Government Social Research
The work of government social researchers varies across departments and within departments too . This makes it difficult to generalise about what social researchers do. However, in broad terms their role is to provide the research and analysis required for policy development, implementation and evaluation.
> find out about how research is organised in different departments
GSR staff are responsible for data collection and analysis, either directly or by commissioning and managing projects. Social researchers supply research-based advice and briefing on issues which are at the cutting edge of social policy.
Government social researchers commission and manage over £100 million worth of research and evaluation in the UK every year. They also carry out in-house research studies and analysis . Researchers advise on the use and interpretation of social research and play a wider research intelligence role, ensuring government has access to the best social research evidence available.
Most government social researchers work closely with other analysts (for example economists and statisticians) as well as civil servants responsible for policy and delivery. They also work collaboratively on the design and analysis of projects alongside external research contractors during the course of research studies. Where these studies are carried out in-house, government researchers may (for example) be conducting in-depth interviews with members of the public, or analysing large-scale data sets. Researchers also draft briefing papers for Ministers, drawing on the findings of research.
> See employee profiles to get a feel for the day-to-day work of a government social researcher.