Standard in development L6: Social researcher
Updated 15 June 2023
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1. Title of occupation
Social researcher
2. UOS reference number
ST1341
3. Core and options
No
4. Option title/s
5. Level of occupation
Level 6
6. Route
Business and administration
7. Typical duration of apprenticeship
42 months
8. Degree apprenticeship
integrated degree
9. Target date for approval
29/09/2023
10. Resubmission
No
11. Would your proposed apprenticeship standard replace an existing framework?
No
12. Does professional recognition exist for the occupation?
Yes
13. Occupation summary
This occupation is found in the public, private and third sector organisations, from small through to large employers, including central and local government, research organisations, charities, and academia.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide robust research and analysis that forms the foundation for social policy development, implementation, and evaluation, impacting important decisions that seek to ensure the best possible investment of public money and outcomes for members of society. Social Researchers use a range of research and analysis methods, advise on research designs, assess the appropriateness of different methodologies, and evaluate the quality of evidence and apply structured thinking to critically assess problems, drawing on their social research expertise and knowledge to evaluate the strengths and limitations of different research approaches.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with internal teams such as other researchers, economists, statisticians, methodologists, operations, policymakers, procurement, finance, and IT. They also interact with external stakeholders, including customers, collaborators, service providers, research participants and other members of the public. Building and maintaining relationships is critical to the Social Researcher role; they support and oversee colleagues during all stages of the research process and work with a range of colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for a variety of duties such as: systematic evidence reviews, design, and implementation of qualitative and quantitative research, developing primary data collection tools (such as surveys, depth-interviews and focus groups), managing and monitoring fieldwork and controlled trials, data management and quality control, data analysis using specialist software packages, reporting, dissemination, and the synthesis of research findings. Evidence from these activities is used to brief policymakers and customers, to provide informative and timely insights to inform decision making. Typically, Social Researchers work independently leading on some elements of research and as part of the wider research team on other duties. A Social Researcher reports directly to their line manager, who will be a more senior colleague within their team. They may have staff management and/or budgetary responsibilities. Social Researchers must comply with the appropriate information security standards, GDPR, ethical standards, legal guidance, and other best practice guidance within their organisation. They may be required to obtain DBS clearance and/or other security clearances to carry out primary data collection or to access sensitive data. Social Researchers are expected to have an awareness of the budget and costs of their projects and flag any concerns to the project lead. Social Researchers may be office-based, work remotely or in a hybrid working environment. They are sometimes required to travel within the UK to attend meetings or training, to carry out data collection or to train interviewers.
14. Typical job titles
14.1 Research executive Research officer Researcher Senior research executive Social researcher
15. Are there any statutory/regulatory or other typical entry requirements?
No
16. Occupation duties
| Duty | KSBS |
|---|---|
| Duty 1 Explain the value of social research to potential users to encourage them to make use of it and make sure they use it appropriately | K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K10 K11 K12 K13 K16 K20 K21 S1 S2 S9 S11 S12 S14 S16 B1 B2 B4 B6 |
| Duty 2 Advise stakeholders on the best approaches to meet a research brief or invitation to tender, such as piloting, trialling, or large-scale research; advise on best methods, such as qualitative, quantitative or both | K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K10 K11 K12 K13 K15 K16 K21 K24 S1 S2 S9 S13 B1 B2 B4 B6 |
| Duty 3 Problem formulation with stakeholders to design research and evaluation questions using social research tools, such as logic mapping and theory of change | K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K10 K11 K12 K13 K21 S1 S2 S9 S13 B1 B2 B4 B6 |
| Duty 4 Conduct desk research and, or literature reviews, such as rapid evidence assessments or other systematic approaches, to build the evidence base on a particular subject | K3 K5 K6 K8 K13 K14 K24 S1 S9 S11 S16 B1 B2 B4 B6 |
| Duty 5 Develop or respond to the commissioning and subcontracting of social research projects, working within relevant commercial frameworks | K3 K4 K5 K6 K9 K10 K11 K12 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K20 K24 S1 S5 S7 S8 S9 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 |
