualization Tools: Proficiency with Miro and Lucid; basic knowledge of Figma.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Thinking & Systems Thinking: Strong understanding and application of design-thinking and systems-thinking methodologies to guide teams and decision-making.

• Service Blueprinting & Journey Mapping: Expertise in creating detailed service blueprints, user journey maps, and ecosystem diagrams.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt information for different audiences and mediums, and confidently pitch the value of service design.

• Problem Simplification: Ability to cut through complexity to make services usable, scalable, and understandable.

• Ambiguity Navigation: Comfort and skill in working within ambiguous environments and helping teams find direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to emphasize the operational requirements of the role, including the specific public sector and GDS standards, as well as the collaborative and data-driven aspects essential for effective service delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: A portfolio showcasing at least 2-3 detailed case studies of public sector service design projects, demonstrating the full lifecycle from problem definition to implemented solution.

• Process Documentation: Evidence of documenting service design processes, including user research findings, journey maps, service blueprints, and accessibility audits.

• Systemic Thinking: Examples illustrating how you have mapped complex systems, identified dependencies, and designed integrated service solutions.

• Impact & Metrics: Clear articulation of the impact of your service design work, supported by performance data and defined success metrics, demonstrating ROI and efficiency gains.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of designing and optimizing end-to-end service workflows that are user-centric, efficient, and compliant with relevant standards (e.g., GDS).

• User Journey Mapping: Demonstrated ability to create comprehensive user journey maps that identify pain points, emotional states, and opportunities for service improvement.

• Service Blueprinting: Expertise in developing detailed service blueprints that visualize front-stage and back-stage processes, support functions, and underlying systems.

• Cross-Functional Process Alignment: Examples of facilitating collaboration between different teams (e.g., policy, operations, digital, legal) to ensure seamless service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section has been tailored to highlight the specific documentation and process-oriented deliverables expected from a Service Designer in a public sector context, emphasizing the need to showcase practical application of GDS principles and data-driven outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the "Inside IR35 Contract" nature, the daily rate is estimated to be between £450 - £650 per day, depending on experience and specific project demands. This range reflects typical rates for experienced Service Designers working on public sector GDS projects in major UK cities.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for contract digital specialists in the UK public sector, considering the specific requirements for GDS experience, agile methodologies, and the "Inside IR35" status which implies provision of services through an umbrella company or limited company via an agency.

Benefits:

• Profit Share: Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme, allowing contractors to benefit from company success.

• Career Progression: Access to Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes and a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme.

• Flexibility: Flexible and remote working options to support work-life balance.

• Financial Wellbeing: While typically managed through the umbrella company for IR35 roles, Version 1 offers initiatives like Pension advice, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial advice, and an Employee Discount scheme for permanent staff, suggesting a supportive ecosystem.

• Wellbeing Schemes: Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness classes, Mindfulness Workshops, Employee Assistance Programme.

• Leave: Generous holiday allowance (pro-rata for contract), enhanced maternity/paternity leave (for permanent staff), marriage/civil partnership leave, and special leave policies (for permanent staff).

• Educational Assistance: Incentivised certifications and accreditations (AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, Red Hat) for permanent staff.

• Reward Schemes: Annual Excellence Awards & ‘Call-Out’ platform.

• Community Involvement: Environment, Social and Community First initiatives for involvement in local fundraising and development.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility is offered, but project delivery within agile sprints and client needs will dictate the operational schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided as a daily rate estimate due to the "Inside IR35" contract nature. Benefits are detailed as provided, with a clarification on which apply to contract versus permanent staff where applicable.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology and Digital Transformation Consulting, with a strong focus on Public Sector and Enterprise clients. Version 1 is a leading partner for major cloud providers like Microsoft, AWS, and Oracle.

Company Size: 3300+ employees, a substantial organization with a significant revenue stream (£300m+). This size offers stability, resources, and a structured approach to project delivery.

Founded: Version 1 has celebrated 30 years in business, indicating a mature and stable company with a proven track record in the technology sector.

