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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
Committed to professional growth, the CPS offers all their staff with clear progression pathways and a diverse range of learning and development opportunities, to progress your career in a supportive environment, whilst also gaining access to various promotion opportunities.
At the CPS we pride ourselves on providing a variety of benefits that ensure our employees requirements are at the core. This includes wellbeing support, flexible working, civil service pension scheme, access to employee savings including high street retailer offers and discounts and 25 days leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years service.
Working for the Crown Prosecution Service you will also gain access to a range of learning and development activities, including through Civil Service Learning and an individual learning account in addition to any central and local development opportunities and requirements.
GSR Badging
It is a requirement of the role to be GSR badged, if you are not currently badged you will be required to undertake the GSR Knowledge Test, you will need to successfully pass this test to progress onto the next part of the selection process. If you are currently badged, you will be required to provide evidence of your badging once received you will be eligible to proceed to the next part of the selection process.
Knowledge Tests
If you are not already a badged member of the GSR profession, you will be required to undertake a knowledge test on week commencing 11 September 2023, which will be held via Microsoft Teams.
Please note, the following are considered essential experience for this role:
- All applicants must have a degree or degree equivalent to join the profession.
- To be eligible for the qualification route into Government Social Research Profession a qualifying degree, with a minimum of 2.1 or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree, must contain substantial social research methods training, comprising around a third of the modules in the course. It should cover quantitative methods and at least three of the five topics listed in below:
- Quantitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. questionnaire design, sampling, weighting), data analysis (e.g. statistical analysis)
- Qualitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. interviewing, focus groups, ethnography), data analysis (e.g. thematic analysis)
- Study design, hypothesis formation, testing and evaluation
- Systematic/literature reviews
- Interpretation of data (qual & quan), presentation of results, provision of recommendations/ conclusions
- Application of ethics to research
- To be eligible for the professional experience route, all applications must hold an undergraduate degree, at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with a relevant postgraduate degree, in any subject, or hold a degree equivalent (for example, an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS) and ideally have social research practice experience. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design and hypothesis testing; and application of ethics to research.
Please note, the following are considered essential technical skills for this role:
Government Social Research Group framework: Senior Technical Skills
- Able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of research methodology, and the latest techniques, including main quantitative, qualitative and evaluation methods (at e.g. post graduate level) with two or more years applied experience.
- A track record of designing medium scale or more complex projects, applying best practice guidance, identifying new areas for work, translating policy requirements into robust specifications to meet customer needs.
- Able to accurately evaluate competing data sources and identify salient points and trends to draw sound, logical inferences.
- Experience of managing research projects of significant scale, working with other analysts and ensuring relevant legal, ethical, procurement, and quality assurance practice followed, ensuring methodological rigour.
For further information on this please visit: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1056537/Government_Social_Research_Technical_Framework_v3.pdf
- Be a badged GSR member or willing and eligible to obtain badging as part of the application process by completing a knowledge test.
For further information on how to apply, please see the Candidate Pack at the bottom of this page.
Job description
The researcher deliver research to further the CPS strategic objectives, including public confidence and fairness in decision making. They will deliver the usual range of social research techniques (including quantitative analysis, and evaluation) but questionnaire and survey design will form a substantial proportion of their work. Typical tasks will include questionnaire design: (designing clear questions; using appropriate scales; and developing concise instruments); selecting standardised tools when appropriate; and recommending appropriate sampling strategies and sizes.
The post holder will also design and deliver strategically important evaluation projects, and should be familiar with the magenta book. They will work closely with a range of research and policy staff. During delivery of projects the postholder will be required to invite and defend against challenge; consider and set out a range of evidenced options; and present and defend their analyses to a highly perceptive audience.
The postholder may be responsible for managing another researcher, either as line manager or in a leading role during projects, and as such must take time to coach, mentor, and develop other colleagues.
The job holder must operate in line with the competencies outlined in the Competency Framework for Government Social Researchers at Senior level. They should be badged as a member of the GSR group, or eligible to become one.
Person specification
- Communicate complex information in a plain manner, taking the users needs and level of research methodology understanding into account.
- Willing to listen to challenge and amend plans when appropriate to do so. The work will often form a work strand within a mixed methods research or evaluation project, and as such the researcher must be able to state how strands are complementary.
