Senior User Researcher - Inside IR35 Contract

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher - Inside IR35 Contract

Company: Version 1

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

Job Type: Full-time Contract

Category: User Research / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and deliver end-to-end user research for complex public sector digital transformation projects, ensuring findings directly inform product, service, and strategy decisions.

• Proactively contribute to client meetings, workshops, and presentations, building strong relationships and providing actionable recommendations that align with both user needs and business objectives.

• Collaborate autonomously within multidisciplinary agile teams, including product managers, designers, business analysts, and developers, to ensure evidence drives decision-making at every stage of the delivery lifecycle.

• Champion a user-first mindset within client organizations and contribute to strengthening Version 1’s user research practice through mentoring colleagues and sharing expertise across communities of practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Inside IR35" designation indicates this is a contract role operating under specific UK tax regulations, requiring candidates to be engaged through an umbrella company or their own limited company. This implies a focus on project-based delivery and a need for strong self-management and accountability. The hybrid nature of the role suggests a blend of on-site client work and remote collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute comprehensive user research initiatives across the full project lifecycle, from discovery to delivery, ensuring research findings are actionable and directly influence product, service, and strategic outcomes for public sector clients.

• Design and conduct a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research studies, including moderated and unmoderated usability testing, depth interviews, surveys, co-design sessions, and diary studies, selecting methodologies appropriate to project needs and client context.

• Analyze and synthesize complex research data to produce clear, concise, and compelling insights, translating findings into tangible recommendations for iterative product development and strategic service improvement.

• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients and senior stakeholders by proactively identifying research opportunities, advising on research strategy, and effectively communicating research value and impact.

• Facilitate workshops and cross-functional team meetings, driving alignment and ensuring user needs are central to decision-making processes within agile delivery environments governed by GDS Digital Service Standards.

• Mentor and guide junior researchers and colleagues within Version 1’s user research community of practice, fostering a culture of continuous learning and best practice sharing.

• Ensure all research activities adhere to ethical considerations, particularly when working with vulnerable users or those with access needs, and maintain a deep understanding of inclusive design principles and WCAG 2.2 accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Public Sector Clients" and "GDS Digital Service Standard" implies a need for familiarity with government digital service design principles, procurement processes, and assessment frameworks. The requirement to "shape meaningful, accessible services" highlights a focus on user-centric design and inclusivity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, or a related field is beneficial. Relevant certifications in user research or service design are a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of demonstrable experience as a User Researcher, with a significant portion focused on leading research for complex digital services within Agile environments.

• Proven track record of working within the UK Public Sector, with a deep understanding of GDS (Government Digital Service) standards, GOV.UK design system patterns, and digital service assessment processes.

• Extensive experience in end-to-end research, encompassing both generative (discovery) and evaluative (validation) study design and execution. Required Skills:

• User Research Leadership: Ability to independently lead and manage complex research projects from inception to completion, ensuring high-quality deliverables and aligned outcomes.

• GDS Digital Service Standard Expertise: In-depth knowledge and practical application of the GDS framework for designing and assessing public sector digital services.

• Agile Methodology Proficiency: Seamless integration into multidisciplinary agile teams, actively participating in ceremonies and contributing to iterative, user-centered development processes.

• Qualitative Research Methods: Mastery of techniques such as depth interviews, ethnographic studies, contextual inquiry, and diary studies for understanding user behaviors, motivations, and needs.

• Quantitative Research Methods: Competence in designing and analyzing surveys, A/B tests, and analytics data to validate hypotheses and measure user engagement.

• Usability Testing: Expertise in planning, conducting, and analyzing moderated and unmoderated usability tests for digital products and services.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to engage, influence, and manage expectations of senior stakeholders, translating research insights into strategic recommendations.

• Inclusive Design & Accessibility: Deep understanding and practical application of inclusive design principles and familiarity with WCAG 2.2 standards, including conducting research with users with access needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Service Design Principles: Familiarity with broader service design methodologies beyond user research, including journey mapping, service blueprinting, and stakeholder mapping.

• Consultancy Acumen: Ability to act as a trusted advisor to clients, identifying strategic research opportunities and driving impactful outcomes.

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Advanced skills in analyzing and synthesizing mixed-methods research data to derive clear, actionable insights.

• Facilitation Skills: Experience in leading workshops, co-design sessions, and cross-functional team discussions.

• Familiarity with GOV.UK Design System: Practical experience leveraging GOV.UK design patterns and components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5+ years" and "extensive experience" suggests this role is for a seasoned professional capable of independent leadership and strategic influence, not an entry or mid-level position. The specific mention of GDS and GOV.UK patterns is a critical differentiator for public sector roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of end-to-end user research projects, ideally including public sector or complex digital service examples.

• Case studies demonstrating the application of GDS Digital Service Standards and an understanding of government assessment processes.

