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GSR Research Officer Graduate Scheme

GSR Research Officer Graduate Scheme

GSR Research Officer

The GSR Research Officer Graduate Scheme will be open for applications from 3 February 2026 to 27 February 2026 (16:00)

Government Social Researchers are at the heart of analysis in the UK Government. Our 2,600+ social researchers work across more than 60 departments and agencies, from the Office for National Statistics to the Ministry of Justice. We're not just collecting and analysing data;  we're uncovering the stories behind the evidence and helping government understand what really works for different communities.  

The Research Officer Graduate Scheme is a nationwide recruitment scheme for social science graduates. As a Research Officer working in the Civil Service, you would contribute through analysis of social trends, development of government policy, and evaluation of how policies make a difference to public services. This role offers a chance to influence the day-to-day lives of every person in the UK.

Learn more about Government Social Research, our recruitment schemes, and the benefits of working as a government social researcher.

About the Scheme

As a research officer, you would be joining a community of social researchers across government, turning your learning into evidence that shapes policies affecting millions of people across the UK. 

You could find 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.  

I chose a career in Government Social Research because I love feeling as though I am making a difference to people's lives and ensuring their voices are heard when it comes to making decisions that will affect them. I also love the diversity of areas you can work in. Amber

How much will I earn?

Salaries vary according to government department and location. Please see the 2026 scheme departmental job descriptions during the application window (3 February 2026 – 27 February 2026) for details.

Where will I work?

Locations vary according to government department. Please see the 2026 scheme departmental job descriptions during the application window (3 February 2026 – 27 February 2026) for details.

Which departments are recruiting?

Please see the 2026 scheme departmental job descriptions during the application window (3 February 2026 – 27 February 2026) for details.

Developing your skills

We take your development seriously and there will be plenty of support to further your development as a social researcher. You will have access to our comprehensive range of learning and development programmes, designed to help you develop your career in government. From lunchtime seminars and weekly newsletters to annual conferences and ongoing continuous professional development opportunities, you will be joining an inclusive community of learning where different views, backgrounds and experiences are genuinely welcomed. 

Eligibility

Government Social Research (GSR) members come from a range of social science related backgrounds. There are two entry routes into the GSR Research Officer Scheme: 

Qualification Route Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply for this route if you meet the following criteria:

Hold an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree at a minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant subject by August of the year you apply
The relevant degree must contain a minimum of one third 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)

It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate these criteria clearly on the application.

Experience Route Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply for this route if you meet the following criteria:

Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an Advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ of social research practice experience.
To apply via this route, you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include the social research method degree content criteria noted in the qualification route section. You need to provide evidence of quantitative research methods and three of the following:

Qualitative methods
Study design & Hypothesis testing
Systematic/literature reviews
Interpretation of data and presentation of results
The application of ethics to research

Social Research Method Degree Content Criteria

To qualify as a relevant subject, 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

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.

Nationality requirements

Please note that it is possible to meet the nationality requirements and still not be legally entitled to work in the UK.

Individuals will need to demonstrate their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs).

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, as we do not offer sponsorship
For full details please see nationality requirements.

Application process

The recruitment process involves the following steps:

1. Online application

2. Civil Service verbal & numerical tests

3. GSR Knowledge test

4. Application sift (marking)

5. Virtual interview

6. Offer

Recruitment process diagram

Here is some information on each of the 6 stages:

1. Online application

To begin your application, you will need to register on this site using the ‘apply now’ button above (available during the application window). You will be asked to give your personal details, along with details of your academic qualifications. You will also be asked to detail your degree modules, indicating which modules include the content outlined in the ‘Social Research Method Degree Content Criteria’ section above.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance (opens in new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

2. Civil Service online tests (verbal & numerical)

After you have completed the application form, you will be required to complete two online tests: verbal and numerical. Links to both tests will be sent to you by email. You can complete these at a time that suits you, 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.  Please ensure you use the same email address for the tests that you used for your online application.

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. There are also video guides to the Civil Service tests available.  

Please note: The test deadlines are the same as the application deadline. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to 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.

3. Government Social Research (GSR) Knowledge Test

After applications close, if you pass both online tests, you will be invited to sit the GSR Knowledge Test. The test is online, multiple choice and timed. We can make reasonable adjustments. Full details of this test will be provided if you reach this stage. If you pass the GSR Knowledge Test your application will be sent on to be sifted (marked).

4. Sift (marking)

If you meet the pass mark that has been set for the GSR Knowledge Test, your application will be sent for sifting (marking) where assessors will consider whether you have demonstrated that your degree contains sufficient social research content. If you pass the sift, you will be invited to a virtual interview.