- Work with analysts in other teams in the CPS, and potentially with teams in the Home Office and Ministry of Justice.
- Collaborate with those with different analytical skills as there will be a need to conduct mixed methods research in order to address complex problems.
- May be responsible for the formal line management of a researcher who will also be a member of the GSR profession; and will certainly be responsible for leading teams involving more junior staff.
- The postholder will be capable of designing more complex projects, to translate a policy question into a viable research or evaluation project.
- Taking the lead on questionnaire based research; but also using some qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Development of their skill set.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Essential Technical: Government Social Research Group framework – Senior Technical Skills
-Able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of research methodology, and the latest techniques, including main quantitative, qualitative and evaluation methods (at
Benefits
£10,989 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Join the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and have a future that matters: Find Your Purpose
CPS is passionate about ensuring that we are a top performing organisation and a great place to work. We are committed to be an equal opportunities employer and creating a culture where everyone can bring their whole self to work and individuality is truly appreciated.
We want to ensure all our employees can thrive at work and home and offer a range of support to achieve a balance. This includes where possible, flexibility of working hours, flexibility to support caring responsibilities and a flexible approach to deployment, which means that where you work (i.e. a court, an office, or a remote setting such as your home) will be based on the kind of work you are undertaking.
This culture of inclusion is underpinned by our staff networks covering Disability, Faith and Belief, LGBTQI+, Race, Social Mobility alongside our Mental Health First Aiders Programme and Wellbeing Sessions.
CPS commits to offer its employees the following experience
- Impactful, purposeful work making a difference to your local communities
- The ability to learn and grow, with access to the right opportunities and resources
- To care about your wellbeing
- To feel valued, trusted and included
We also offer the following range of benefits:
- Civil Service Pension
- Access to employee savings
- Cycle2Work scheme
- 25 days leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years service.
- 1 extra privilege day entitlement to mark the Kings Birthday.
- Competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave
- Flexible working and a family friendly approach to work.
- Childcare vouchers unless already registered with the Government Tax Free Childcare Scheme)
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process will consist of an online application, knowledge test (if not GSR badged), assessment and interview. The knowledge test will take place on 5th December 2023, only those who pass the knowledge test will be invited to an interview and assessment which is scheduled to take place week commencing 11th December 2023.
For the assessment you will be asked to produce a presentation, that will be presented on the day of your interview. Details will be provided with invitation to interviews.
Your interview will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, a member of our recruitment team will be in touch with further guidance should you be invited to interview. If you have any queries please contact strategic resourcing via email at strategic.resourcing@cps.gov.uk
You should keep these dates free or notify us if you are not available, we will make every effort to accommodate you in your preference for dates; however we cannot guarantee that they will be met.
Behaviours
You will also be asked to complete a personal statement of no more than 1250 words setting out how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience, match the requirements as detailed in the Candidate Pack. You will also need to address the core behaviours for this role, detailed in the behaviours section of the candidate pack, which are;
- Communicating & Influencing (Lead Behaviour)
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
- Developing Self & Others
In addition, you will need to demonstrate the following essential experience and technical skills required for this role, detailed in the Experience and Technical Section of the Candidate Pack, which are:
Essential Experience:
- All applicants must have a degree or degree equivalent to join the profession.
- To be eligible for the qualification route into Government Social Research Profession a qualifying degree, with a minimum of 2.1 or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree, must contain substantial social research methods training, comprising around a third of the modules in the course. It should cover quantitative methods and at least three of the five topics listed in below:
- Quantitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. questionnaire design, sampling, weighting), data analysis (e.g. statistical analysis)
- Qualitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. interviewing, focus groups, ethnography), data analysis (e.g. thematic analysis)
- Study design, hypothesis formation, testing and evaluation
- Systematic/literature reviews
- Interpretation of data (qual & quan), presentation of results, provision of recommendations/ conclusions
- Application of ethics to research
- To be eligible for the professional experience route, all applications must hold an undergraduate degree, at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with a relevant postgraduate degree, in any subject, or hold a degree equivalent (for example, an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS) and ideally have social research practice experience. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design and hypothesis testing; and application of ethics to research.
Essential Technical: Government Social Research Group framework – Senior Technical Skills
- Able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of research methodology, and the latest techniques, including main quantitative, qualitative and evaluation methods (at e.g. post graduate level) with two or more years applied experience.
