Government Social Research

About Government Social Research

Hello. We are Government Social Research (GSR), the professional body for social researchers in the Civil Service. Our social researchers study and analyse various aspects of society, like people’s behaviour, opinions, and needs. This then helps the government make informed decisions. We recruit students, graduates, and apprentices to work in over 30 departments across the UK. 

 If you want to gain practical experience and use your research skills to make a difference, then join the UK Government for a paid student placement! You would spend a year working alongside social researchers and policy officials before returning to your studies. The job could involve analysing research data to help government decision making, evaluating the impact of policies, and providing social research advice to help shape government strategy.

Placement students also get a priority interview for a government role upon graduation and many return to work for us after they graduate.

Benefits of working for Government Social Research:

• Meaningful work that that benefits society
• Wide range of government departments on offer
• Opportunities across the UK
• Career development opportunities
• Flexible working 
• 25 days annual leave (+8 public holidays)
• Competitive pension scheme
• An inclusive and diverse working environment

“I absolutely love my placement so far. I am part of research and fieldwork that may actually impact systems and better people’s experiences.” 

Abbie, Sandwich Placement Student, Department for Work and Pensions