5. Virtual interview

Interviews will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams. The first part of the interview will be a 5-minute presentation. Follow up questions will be asked to assess technical professional skills as a social researcher. These questions will be in line with the whole GSR Technical Framework at Research Officer Level.

The second part of the interview will be questions based on the following Civil Service Behaviours:

• Managing a quality service

• Communicating and influencing

• Working together

Further information will be sent to candidates invited to attend an interview.

6. Offer

If you are successful and are offered a research officer role,  you  will be  allocated to  a  government department. Allocations will be made in merit order based on interview scores. We will try to place you into one of your top three location preferences, however due to large numbers of applications this is not always possible. 

Occasionally, a department might withdraw from the scheme before placements are offered or there could be more successful candidates than available placements. In such cases, applicants are placed on a reserve list. The reserve list is open for 6 months. 

Pre-appointment checks

If you are offered a role, you will be sent an email with the contact details of the government department you have been placed with. Your department will then be in touch directly to begin pre-appointment checks, including security clearance. You cannot start your placement until your security checks are completed.

Some departments – but not all – require candidates to have lived in the UK for 3 to 5 years and to have spent a period no longer than 3 months or more at any given time outside of the UK to obtain security clearance.

You should address any questions regarding your role and contract to the department you have been allocated to in the first instance.

Candidate online Q&A session

Our online Q&A session about the application process and what it is like to be a research officer in government will take place on:

Wednesday 11 February, 16:30 – 17:30
Join the session here

Recruitment timetable

The expected timetable for the 2026 scheme is outlined below. Please note that dates for sifting, interviews and offers are subject to change.

Online applications open | 03 February 2026 – 27 February 2026 (16:00) 

Online tests | Complete before 27 February 2026 (16:00) 

GSR Knowledge Test | TBC

Sift | April - May 2026 

Virtual Interviews | May – June 2026 

Offer | July 2026

Frequently asked questions

Question: Can I request extra time for the GSR Knowledge Test? 
Answer: Yes, if you qualify for a reasonable adjustment then you may request extra time for tests

Question: I have recently taken the Civil Service Tests – do I need to take them again? 
Answer: Yes, as the GSR Research Officer Graduate Scheme uses a different numerical and verbal reasoning test.

Question: I have previously applied for the GSR Fast Stream. Can I still apply for the GSR Research Officer Scheme?
Answer: Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for this scheme. If you have applied to previous GSR Fast Stream or other schemes prior to this one, you are not disqualified from applying to this scheme.

Question: Is security clearance required?
Answer: Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to CTC/SC/DV level. Certain departments require a 3-year footprint in the UK. More information about the vetting process can be found here. More information can be found in the departmental job descriptions.

Question: What is the difference between the Research Officer Scheme and the Fast Stream?
Answer: The GSR Research Officer scheme is the recruitment pathway for social research careers within the Civil Service. It, therefore, focuses on developing the technical skills and experience needed to be a government social researcher and the wider behaviours that will support you to be an effective Civil Servant. By comparison, the GSR Fast Stream scheme is an accelerated development programme that seeks to develop future leaders, both in the GSR and the Civil Service more widely and therefore has a specific focus on developing leadership skills and experience. 

Both schemes test and will develop your social research knowledge, and your ability to apply and communicate that knowledge to both technical and non-technical audiences. Training to support the development of technical and leadership skills will be available in either case.

Question: Can I choose which department I will work for?
Answer: No, but we do ask for your location preferences.  If you are successful at all stages for the campaign, when assigning you to a department, we will consider your preferences, but we cannot guarantee that you will get your choice of location.

Question: I am a current civil servant – can I apply?
Answer: Of course, if you meet the entry requirements!

Further information

Contact point for applicants

GESR Recruitment Team: gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk

Please note that the GESR Recruitment Team work Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm. Therefore, technical support will not be available outside of these hours, including those leading up to the application deadline.

If you need technical support with this recruitment website or the application form, please use the chat button provided on the application pages.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Complaints procedure

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment based on fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact HMT by email at: gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment. For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

Contract Terms and Applications

Contracts are open to accommodate working pattern needs and can be on a full or part-time basis as set by the relevant departments. All civil servants are appointed on merit through fair and open competition. The selection process will consider your attitude, capability, talent and willingness to learn. If appointed you will be expected to carry out your role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality.

If you have any questions about this scheme or our recruitment processes, please contact the GESR Recruitment Team on gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk or follow us on social media.

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