Description & Requirements
On behalf of The Ministry of Justice, we are looking for a Learner Research and Testing Specialist (Inside IR35) for an initial contract until March 2027 based remotely on ad hoc basis within the UK.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) priorities include improving public safety and reducing reoffending by reforming prisons, probation and youth justice, and building a justice system which makes access to justice swifter and more certain for all citizens whatever their background. Project professionals in the MoJ help to improve the government’s ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public.
Role Profile:
This role is focused on ensuring learning solutions are developed using an evidence-based, learner-centred approach. You will be responsible for gathering learner insights, conducting research and testing activities, analysing qualitative and quantitative data, and translating findings into practical recommendations that improve learning outcomes across the Delivery Directorate.
Working closely with Learning Design, Development, Product Owners and L&D Improvement teams, you will help shape future learning products by ensuring learner feedback and evidence-based practice are embedded throughout the design and development lifecycle.
As a Learner Research and Testing Specialist, your main responsibilities will be to:
- Plan, conduct and support learner research activities across a range of learning programmes and products.
- Gather, collate and analyse qualitative and quantitative research data from surveys, interviews, focus groups and pilot learning activities.
- Identify meaningful trends, themes and learner insights to inform learning design and delivery decisions.
- Prepare high-quality reports, dashboards and recommendations for stakeholders and programme leadership.
- Support learner testing activities before and after pilot delivery, ensuring learning solutions are fit for purpose prior to wider rollout.
- Design and facilitate focus groups, workshops and feedback sessions with learners and subject matter experts (SMEs).
- Work with Learning Design and Development teams to ensure learning products align with user needs, evidence-based practice and organisational objectives.
- Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to gather best practice and emerging research.
- Provide advice, guidance and practical tools to support learner research across the programme.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance learning experiences and outcomes.
- Present findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders, programme teams and policy leads.
- Represent the Learner Research team at programme meetings, boards and governance forums when required.
Essential
- Experience conducting learner research, user research, insight analysis, evaluation or related research activities.
- Strong ability to collect, analyse and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data.
- Experience translating research findings into practical recommendations and business improvements.
- Proven experience producing research reports, insight papers, presentations or stakeholder briefings.
- Experience engaging with learners, users, customers or SMEs to gather feedback and insights.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
- Experience running surveys, interviews, workshops, focus groups or testing sessions.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, Pivot Tables, reporting and dashboards.
- Experience using Microsoft Forms, surveys or other feedback collection tools.
- Ability to analyse data quickly and accurately while working across multiple priorities.
- Excellent written communication and presentation skills.
Desirable
- Experience within Learning & Development, Learning Design, Organisational Development or Training environments.
- Public Sector or Civil Service experience.
- Knowledge of learner-centred design, user-centred design or service design principles.
- Understanding of adult learning principles and learning evaluation methodologies.
- Experience supporting pilot programmes, testing activities or continuous improvement initiatives.
- Familiarity with learning analytics and learning performance metrics.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, MOJ guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
The Ministry of Justice guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different."