City of Westminster, London (region), SW1A 2HB : York, Yorkshire and the Humber, YO1 4HD
Job Summary
Business Unit:
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) leads the UK government’s efforts to ensure our veterans get the respect, support and recognition they deserve and are owed due to their service. OVA is a vital part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). We work with devolved administrations, local government, charities and businesses to ensure that those who leave the armed forces have their contribution recognised, are given the right tools to transition into civilian society and can access effective ongoing support to achieve the best outcomes in employment, health, housing and other areas of need.
Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under the new VALOUR system, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change. £50m of funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres across the UK and deploy field officers to connect local, regional and national services – while harnessing the power of data to shape better services.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job Description
Joining the Research and Evidence team, within the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) Digital & Insights Team, this role offers a unique opportunity to explore the innovative use of digital and data technologies to enhance the veteran experience. This dynamic team, though small in size, boasts a diverse scope of achievements ranging from driving innovation through research such as the Veteran’s Health Innovation Fund, funding research in priority areas to fill the knowledge gaps such as improving access for support (particularly for those in minority groups) and supporting policy and decision making through robust evidence. By becoming a part of this team, you will contribute to new ways of improving veteran’s welfare via research and innovation, shaping the future of veteran services and making a tangible difference in the lives of over 2 million veterans in the UK.
You will lead high-quality analysis that shapes national veteran’s policy and service delivery. You will apply your expertise to major programmes such as the recently launched VALOUR programme and the UK Government’s forthcoming Veterans’ Strategy, leading mixed-methods research and evaluation to understand veteran needs, assess impact, and support improvement. The role offers a unique chance to influence real-world outcomes for veterans through rigorous, policy-relevant research and collaboration across government and the veteran support sector.
You will report to the Deputy Head of Research and Evidence and work collaboratively with policy, digital, strategy, and planning colleagues. This role will focus on designing and delivering applied social research and evaluation to support evidence-led decision making across OVA’s core programmes.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Lead mixed-methods research activities (e.g. surveys, interviews, focus groups) to gather insight from veterans and the public on the implementation and experience of the VALOUR programme.
- Commission, procure, and manage research projects that inform the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of veteran services.
- Collaborate with Evidence Leads within the team to promote impact studies that translate research into real-world policy or practice change, supporting wider dissemination of impactful research findings.
- Support knowledge mobilisation internally and externally. Developing relationships and provide high-quality written and oral briefing and presentations.
Joining the Research and Evidence team, within the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) Digital & Insights Team, this role offers a unique opportunity to explore the innovative use of digital and data technologies to enhance the veteran experience. This dynamic team, though small in size, boasts a diverse scope of achievements ranging from driving innovation through research such as the Veteran’s Health Innovation Fund, funding research in priority areas to fill the knowledge gaps such as improving access for support (particularly for those in minority groups) and supporting policy and decision making through robust evidence. By becoming a part of this team, you will contribute to new ways of improving veteran’s welfare via research and innovation, shaping the future of veteran services and making a tangible difference in the lives of over 2 million veterans in the UK.
You will lead high-quality analysis that shapes national veteran’s policy and service delivery. You will apply your expertise to major programmes such as the recently launched VALOUR programme and the UK Government’s forthcoming Veterans’ Strategy, leading mixed-methods research and evaluation to understand veteran needs, assess impact, and support improvement. The role offers a unique chance to influence real-world outcomes for veterans through rigorous, policy-relevant research and collaboration across government and the veteran support sector.
You will report to the Deputy Head of Research and Evidence and work collaboratively with policy, digital, strategy, and planning colleagues. This role will focus on designing and delivering applied social research and evaluation to support evidence-led decision making across OVA’s core programmes.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Lead mixed-methods research activities (e.g. surveys, interviews, focus groups) to gather insight from veterans and the public on the implementation and experience of the VALOUR programme.
- Commission, procure, and manage research projects that inform the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of veteran services.