| Duty 6 Design and deliver a social research or evaluation project in line with professional guidance, such as central government guidance on quality assurance and evaluation | K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K10 K12 K14 K15 K16 K17 K20 K22 K23 S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S13 S17 S18 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 |
| Duty 7 Manage project progress to ensure quality and meet agreed timescales and budgets | K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K20 S6 S7 S8 S9 B1 B2 B4 B6 |
| Duty 8 Design, conduct and analyse qualitative research such as depth interviews, focus groups, participatory and deliberative research, to draw out detailed, thematic insights for customers and stakeholders | K1 K3 K4 K6 K10 K11 K12 K14 K21 K23 K24 S1 S3 S4 S5 S6 S9 S10 S11 S13 S16 S17 S18 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 |
| Duty 9 Design and undertake quantitative research using appropriate statistical software and statistical significance tests | K1 K3 K4 K5 K7 K10 K11 K12 K14 K19 K21 K23 K24 S1 S3 S4 S5 S6 S9 S10 S13 S16 S17 S18 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 |
| Duty 10 Write up and present social research findings, which may include published reports, taking into account the needs and ability of the intended audience | K1 K2 K3 K20 K21 S9 S10 S12 S16 S17 B1 B2 B4 B6 |
| Duty 11 Manage and develop others, prioritising, and delegating tasks in line with project objectives | K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K17 K18 K22 K23 S2 S6 S9 S13 S14 S15 B1 B2 B3 B4 B6 |
| Duty 12 Prepares data and analysis frameworks, prepares, and cleans data for analysis, leading descriptive and bivariate analysis of quantitative data, including applying appropriate statistical significance tests | K5 K6 K7 K11 K14 K19 S6 S9 S10 S17 S18 B1 B2 B4 B6 |
| Duty 13 Deliver research and evaluation projects using a range of digital tools and software | K5 K6 K7 K8 K19 K24 S9 S17 S18 B1 B2 B4 B6 |
17. KSBs
17.1 Knowledge
K1: The UK social and policy context and how this will inform and impact their research.
K2: The role social research plays in providing evidence for social or policy questions.
K3: The advantages and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation theories and methods, and how to apply these in research design.
K4: Types of bias in research and how to identify and avoid them.
K5: Quantitative research approaches and techniques, such as sampling, data collection, data cleaning, descriptive and inferential statistics.
K6: Qualitative research approaches and techniques, such as sampling and analysis.
K7: Social research evaluation approaches and techniques such as theory of change, impact, and process evaluation.
K8: Critical approaches to secondary research, such as how to source information, assess research quality and use research from previously conducted studies.
K9: Commercial frameworks to commission or respond to commissioning of social research.
K10: The organisation’s processes, procedures, and code of conduct.
K11: Data protection regulation and legislation requirements, such as how to store, process and transfer data in line with the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
K12: The key ethical issues and principles in research outlined in professional body guidance, such as informed consent and safeguarding.
K13: Social inclusion, accessibility and how to design research to enable this.
K14: Quality assurance principles and techniques for social research.
K15: Cost estimation techniques and budgetary requirements for research.
K16: Processes for procuring suppliers.
K17: Project management principles and techniques.
K18: Resource management and allocation.
K19: Digital tools and software for fieldwork, analysis, communication, and reporting.
K20: Reporting styles for social research.
K21: Communication, presenting, influencing, and negotiating techniques and strategies, to interact with a range of key stakeholders.
K22: Tools and principles for training and people development.
K23: Role of technical professionals within a research team and how they impact each stage of a research project.
K24: Taking account of the carbon footprint of each research project and considering how to reduce this.
17.2 Skills
S1: Interpret research objectives and recommend which research methods are the most appropriate to meet objectives.
S2: Lead on the design of smaller research or evaluation studies and collaborate with others to design larger studies.
S3: Lead and design data collection tools such as topic guides and questionnaires.
S4: Undertake data collection using qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
S5: Design research projects with consideration of sustainability best practice including reducing carbon emissions.
S6: Undertake quality assurance and checks to avoid data errors.
S7: Work with commercial teams and contractors to commission and deliver social research.
S8: Project manage smaller research projects and manage discrete workstreams within larger studies.
S9: Interpret and apply relevant legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.
S10: Clean, analyse, and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data, including descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
S11: Evaluate and bring together evidence from a range of sources to inform decisions.