• Evidence of designing and executing both generative and evaluative research studies, clearly articulating the research objectives and methodologies employed.

• Examples of how research findings were synthesized into actionable insights that directly influenced product, service, or strategic decisions, leading to tangible improvements.

• Demonstrations of experience in working within Agile teams and contributing to iterative development cycles based on user feedback.

• Documentation of experience with inclusive design and accessibility research, including work with users with access needs and adherence to WCAG guidelines. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to defining research questions and hypotheses that align with project goals and client needs.

• Illustrate how you plan, recruit for, and execute various research methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys).

• Provide examples of your analysis and synthesis process, detailing how you extract meaningful insights from raw data.

• Demonstrate how you communicate research findings effectively to diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams, through reports, presentations, or workshops.

• Include examples of how you've advocated for users and influenced product/service direction based on research outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior User Researcher, the portfolio is paramount. It must concretely demonstrate not just research execution but strategic thinking, client influence, and tangible impact, particularly within the context of public sector digital transformation and GDS standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is an "Inside IR35" contract role, the salary will be paid through an umbrella company or limited company. Based on market research for Senior User Researchers with extensive experience in the UK public sector and GDS expertise, the estimated day rate would typically range from £450 to £650 per day, depending on specific client demand, the exact scope of work, and the candidate's demonstrable experience. This rate accounts for the specialist skills required and the contract nature of the engagement.

Benefits:

• Contractual Engagement: Opportunity to work on impactful public sector digital transformation projects.

• Flexible Working: Hybrid work model offering a balance between client-site presence and remote collaboration, with flexibility to accommodate life events.

• Professional Development: Access to Version 1’s "Pathways Career Development programme," mentorship coaching ("Strength in Balance" scheme), and opportunities for incentivised certifications (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, Red Hat).

• Financial Wellbeing: While direct employment benefits are for Version 1 employees, contractors may benefit indirectly through the umbrella company structure. The "Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme" is noted as a company benefit, but its applicability to contractors would need clarification.

• Employee Wellbeing Initiatives (Indirect): While primarily for direct employees, the company's focus on wellbeing (Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Mindfulness Workshops, EAP) suggests a supportive overall company culture.

• Holiday Allowance: While direct employees receive 24 days plus public holidays, contractors will have their holiday pay factored into their daily rate.

Working Hours: Standard full-time contract hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. The specific daily schedule will align with project needs and client site requirements, with flexibility offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is presented as a day rate, which is standard for "Inside IR35" contracts in the UK. The listed benefits are primarily for direct employees of Version 1; the applicability and structure of benefits for contractors will depend on the chosen umbrella company or limited company setup. Clarification on how contractor holidays are handled (factored into the rate) is important.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology and Transformation Solutions, with a strong focus on Public Sector clients in the UK and Ireland. Version 1 is a key partner for major cloud and enterprise software providers.

Company Size: 3300+ employees, indicating a large, established organization with significant capacity and reach. This size allows for diverse project opportunities and a robust internal community of practice.

Founded: Over 30 years ago, signifying stability, deep market experience, and a proven track record in delivering technology solutions.

Team Structure:

• Multidisciplinary Teams: The Senior User Researcher will work within integrated, agile teams comprising product managers, designers, business analysts, and developers, fostering a collaborative and cross-functional approach to service delivery.

• Community of Practice: The role involves contributing to and benefiting from Version 1's internal user research community, which provides opportunities for knowledge sharing, mentoring, and professional development.

• Client-Facing Integration: Researchers are embedded within client organizations, acting as extensions of Version 1's expertise and influencing client teams directly.

• Reporting: While embedded within project teams, the Senior User Researcher will likely have a reporting line to a User Research Lead or a Digital Delivery Manager within Version 1, in addition to working closely with client project managers.

Methodology:

• Agile Delivery: Research is conducted within agile frameworks, supporting iterative development cycles and rapid feedback loops.

• User-Centric Design: A strong emphasis on understanding and prioritizing real user needs to drive product and service design decisions.

• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Research findings are the foundation for strategic and tactical choices, ensuring risk reduction and effective prioritization.

• GDS Standards Adherence: All public sector projects are expected to align with the Government Digital Service standards, ensuring a consistent and high-quality approach to digital service delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Version 1's established presence and partnerships, coupled with its "Great Place to Work" accolades, suggest a culture that values employee well-being and professional growth. The specific focus on Public Sector and GDS standards is a key characteristic for this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It requires significant autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to lead complex projects and influence senior stakeholders. It sits at the top tier of user researcher roles before potentially moving into management or lead architect positions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior User Researcher will report into a lead within Version 1 (e.g., Head of UX, Lead Researcher, or Digital Delivery Manager) for line management and professional development aspects. Operationally, they will be embedded within client-side multidisciplinary project teams, working closely with Product Owners, Project Managers, and Design Leads.

