At HMRC we are committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues; an inclusive and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society we serve.

We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us and we offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career at HMRC accessible to you.

Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.

About HMRC

HMRC is the UK's tax, payments and customs authority with a vital purpose of collecting the money that pays for our public services and provides financial support to people. Our vision is to be a trusted, modern tax and customs department and it’s our job to make it easy for customers to get tax right, and hard for anyone to bend or break the rules.

About the Team

HMRC’s Behaviour, Insight, and Research team is a large, diverse, and multidisciplinary team of around 60 analysts, behavioural specialists, and researchers. We are proud of our supportive and friendly working environment, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and working patterns.

We are looking for a Senior Behavioural Insight and Trials Advisor to join our 15-20 strong group of behavioural specialists that makes up the largest behavioural insight function in UK government. Our team is an international leader in applying behavioural insights to tax, savings, and financial decision-making. We work to boost revenue to fund vital public services and improve the experience for all HMRC’s customers - from the largest businesses to the most vulnerable individuals. Job description About the role

The successful candidate will lead on behavioural insights projects across a range of subject areas, including scoping, problem solving, behavioural diagnosis, intervention and trial design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, reporting and dissemination. As the team functions like an internal consultancy, forming relationships with stakeholders and communicating results with influence and impact are core components of the role.

Responsibilities The role can be adapted to the strengths and interests of the successful candidate. Key responsibilities will include:
• Independently leading sophisticated behavioural projects in a timely and organised manner with little oversight
• Pro-actively finding opportunities for behavioural trials and using your knowledge and influence to bring your ideas to life
• Work managing other staff, providing advice and support to ensure that high standards are maintained
• Using theory, evidence, and primary research to diagnose behavioural problems and design and implement creative behavioural interventions
• Designing and running behavioural field evaluations, such as randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including analysis and reporting of data
• Building and maintaining excellent stakeholder relationships internally, externally, and sometimes internationally
• Providing pragmatic behavioural advice to address multifaceted challenges across tax, savings, communications, and customer experience
• Presenting evidence and recommendations clearly and persuasively
• Delivering presentations/running stakeholder workshops to promote the application of behavioural insight across the business

Essential Criteria
• Strong understanding of behavioural insights theory and experience of applying it to address real-world problems
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods and experience of using research methods to produce robust evidence (this may include post-graduate research)
• Ability to form effective stakeholder relationships and negotiate confidently with staff at all levels of seniority
• Understanding of the ethical considerations of applying behavioural insights

• A degree in behavioural science or a related discipline -

Related disciplines include psychology, cognitive science, sociology, economics, political science, social research, or another degree with a behavioural element.

We can be flexible about the degree requirement if a candidate has significant relevant work experience. Please contact the vacancy holder for more information.

Desirable Criteria
In addition, we consider it desirable for the candidate to demonstrate at least some of the following criteria. Please note that we do not expect candidates to demonstrate all these criteria and the successful applicant will be supported to develop their skills once in post.

• Ability in visual design, prototyping, and/or interaction design.
• Experience of qualitative research, such as focus groups, depth interviews, or digital User Research.
• Ability in statistics, including inferential analyses and/or linear and logistic regressions.
• Understanding of segmentation, machine learning, or predictive modelling.
• Knowledge about tax administration or financial decision making.
• Experience of managing individuals or teams.
• Experience using project management tools and techniques.

Experience with any of the following software packages:

• Digital data tools: Google Analytics, Splunk.
• Statistical analysis: SAS, SPSS, Stata, R.
• Visual design: Adobe Creative Cloud.
• General: Microsoft Office Suite.


Please note that we are also recruiting for similar roles at different grade levels. If you are uncertain which grade would be the best fit for your experience and skills, please review the attachment which contains a table outlining our other roles and expectations. You can also contact the vacancy holder who will be able to advise.