S12: Interpret and derive insights from quantitative, qualitative, and secondary analytical and research outputs.
S13: Collaborate with stakeholders and research customers to design research projects.
S14: Use influencing and negotiation skills and techniques to design and deliver research projects.
S15: Develop and deliver analytical or professional training teach-ins or documents for others.
S16: Report and present on research findings, adapting the approach for different audiences.
S17: Organise and lead meetings, using digital collaboration tools to work with colleagues.
S18: Use software to clean, manage, manipulate, and analyse qualitative and quantitative research data and identify solutions to research questions.
17.3 Behaviours
B1: Champions ethical behaviour and meets required standards of practice.
B2: Works flexibly and adapts to circumstances.
B3: Seek learning and continuous professional development opportunities for self and wider team.
B4: Takes responsibility, shows initiative, and is organised.
B5: Champions accessibility and diversity by designing inclusive research.
B6: Works collaboratively with others across the organisation and external stakeholders.
18. Qualifications
19. English and Maths
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
20. Does the apprenticeship need to include any mandated qualifications in addition to the above-mentioned English and maths qualifications?
Yes
21. Other mandatory qualifications
Social Sciences
Level: 6 (integrated degree)
Additional information: The SOC code for the occupation is 2114 Social and humanities scientists. Using the IfATE evidence tool this shows: - Estimated occupational entry level = Graduate role- % of graduates in occupation = 92%- Most common educational attainment level = 1 Degree or equivalent- % of postgraduates in occupation = 52%- Typical career entry requirements = “ Entry is most common with a degree or equivalent qualification but is possible with other academic qualifications and/or relevant experience. Postgraduate qualifications may be required for some jobs. “In addition, please note that individuals cannot become a Social Researcher within government without a degree and many of the non-government employers also specify a degree as an essential requirement for entry into the occupation at this level.
22. Professional recognition
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
The Market Research Society for Member
23. Consultation
xx
24. Progression Routes
Progression routes for individuals completing this apprenticeship will vary depending on the nature of the employer (i.e., government, research agencies, third sector) but there are many similarities in the typical progression routes. Individuals may choose to specialise within one type of employer, but many work across these contexts over the course of their career. Individuals will be part of an established framework for professional progression, usually by moving up through various grades from junior analyst to senior research director, or organisation equivalent.
The next grade for those who have completed the apprenticeship scheme will usually be a manager role leading larger, more complex and/or more challenging research projects, supporting wider team and organisational management, and contributing to more stretching business development goals or larger scale commissioning of research projects. Social Researchers will work within and across several different policy areas and use different research methodologies, to gain a breadth of experience and technical expertise, as they progress in their careers. They may later choose to specialise in a particular policy area (or within agencies focus on a particular type of methodology i.e., qualitative, or quantitative research). Social Researchers are expected to undertake continuous professional development (CPD) to enhance their research technical skills (as well as core organisational skills and behaviours). CPD largely consists of on-the-job learning and development opportunities, typically agreed through line management chains to provide stretching and challenging work-based goals.
Whilst CPD and learning and development options vary between type of employer and between organisations, formal training is also often available and funded, with a wide selection of research-specific and ‘softer skill’ external courses available (e.g., management, writing skills, presentation skills). Social Researchers will also often hold membership of relevant bodies, such as the Market Research Society (MRS) and the Social Research Association (SRA). These bodies also offer further training, qualifications, and development opportunities. Social Researchers also have opportunities to progress through and gain professional qualifications e.g., the MRS Accredited master’s degree.
25. Supporting uploads
Mandatory qualification uploads
Mandated degree evidence uploads
ST1341_standard_mandated-degree-evidence_IES Job Spec RO June 2021.docx
ST1341_standard_mandated-degree-evidence_Research Assistant JD ongoing recruitment.docx
ST1341_standard_mandated-degree-evidence_Researcher Generic JD ongoing recruitment.docx
ST1341_standard_mandated-degree-evidence_Social researcher - Job Adverts.docx
Professional body confirmation uploads
26. Involved employers
BASIS Registration, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Department for Education (DfE), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Treasury, HMRC, Institute for Employment Studies, Ipsos MORI, Kantar, Market Research Society, Ministry of Justice, Natcen Social Research, Nuffield Foundation, Office for National Statistics