Team Structure:

• Multidisciplinary Agile Teams: Service Designers will be embedded within agile, multidisciplinary teams, working closely with roles such as Product Managers, User Researchers, Content Designers, Business Analysts, and Technical Leads.

• Reporting: Likely a matrixed structure. While reporting to a project lead or a Service Design discipline lead is common, day-to-day work is guided by project sprints and client requirements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: High emphasis on collaboration across various functions, including policy, operations, digital, and technical teams, to ensure holistic service delivery.

Methodology:

• Agile & Lean Principles: Projects are likely delivered using agile methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid delivery.

• GDS Frameworks: Adherence to GOV.UK Service Standard and GDS principles for digital service design and delivery.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong emphasis on using evidence, performance data, and user research to inform design choices and strategic direction.

• User-Centric Design: A core principle of understanding and designing for user needs and experiences.

Company Website: https://www.version1.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been elaborated to highlight Version 1's position in the market, its size, and its operational approach, which is crucial for a contractor to understand their working environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level within the Service Design discipline, equivalent to a Senior Service Designer or Lead Service Designer, specifically focused on public sector digital transformation. The scope involves leading complex projects, influencing stakeholders, and shaping service strategy.

Reporting Structure: As a contractor, you'll likely report to a Project Manager or a Senior Client Stakeholder within the public sector client's organization, while also being part of Version 1's broader digital or consulting practice.

Operations Impact: The Service Designer's output directly impacts the efficiency, usability, and effectiveness of public services. Success is measured by improved user satisfaction, operational efficiency, cost savings, and adherence to government digital standards, all of which contribute to the client's mission and Version 1's project success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific public sector domains (e.g., healthcare, justice, education) or advanced service design techniques.

• Leadership: Potential to lead service design workstreams or mentor junior designers on projects.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to gain experience with a wider range of digital transformation projects and clients.

• Certification & Training: While provided for permanent staff, contractors can leverage project experience to build their portfolio and pursue personal certifications.

• Network Building: Extensive opportunities to build a professional network within both Version 1 and public sector organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the growth and impact specifically for a contractor in a Service Design role, highlighting how project experience contributes to their professional development and future opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with a mix of remote work and on-site presence at client locations or Version 1 offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, or Belfast. Client-facing roles often require significant on-site time during key project phases.

Office Location(s): The role is flexible across multiple major UK cities (London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Belfast), allowing for project-based work closer to these hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect to work in agile team environments, potentially in co-working spaces or client offices, designed for collaboration.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard project management and collaboration tools will be provided or expected. Proficiency in Miro, Lucid, and Figma is a requirement.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with diverse project teams, clients, and potentially other Version 1 consultants.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are 40 per week. The "Inside IR35" status implies a focus on delivering defined project outcomes rather than strict timekeeping, though project deadlines and client availability will shape the daily schedule. Flexibility is offered, but project needs are paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the hybrid nature and client-facing aspect, common for GDS projects, and how it impacts daily operations and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A call with a Version 1 recruiter to assess basic fit, experience, and understanding of contract roles (IR35).

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: Discussion focused on your experience, service design philosophy, and approach to public sector projects. This may include behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Presentation & Workshop: A key stage where you will present case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your skills in service design, GDS standards, and stakeholder engagement. You may be asked to participate in a short, simulated workshop or design exercise.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior stakeholder or client representative to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Public Sector Focus: Highlight projects that specifically demonstrate experience with public sector clients and adherence to GDS standards.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your service design process for each case study – from discovery and research to ideation, prototyping, and implementation.

• Data & Metrics: Showcase how you used data and defined metrics to inform decisions and measure the success/impact of your designs. Use tangible numbers where possible.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Explain how you managed and influenced stakeholders, especially in complex or challenging environments.

• Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used (Miro, Lucid, Figma) within your case studies.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your strongest 2-3 case studies effectively within a given timeframe.

Challenge Preparation:

• GDS Service Standard: Familiarize yourself with the current GOV.UK Service Standard and its underlying principles.

• Service Design Techniques: Be ready to discuss and potentially demonstrate techniques like user journey mapping, service blueprints, affinity mapping, and persona development.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to designing services for complex public sector problems, focusing on your approach to ambiguity and stakeholder management.

