The Complete GDS User Researcher Training Course

Understanding GDS and the Government Context

• Explain the purpose and structure of the Government Digital Service (GDS).
• Describe the GDS Design Principles and how they influence service design.
• Understand the GDS Service Standard and its 14 points.
• Identify the phases of the government service lifecycle: Discovery, Alpha, Beta, Live, and Retirement.
• Understand the role of user research in each phase of the service lifecycle.
• Recognise how GDS fits within the wider UK government digital transformation strategy.
• Understand the Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) profession framework.
• Understand the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework
• Explain how user research supports policy development and service delivery.
• Understand the importance of designing for everyone, including those with access needs.
• Learn how GDS services are assessed and how user research contributes to passing assessments.Core User Research Skills in Government Jobs
• Plan and conduct user research activities across all service phases.
• Write clear and effective research plans aligned with GDS standards.
• Identify appropriate research methods for different questions and contexts.
• Recruit participants ethically and inclusively, including vulnerable and underrepresented users.
• Design and conduct user interviews, usability testing, contextual inquiries, and surveys.
• Apply accessibility and inclusion principles in research design and delivery.
• Use informed consent processes and manage participant data in line with GDPR.
• Conduct research with users who have low digital confidence or limited access.
• Analyse qualitative data using thematic analysis and affinity mapping.
• Synthesise findings into clear, actionable insights for delivery teams.
• Create and maintain evidence-based user needs and personas.
• Present research findings in a way that influences design and decision-making.
• Use journey maps and service blueprints to communicate user experiences.
• Document research findings in a way that supports iteration and reuse.Working in Agile Government Teams
• Understand how user researchers contribute to agile delivery teams.
• Collaborate effectively with service designers, content designers, developers, and product managers.
• Participate in agile ceremonies such as sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives.
• Advocate for user needs in design critiques and prioritisation sessions.
• Balance user needs with policy, legal, and technical constraints.
• Work with delivery managers to plan research activities within sprint cycles.
• Embed research into the design and development process from the start.
• Support teams in becoming more user-centred through coaching and facilitation.GDS vs. Private Sector UX Research
• Identify the key differences between GDS user research and private sector UX research.
• Understand the public service ethos and its impact on research priorities.
• Learn how policy, legislation, and accessibility standards shape design decisions.
• Adapt private sector research skills to meet GDS expectations and constraints.
• Understand the importance of transparency, accountability, and openness in government research.

Core User Research Skills in Government Jobs

• Understand the user researcher career path in government (Junior, Midweight, Senior, Lead).
• Learn what’s expected at each level, including behaviours, skills, and leadership responsibilities.
• Build a portfolio of evidence aligned to the DDaT capability framework.
• Develop skills in mentoring, coaching, and leading research activities.
• Learn how to influence strategy and policy through research.
• Understand how to contribute to research communities of practice.
• Identify opportunities for continuous professional development within the civil service.
• GDS Interview Preparation
• Understand the GDS interview process, including application, task, and panel stages.
• Prepare for behavioural questions using the STAR technique.
• Practise answering questions aligned to DDaT capability criteria.
• Learn how to present your research work clearly and confidently.
• Understand what hiring managers look for in successful candidates.
• Get tips on how to tailor your CV and application for civil service roles.
• Tools, Templates, and Ways of Working
• Use GDS-approved tools such as Miro, Trello, Google Workspace, and Confluence.
• Access ready-to-use templates for research plans, consent forms, and discussion guides.
• Learn how to document and share research in ‘Show the Thing’ sessions.
• Understand how to work with research operations and manage logistics.
• Learn how to embed research into service design and delivery at scale.Advanced Research Techniques and Special Topics
• Conducting research with users who have accessibility needs, including screen reader users and those with cognitive impairments
• Running remote user research using tools like Zoom, Lookback, or Microsoft Teams
• Designing inclusive research for users with low literacy or English as a second language
• Using quantitative methods in government research (e.g. surveys, analytics)
• Working with behavioural insights and nudging techniques in public services
• Conducting research in sensitive or high-risk policy areas (e.g. justice, health, immigration)
• Researching internal users (e.g. civil servants, caseworkers, operational staff)
• Working with interpreters and translators in multilingual research
• Designing research for assisted digital users and non-digital journeys
• Using co-design and participatory research methods with