- A track record of designing medium scale or more complex projects, applying best practice guidance, identifying new areas for work, translating policy requirements into robust specifications to meet customer needs.
- Able to accurately evaluate competing data sources and identify salient points and trends to draw sound, logical inferences.
- Experience of managing research projects of significant scale, working with other analysts and ensuring relevant legal, ethical, procurement, and quality assurance practice followed, ensuring methodological rigour.
For further information on this please visit: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1056537/Government_Social_Research_Technical_Framework_v3.pdf
- Be a badged GSR member or willing and eligible to obtain badging as part of the application process by completing a knowledge test
Please note, the panel reserve the right to only assess the lead behaviour ‘Communicating & Influencing’ at shortlist and raise the minimum standard pass mark.
Please refer to the Candidate Pack for further information as to the process and what is being tested at each stage.
CV
You will not be required to upload your CV however, when submitting your application there is a CV section. You will be required to provide information regarding your skills, employment history and qualification details.
Please note that it is the candidates responsibility to provide the specified application information in the requested format to ensure that they are considered for the post.
Knowledge Tests
If you are not already a badged member of the GSR profession, you will be required to undertake a knowledge test on 5th December 2023, which will be held via Microsoft Teams.
Other
This is a full-time post. However, requests for flexible, part-time working and job share will be considered, considering at all times the operational needs of the Department.
This role will be in line with our hybrid working principles which are:
- Attending with Purpose – Considering where we work, whether at court, in the office or at home we focus on the needs of our role, team and Service and the positive benefits to best support business outcomes.
- Focused on Wellbeing – Supporting our own and others wellbeing enables us to thrive through inclusive working practices and environments.
- Collaboration is Key – Recognising that collaboration is integral to how we learn, grow and develop, together we prioritise innovation and problem solving, to achieve shared objectives.
Therefore, this will mean it will be a mixture of home working, office working and travelling to courts, how this is split will depend upon the business needs and your role within the organisation.
We would encourage candidates to consider if the commute from home to the office is a feasible distance to travel before making an application. Please note that if you are successful, hybrid working will be discussed prior to taking up the post.
Clearance Required
The successful applicant will be required to secure DBS clearance; to speed up this process; you should bring 3 forms of ID with you on the day of interview. Data gathered from unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed in accordance with our Data Retention Policy.
If successful in obtaining an interview you will be asked to complete the Character Enquiry Form and Nationality and Immigration Questionnaire.
(If you are an internal member of staff, you will not be required to undergo this DBS check as you will already hold this clearance)
Waiting List
Candidates who are recommended by the selection panel but not appointed to the current vacancy will be placed on a waiting list for 12 months and may be offered another post, should any further vacancies for a Social Researcher arise in HQ Strategy & Policy Directorate during this period. CPS may also approach candidates on the waiting list to fill other roles requiring similar knowledge and experience.
Feedback
Feedback will not be provided until the vacancy is complete, please note that written feedback will not be provided for candidates who do not pass the application stage.
Excess Fares
Please note excess fares will not apply.
Fair Processing Notice (FPN)
From April 2018, the CPS will provide a Fair Processing Notice (FPN) to all new applicants after they have been successful at interview. These candidates will be informed that, as one aspect of pre-employment screening, their personal details name, National Insurance Number and date of birth – will be checked against the Internal Fraud Database (IFD) and that anyone included on the IFD will be refused employment unless they can demonstrate exceptional circumstances.
The Strategic Resourcing team in the CPS will, on behalf of the vacancy holder, inform applicants when they are refused employment because of their inclusion in the IFD.
Current Civil Servants
Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further;
- Formal discipline action
- Any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance
- any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action
Civil Service Commissioners
If you are dissatisfied with the recruitment process and wish to make a complaint, please contact Strategic.Resourcing@cps.gov.uk with your concerns.
If you remain dissatisfied and wish to make a further complaint, please click on the following link to the Civil Service Commissioners complaints page https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/civilservicerecruitmentcomplaints/
Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles can be found here
https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/
Details of the Civil Service Nationality Rules are located at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements. For the most up-to-date information on the requirements of working in the UK, please go to the UK Visas and Immigration website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Isaac Quinn
- Email : Isaac.Quinn@cps.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : strategic.resourcing@cps.gov.uk