• Agile Context: Understand how service design integrates into agile development sprints and multidisciplinary teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process and preparation advice are tailored to the specific demands of a Service Designer role in the public sector, emphasizing the portfolio's crucial role and the need to demonstrate GDS compliance and stakeholder management skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Miro: Essential for collaborative whiteboarding, brainstorming, workshop facilitation, and mapping complex systems. Expect to use it extensively for ideation and co-creation.

• Lucid: Similar to Miro, often used for diagramming, flowcharts, and creating more structured visualizations of processes and systems.

• Figma: Basic proficiency is required, likely for wireframing, prototyping, or collaborating with UI/UX designers on interface elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Relevant Tools:

• Confluence/Jira: Commonly used in agile environments for documentation and task management.

• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for surveys, interviews, and usability testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack is specified based on the job description's explicit mention of Miro, Lucid, and Figma, with added context on their typical use in a service design role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of public service users.

• Simplicity & Clarity: A drive to make complex services understandable, usable, and efficient.

• Collaboration: A belief in working together across disciplines and with clients to co-create solutions.

• Evidence-Based Decision Making: A reliance on data, research, and measurable outcomes to guide strategy and design.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of iterative development and ongoing optimization of services.

• Accessibility & Inclusion: A foundational value to ensure all services are usable by everyone.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with diverse roles within agile teams, fostering a shared understanding of service goals.

• Co-Creation with Clients: Working in partnership with public sector clients, treating them as integral members of the delivery team.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing to enhance service design practices.

• Agile Iteration: Working in short cycles, incorporating feedback and adapting designs based on evolving requirements and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are inferred from the company's description, the nature of public sector work (GDS), and the core tenets of service design, emphasizing collaboration and user focus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Bureaucracy: Working within established government processes and procurement frameworks can be challenging.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing diverse expectations and priorities from various stakeholders within public sector organizations.

• Legacy Systems: Integrating new digital services with existing, often outdated, public sector IT infrastructure.

• Ambiguity & Complexity: Dealing with complex, multi-faceted public service problems with evolving requirements.

• Demonstrating ROI: Quantifying the impact and return on investment of service design initiatives in the public sector, where outcomes may be social as well as financial.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Public Sector Domain Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of specific government sectors and their operational challenges.

• GDS Best Practices: Deepen understanding and application of GDS principles and standards.

• Advanced Service Design Techniques: Explore and apply more sophisticated methods for complex service transformation.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop skills in building and maintaining strong relationships with public sector clients.

• Agile Project Leadership: Experience leading service design within fast-paced agile environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed from the perspective of a Service Designer undertaking public sector projects, highlighting both the potential hurdles and the valuable learning experiences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex public sector service you've designed or significantly improved. How did you approach understanding the problem, engaging stakeholders, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on GDS principles, data, and collaboration).

• "How do you ensure accessibility and inclusion are embedded throughout the service design process, especially when working to standards like GOV.UK?" (Prepare specific examples of design considerations).

• "Walk us through your process for creating a service blueprint or a user journey map for a public service. What key elements do you include and why?" (Be ready to draw or whiteboard this).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working on public sector projects with Version 1 specifically?" (Research Version 1's public sector work and values).

• "How do you see service design contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of government services?" (Align your answer with GDS goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, use a clear narrative: Problem > Your Role & Process > Solutions > Outcomes & Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your work (maps, blueprints, wireframes) to illustrate your points.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your core findings and impact within a limited timeframe (often 15-20 minutes).

• Tool Demonstration: Be ready to discuss your use of Miro, Lucid, and Figma within these projects.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you measured success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a Service Designer role, focusing on public sector GDS projects, and emphasizes practical demonstration of skills through portfolio and potential exercises.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with public sector projects, GDS standards, and the specific tools mentioned (Miro, Lucid, Figma).

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your achievements in service design, focusing on quantifiable results and impact, especially in government or highly regulated environments.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your key service design case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your process and impact. Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and GDS compliance.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Version 1's public sector offerings and their partnership with government bodies. Understand their core values and how your approach to service design aligns with them.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---