Operations Impact: The Senior User Researcher's impact is critical to the success of digital transformation initiatives. By ensuring services are designed around genuine user needs, they directly contribute to:

• Reduced Project Risk: Validating assumptions early and often prevents costly rework.

• Improved Service Adoption & Effectiveness: Services that meet user needs are more likely to be used and achieve their intended outcomes.

• Enhanced User Satisfaction: Directly impacts citizen or customer experience with public services.

• Strategic Alignment: Research insights inform long-term service strategy and investment decisions.

• Efficiency Gains: By identifying usability issues and unmet needs, research can lead to more efficient service delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into a Lead User Researcher role, managing a team of researchers, or a UX/Service Design Lead position.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility research, ethical design, or research operations (ResearchOps).

• Consulting Expertise: Develop advanced client-facing and strategic advisory skills, becoming a go-to expert for Version 1's public sector clients.

• Mentorship & Training: Formal opportunities to mentor junior staff and contribute to Version 1's internal training and best practice development.

• GDS Assessment Expertise: Become a recognized expert in GDS assessments and help clients navigate these complex processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and "Inside IR35" nature of the contract emphasize the expectation of immediate impact and self-sufficiency. Growth is likely to be project-based and focused on deepening expertise and influence rather than traditional hierarchical promotion within the contract term.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of working from client sites (likely government offices in the specified cities) and remotely from home. The specific balance will depend on client project requirements and Version 1's internal policies.

Office Location(s): London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Belfast. This extensive coverage means the role could be based at various client project locations across the UK and potentially Scotland.

Workspace Context:

• Client-Facing Collaboration: Expect to work directly within client project teams, often in co-located agile environments, fostering close collaboration with designers, developers, and product managers.

• Remote Work Tools: Proficiency with remote collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Miro, Figma) will be essential for remote working days and for interacting with Version 1's internal community.

• User Research Labs/Facilities: Access to client or Version 1 facilities for conducting in-person usability testing may be available, though remote testing is also common.

• Agile Working Spaces: Public sector environments often utilize agile working spaces, requiring adaptability and comfort with flexible desk arrangements.

Work Schedule: A standard 37.5 or 40-hour work week is typical for contract roles, with flexibility often available. The schedule will need to accommodate client meeting times, agile ceremonies, and research participant availability, which can sometimes extend beyond standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and multiple potential locations mean candidates must be geographically flexible or willing to travel to specific client sites. The "Inside IR35" status implies that the contractor will likely be responsible for their own remote work setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your CV and potentially conduct a brief screening call to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

2. Technical Interview / Portfolio Review: This is the core of the process. You will be asked to present a portfolio of your work, focusing on 1-2 key case studies. Expect in-depth questions about your research process, methodologies, how you handled challenges, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss your experience with GDS standards and public sector projects.

3. Client-Side Interview: You may have a final interview with the client team or their representatives to assess cultural fit, collaborative ability, and specific project alignment.

4. Offer: If successful, an offer will be extended, outlining the contract terms, day rate, and start date.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best demonstrate your senior-level capabilities, public sector experience, GDS familiarity, and impact.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate:

  • The Challenge: What was the problem or opportunity?
  • Your Role: What were your specific responsibilities as a Senior User Researcher?
  • The Process: Detail your research approach, methodologies (explaining why you chose them), and how you integrated with the agile team.
  • The Insights: What key findings emerged?
  • The Impact: How did your research influence decisions? What were the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors, successful GDS assessment)?

• Focus on GDS & Public Sector: Explicitly highlight your understanding and application of GDS standards, GOV.UK patterns, and experience with government procurement or assessment processes.

• Demonstrate Seniority: Emphasize your ability to lead, influence, mentor, and manage stakeholders.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, ethical considerations, and how you handle ambiguity or conflicting requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• GDS Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical GDS assessment or a specific user research challenge within a public sector context.

• Methodology Justification: Prepare to defend your choice of research methods for various scenarios.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage difficult stakeholders or present challenging research findings.

• Inclusive Design: Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've incorporated inclusive design and accessibility into your research and recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on GDS and public sector experience is critical. Candidates must be able to "talk the talk" and "walk the walk" of government digital service design. The portfolio review is likely to be the most significant part of the interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting remote moderated and unmoderated usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback).

• Prototyping & Design Tools: Experience working with prototypes created in tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or InVision for evaluative testing.

• Survey & Data Collection Tools: Proficiency with survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Qualtrics) for quantitative data gathering.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding Tools: Essential for remote work and agile team collaboration, including Miro, Mural, Confluence, and Jira.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Basic understanding of tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to contextualize qualitative findings.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with presenting data clearly, though advanced analytics tool proficiency might not be strictly required.

