Meet - Government Social Research
Hello. We are Government Social Research (GSR), the professional body for social researchers in the Civil Service. Our 2,400+ members work across over 30 departments and organisations.
GSR members enable government to understand issues relating to society, groups and individuals. They support policy debate and decision-making through a variety of approaches, advice and evidence.
Skills we look for
What makes us a great employer
Generous annual leave
We offer 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service. This is in addition to 8 public holidays. You also get an extra paid day off work for the King’s birthday.
Health, well-being and discount schemes
We provide a range of schemes, memberships, and well-being discounts to help you feel healthy and supported, in and outside of work. Things like:
- Discounted gym memberships
- Retail discounts
- Cycle to Work schemes
- Reward and Recognition vouchers
- Technology and smartphone discounts
- Financial Well-Being portal
Flexible working
Flexible working patterns allowing you to vary the length of your working day, as long as you work your total monthly full time contracted hours.
Generous pension scheme
The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector.
Apprenticeships Details
Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme
If you’re naturally curious about why people behave the way they do or want to understand the “how” and “why” behind social issues, you could be perfect for a career in social research.
The Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GSR DAP) is a four-year apprenticeship programme which offers a first of its kind opportunity to gain real experience working on some of the government’s most impactful projects while gaining a bespoke undergraduate degree in social research.
About the Apprenticeship programme
Our degree apprenticeship programme offers a fee-free Applied Social Research degree from the University of Kent alongside working in a government department. This scheme allows you to earn whilst you learn. No research experience is necessary, just a desire to learn!
Picture yourself designing surveys that capture what entire populations think, running focus groups that dive deep into people’s experiences, or analysing data that reveals otherwise hidden patterns in how society functions. You might be evaluating whether a new policy is helping people find jobs, researching what makes communities feel safer, or investigating why some educational programmes succeed whilst others don’t.
You will develop transferable and applied knowledge, skills and behaviours that will set you up for a long career in modern social research. The course will cover a broad range of contemporary quantitative and qualitative social research methods and skills, alongside how they can be applied to bring about real-world change and help governments and organisations make better decisions.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- how to collect and use data for analysis in a range of different social contexts
- how to design impactful research projects that could inform some of society’s most pressing questions
- how to make use of modern social research software that will also bring you transferrable skills in coding
- undertake an independent research project in an area of relevant interest to you.
Training Provider
Apprentices will typically spend one day a week being taught by some of the world’s foremost social research experts at the University of Kent. Most learning will take place virtually.
Apprentices will work closely with academic methods experts and peers remotely through weekly online live lectures and seminars, and face-to-face through an annual residential on campus. These are occasions for both in-depth learning and socialising with fellow apprentices. Throughout the degree, apprentices will have access to one-to-one coaching and guidance from a dedicated course tutor.
Completion of an apprenticeship
Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship and after passing the End-Point Assessment, you will receive a full honours degree from the University of Kent and a guaranteed permanent graduate job as a member of the Government Social Research Service.
Applying for our Apprenticeships
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To begin your application, you will need to register on our application portal. You will be asked to give your personal details, along with details of your academic qualifications. You will also be asked to complete a personal statement (1,000 words max.) Your statement should answer the following:
• Why are you interested in the apprenticeship?
• How are you planning to balance work and study?
• How will you keep motivated and track your performance?
When we sift the applications to decide which candidates to interview, we will review the personal statement, so do try and answer the questions above as fully as possible.
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After you have completed the application form, you will be required to complete two online tests: one verbal reasoning test and one numerical test. Links to both tests will be sent to you by email. You can complete these at a time that suits you and the tests do not need to be taken together, but both tests must be completed before the application deadline. You will need access to a laptop/ desktop computer.
The tests are not timed. Once you have started a test, you will need to complete it in one sitting. You cannot exit and return to it.
There are practice tests available to help you prepare and to know what to expect. Please do use them. Access the practice verbal test and detailed test guidance.
Please note: The test deadlines are the same as the application deadline. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to go onto the platform and complete the tests – don’t leave it to the last minute. You don’t want to miss the deadline if you encounter last minute technical difficulties!
After applications have closed, pass marks for the online tests will be set. You will then receive your result via email.
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If you meet the pass mark that has been set for the online tests, your application will be sent for sifting (marking) where assessors will look at your personal statement. If you are successful at the personal statement sift, you will then be invited to an online interview.
Unfortunately, due to application volumes, candidates who are unsuccessful at the sift stage will not be given any feedback or comments.
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The assessment for the GSR DAP programme has several elements and all candidates invited to the interview stage will be provided with full details of how it will take place and what you will be asked to do. Initially, you will complete a timed written exercise which will be marked by two Civil Servants. Then, at a different time you will come to an online interview where you will complete a presentation exercise and be asked questions by two members of the Civil Service. This combination of tasks and activities enables us to evaluate your suitability for the apprenticeship programme.
The outcome of the assessments will be communicated to you via the recruitment platform.
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Need some extra support?
The Civil Service is committed to being the most inclusive employer in the UK. To find out more about the adjustments applicants can ask for during the recruitment process, please watch the short film: Requesting a reasonable adjustment for the Civil Service online tests.
What our apprentices do!
My first few months in the role have exceeded any expectations I had. My team and line manager have been so welcoming and supportive. I have had opportunities to meet people from so many areas within the Ministry of Justice and be involved in many different projects.
I was surprised with how much trust I have been given in my role at work so soon. My team have supported me to get involved on projects and provide my insight into our work, and I’m so happy to be able to contribute so early on.
My first few months have been great; my team has been welcoming and made sure I don’t feel overwhelmed but also that I’m learning and being challenged with the work I am completing.
I have also enjoyed the study side as I’m learning about topics brand new to me, making it really interesting.
Behind the Scenes
What's it like to work for Government Social Research?
What does a social researcher do?
Information & Resources
