Government Social Research
This page is about the recruitment protocol for the Government Social Research service. Follow the links below to find out more.
The recruitment protocol is a set of recommended procedures, standards and tools, which together ensure and support best practice in the selection of social researchers for recruitment or promotion. GSR central recruitment is based on the recruitment protocol, but it will be helpful to staff working in GSR who want to:
The protocol covers assessment for all levels of staff below the Senior Civil Service in GSR:
The protocol for selection is based on the GSR Competency Framework (Recruitment). This means that it is easy to map across the skills and behaviours expected of researchers at each grade and select staff based on these agreed standards. It also helps to achive consistency in the standards of recruitment to GSR across government.
The protocol is explained through a comprehensive Recruitment Handbook. The Handbook provides GSR recruiters with the tools and principles of good assessment. They can then put together a process to suit the particular needs of any recruitment/promotion situation.
The handbook is divided into three parts. Parts 1 and 2 are contained in one document and cover guidance on:
Part 3 is a CD-ROM containing a variety of example selection tools which can be used for selection tools. This is only available to GSR members who undertake training in how to use the protocol.
Download the Recruitment Handbook
It will be necessary for at least one member of any panel of recruiters to have attended the GSR assessor training in how to use the protocol. The effectiveness of an assessment process depends critically on the training that the assessors have received. A training course is available for potential assessors to gain the skills needed in obejctive assessment when making selection decisions and to help them make full use of the protocol.
Book now for the GSR Objective Assessment training course
GSRU will be keeping a register of trained assessors who may be able to serve on panels in other departments. To receive a copy of the register of trained assessors, please email gsrcareers@hm-treasury.x.gsi.gov.uk
If you are considering applying for an advertised vacancy in GSR then you may find the following information helpful, in addition to the other information provided about the Recruitment Protocol.
GSR considers that the most effective and fairest way of selecting social researchers is to give them activities that are similar to what they would do in the job. That is why most of the selection exercises used to recruit government social researchers are designed especially for use in this context.
For example, written exercises and oral briefing exercises require candidates to evaluate social research findings and provide written or oral guidance to a particular audience on what can be concluded from such evidence and how the evidence base can be improved. The exercises assume no prior knowledge of the policy area. In fact candidates are told only to focus on the research given in the exercise. Sometimes GSR may also develop question-and-answer knowledge tests where there is a need for particular prior knowledge in roles being recruited for to ensure that candidates have this knowledge. Competency-based interviews are always included as a component of final stage of selection, to give both the applicant and the employer a chance to meet and ask questions.
There are no example test papers or familiarisation exercises, because the format of exercises varies depending on the needs of the recruiting departments and the vacancies. However, do bear in mind that prior to any selection event/assessment centre, you will be sent an assessment guide which will tell you what selection exercises are going to be used, how these relate to the competencies and give you any additional tips on preparing for assessment.
It is possible to look at example numerical and verbal reasoning tests, which may be used for some roles, particularly at the early stages of selection. There are many different types of these tests available, and the Psychological Testing Website will direct you to websites of various test publishers, which will show you examples of typical tests. If you are invited to complete reasoning tests as part of selection for a job in GSR, you will be told what sort of test you are taking and whether there are any appropriate examples you could practice with for familiarisation.
Do bear in mind that you will be selected based upon your ability to demonstrate the skills required for the grade of post being advertised. The best way of preparing for any future selection event is to be clear that you have the right skills. You can use the GSR CPD Handbook to find the grade you are looking to be recruited for and self assess yourself against the skills and behaviours described for each competency at that grade. If necessary, seek more development opportunities to fill any perceived skills gaps you may have.