Social Researchers Earmarked for Senior Roles

The UK government has boosted the profile and potential influence of its social research professionals by including them for the first time in the civil service Fast Stream programme.

The rapidly growing Government Social Research Service (GSR) comprises approximately 1,000 social researchers, working in twenty government departments and agencies. The first ten individuals selected for the Fast Stream were announced in December and are now starting on the scheme, with another intake scheduled for this year. GSR Fast Streamers are promised involvement in research that is 'politically high profile, with significant implications for departmental business' and should become 'the GSR leaders of tomorrow - Heads of Profession, Chief Research Officers and Heads of Analytical services' according to the division.

Participants may also decide to branch out and compete for senior roles in operational delivery or corporate services within the civil service. In addition to on-the-job training they receive a minimum of 15 days per year of formal training and the advice of a senior manager from another team or department as a mentor.

The Service's home page is at www.gsr.gov.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.