CRM & Automation: (Less directly relevant for a User Researcher, but understanding context is key)

• While not directly using CRM/automation tools for research, understanding how user feedback integrates into product backlogs managed in tools like Jira is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack for a Senior User Researcher is primarily focused on research execution and collaboration. The key is demonstrating proficiency in a range of qualitative and quantitative research tools and collaborative platforms, rather than deep technical expertise in development or CRM systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: Version 1 emphasizes core values that likely translate into the work environment:

• Customer First: A commitment to delivering exceptional value and success for clients, with user needs at the forefront of service design.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all interactions, including research practices and client relationships.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes in every aspect of work, from research methodology to stakeholder communication.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative spirit, both within project teams and across the wider organization, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Innovation: Embracing new approaches and technologies to drive transformation and deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where user research is seen as an integral part of the product development lifecycle, not an isolated function.

• Evidence-Based Discussions: Debates and decisions are driven by research data and user insights, fostering a culture of objective problem-solving.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open feedback loops between researchers, designers, developers, product managers, and clients.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports learning from peers and sharing expertise, particularly within the user research community of practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and "Great Place to Work" status suggest a supportive and professional environment. The emphasis on user-centricity and evidence-based decision-making is crucial for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Bureaucracy: Public sector environments can sometimes involve complex approval processes and long decision-making chains, requiring patience and strong stakeholder management.

• Balancing GDS Standards with Client Needs: Ensuring strict adherence to GDS standards while also meeting specific client business objectives and timelines can be challenging.

• Influencing Senior Stakeholders: Persuading senior decision-makers to prioritize user needs and research recommendations requires strong communication and evidence.

• Diverse User Groups: Public sector services often cater to a very broad and diverse user base, including vulnerable individuals and those with access needs, requiring careful research planning and ethical consideration.

• Contract Length & Project Scope: "Inside IR35" contracts can have defined end dates, requiring adaptability and a focus on delivering maximum impact within the given timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• GDS Expertise: Deepen knowledge of GDS standards and become a recognized authority in government digital service design and assessment.

• Advanced Research Techniques: Explore and apply cutting-edge qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• Client Relationship Management: Hone consultancy and advisory skills, becoming a trusted strategic partner to public sector clients.

• Mentorship: Gain experience mentoring junior researchers and contributing to the growth of Version 1's user research practice.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events and pursue further accreditations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in public sector digital transformation. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise and influence within this specialized domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex digital service you researched within the UK Public Sector. How did you apply GDS Digital Service Standards throughout the process, and what was the outcome of any GDS assessments?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder who was resistant to your research findings. What was your approach, and what was the result?"

• "Imagine you're starting a discovery phase for a new public service. How would you go about defining your research objectives and selecting your methodologies, considering potential GDS assessment criteria?"

• "How do you ensure your research is inclusive and accessible, particularly when working with vulnerable users or those with specific access needs? Can you provide an example of applying WCAG principles in your research?"

• "Describe your experience working within an Agile team. How did you integrate your research activities with sprints and ceremonies, and how did you ensure user insights fed into iterative development?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Version 1, and specifically on public sector digital transformation projects?"

• "How do you see your role contributing to Version 1's values of Customer First and Excellence?"

• "How do you approach building trust and rapport with clients in a consultancy setting?"

• "What are your expectations regarding collaboration with designers, developers, and product managers in a multidisciplinary team?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin each case study with the key outcome or impact of your research to grab attention.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, anonymized data charts, process diagrams) to illustrate your work and findings.

• Explain Your 'Why': For every methodology chosen, explain the rationale behind it and how it addressed the specific research questions and project context.

• Quantify Where Possible: Whenever you can, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your research (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased user satisfaction scores by Y points," "helped achieve a passing GDS assessment").

• Highlight Seniority: Emphasize your leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to mentor.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, stays within time limits, and clearly articulates your contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should heavily focus on GDS, public sector context, and demonstrating senior-level strategic influence. The portfolio presentation is where you prove your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher contract position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight your extensive user research experience (5+ years), specific expertise in GDS Digital Service Standards, GOV.UK design system, and experience within the UK Public Sector. Emphasize your Agile experience and consultancy skills.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your end-to-end research process, impact, and experience with government digital services. Be ready to present these in detail.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare to answer questions about your experience with GDS, Agile methodologies, stakeholder management, and inclusive design, drawing specific examples from your portfolio.

• Research Version 1: Understand their market position, key partnerships, and company values to articulate your interest and cultural fit.

• Clarify Contract Details: Be prepared to discuss your day rate expectations and understand the "Inside IR35" implications, including how holiday pay and other benefits will be structured through an umbrella company.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding compensation, specific client project details, and the exact interpretation of "Inside IR35" terms, should be verified directly with the hiring organization or recruiter before making application decisions.