- Collaborate with Evidence Leads within the team to promote impact studies that translate research into real-world policy or practice change, supporting wider dissemination of impactful research findings.
- Support knowledge mobilisation internally and externally. Developing relationships and provide high-quality written and oral briefing and presentations.
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
- Significant experience leading mixed-methods research, including survey design and qualitative fieldwork (e.g. interviews, focus groups)
- Experience managing or commissioning research, including contract and supplier management
- Proven ability to synthesise complex evidence (qualitative and quantitative) into clear, accessible reports and briefings for non-specialist audiences
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of working across departments, sectors, or disciplines
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including experience presenting to senior stakeholders
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs to tight deadlines
Desirable Criteria:
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. MSc Social Research, MRes, Public Policy)
- Experience working in or with veteran communities or Armed Forces policy
- Strong understanding of knowledge mobilisation, evaluation, or implementation in a social research context
Essential:
To join the GSR profession applicants must:
Hold an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2 The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
OR
Hold an undergraduate or a postgraduate 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’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. 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, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research
For further information on the requirements to join the profession please follow the below link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-government-social-research-profession-membership
Qualifications
To join the GSR profession applicants must
Hold an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2 The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
OR
Hold an undergraduate or a postgraduate 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’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. 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, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research
For further information on the requirements to join the profession please follow the below link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-government-social-research-profession-membership
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Changing and Improving
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- GSR – Technical skills SRO level
- GSR – Using and promoting social research SRO level
Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Badged analytical officers in MOD are eligible to receive an RRA of £1,500 per year which increases to £3,000 after the first year providing that the individual has demonstrated no significant weaknesses against any of the Functional Competence Groups.
- London based posts also attract a locational allowance of £3,300
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Artificial intelligence
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 a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.
Candidates will also be required to provide a Personal Statement of no more than 500 words detailing their experience against the person specification.
At
sift, you will be assessed against your CV, Personal Statement and the following:
Behaviour:
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical Skills:
- GSR – Technical skills SRO level
- GSR – Using and promoting social research SRO level
In line with Government Social Research Service recruitment policy candidates who pass the sift will be required to undertake the Knowledge Test. This test covers basic statistical knowledge, use and interpretation of statistics, presentation of information, design methods, qualitative and ethics. The test will be administered virtually via an emailed link and candidates will have 7 days to complete the test. Candidates who pass the Knowledge Test and sift will then be invited to interview.
Please note if you are already a badged member of the Government Social Research Service there is no requirement to take the knowledge test. If you are a current member please submit a copy of your log book/ record of continuing professional development (CPD) to the following email address: DefStrat-Stat-HoPS-Recruitment@mod.gov.uk after the vacancy closes. Please include your candidate reference number in the email title.
If you have a valid banked score for the knowledge test please contact DefStrat-Stat-HoPS-Recruitment@mod.gov.uk after the vacancy closes. We will then verify your banked score and apply it to this campaign. Please include your candidate reference number in the email title.
If selected for interview applicants are to ensure that they forward scanned copies of their qualifications or a copy of their log book/ record of continuing professional development (CPD) to the following email address: DefStrat-Stat-HoPS-Recruitment@mod.gov.uk at least 2 days before the interview takes place. Document titles should be prefixed ‘or ‘Surname, first name, CPD/qualifications’ please include the CSjobs reference number in your email title.
At
interview, you will be assessed against the below
Behaviours and
Technical Skills and will include scenario-based questions (as part of the Technical Skills) in addition to the skills listed in the person specification.
Behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Changing and Improving
Technical Skills:
- GSR – Technical skills SRO level
- GSR – Using and promoting social research SRO level
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Questions regarding the application process or terms and conditions of employment should be directed to the Analytical Recruitment team. Questions regarding the advertised post should be directed to People-OVA-Planning@mod.gov.uk
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).
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.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).
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.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : The Analytical Recruitment Team
- Email : DefStrat-Stat-HoPS-Recruitment@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.
