Verian UK Graduate Scheme

Verian Group; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading social research agency in London is seeking a Graduate Research Executive for a 12-month graduate scheme. You will gain diverse experience through hands-on projects that cover both quantitative and qualitative research, contribute to impactful social projects, and develop essential skills in data analysis and project management. This role is ideal for curious individuals passionate about social research who have a strong educational background, particularly in relevant degrees.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Contributory pension

Flexible benefits

Structured training program

Qualifications

• Must have right to live and work in the UK.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required.
• Passion for social research encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience with diverse research projects.
• Support questionnaire development and data preparation.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Data analysis

Project coordination

Education

2.2 or above degree

GCSE Math’s and English at minimum grade 7

Job description

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Are you interested in joining a team that will contribute to shaping Government policy, understanding people and communities and having an impact on society?

Do you want to join a graduate scheme where you will gain ‘leading edge’ social research, evaluation, data/statistical analysis and project management skills? If yes, this could be the role for you.

Verian is a leading social research agency, working with governments, charities, universities and other public sector organisations to inform public policy decision‑making. As a Graduate Research Executive, you’ll gain hands‑on experience with diverse research projects, developing the skills that will prepare you for a successful career in social research.

About the Graduate Scheme

Our 12‑month programme offers the chance to gain experience with a diverse range of clients and research approaches (quantitative and qualitative), covering specialisms such as policy evaluation, behavioural science, and data analytics. You will work across the project lifecycle and may support questionnaire development, qualitative interviewing or working with data and preparing reports.

With this responsibility comes extensive support and training. There will be a combination of ‘on the job’ learning and formal training with your peer group and others across the organisation. During your first year, the training will cover essential areas such as technical research skills, project management and working with clients, as well as professional skills such as influencing, communication, commercial acumen and taking charge of your personal development. You will be part of a small cohort of graduates within Verian’s London office, where you will have an extensive support network.

By the end of the year, you’ll be well‑prepared to progress into a permanent role as a Research Executive within one of Verian’s specialist research teams.

What we offer

• Varied Experience : Exposure to different clients, research methodologies, policy areas and innovation (e.g. harnessing AI).
• Structured Training : Professional development in research skills, project management, client management, and soft skills (e.g., communication, influencing).
• A competitive salary of £30,000 per annum, plus 25 days holiday, a contributory pension, and flexible benefits.
• The opportunity to progress into a permanent Research Executive role at the end of the scheme.

Who are we looking for?

You will likely be a great fit for this role if:

• You are curious about what and how people think and are excited to contribute to projects which impact society
• You like to work with data – in all its forms – with strong attention to detail
• You enjoy planning and coordinating projects and demonstrate excellent time management
• You are ready to take on responsibility and to work collaboratively as part of a team, using your strong communication skills
• You are always looking for opportunities to do things in a better way

Applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK and be fluent in written and spoken English. Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• A 2.2 or above degree and at least 120 UCAS points
• GCSE Math’s and English (or equivalent) at a minimum grade 7
• If you do not meet these specific requirements but are passionate about social research, we encourage you to reach out to [e-mail] . to discuss your application

About Verian

Verian works with clients around the world, providing evidence, insights and advisory services to inspire the next generation of public policy and programmes.

Our UK clients include the Department for Education, Home Office, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Office for National Statistics, DESNZ, DEFRA and Transport for London as well as charities such as the Terrence Higgins Trust. We partner with these clients to design and implement research projects which provide data, insight and advice; from large scale quantitative studies such as Understanding Society , to qualitative research exploring the experiences of children and young people during the Covid‑19 pandemic . We also develop and evaluate Government policy – for example, assessing the impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill .

We constantly strive to use new and innovative approaches that help us reach every part of society and engage participants in even the most challenging and sensitive areas of policy.From developing a range of Data Solutions to exploring the use of AI in social research .

Working at Verian

We have over 150 specialist researchers and are based in a fabulous, open‑plan office in Westminster, London, opposite the Houses of Parliament. That means we are in the heart of government, close to where our data is used to shape policy and decisions. It makes it easy for us to have collaborative face‑to‑face meetings with our clients and is a great place to come to work.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• Your CV
• Answers to four competency‑based questions (max 250 words per answer). Use the STAR method to structure your responses.
• Q1 – Why do you want to be a Graduate Research Executive at Verian?
• Q2 - Can you tell us about a time where you have managed a project or worked to reach a deadline? How did you organise yourself, what challenges did you face and how did you overcome these?
• Q3 - Given what you know about the Graduate Research Executive graduate role, what strengths would you bring to the role?
• Q4 - What Government policy, initiative or campaign do you think has been particularly successful and what do you think made it a success?

Theclosing date for applications is midnight on 16th January 2026.

Assessment Day

Successful applicants will be invited to an assessment day at our London office, including:

• An introduction to Verian’s Graduate Programme.
• Lunch with the current Graduate cohort.
• Final assessment: a presentation, a data interpretation exercise and an interview.

We anticipate a high volume of applications to this process and will therefore only be able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who participate in the final stage.

Learn More

Visit our company website to hear from current employees and learn more about what it's like to work at Verian.

Diversity and Inclusion

Verian is aninclusive and diverse community. Our values rest on the principles of mutual trust and respect, valuing all opinions and perspectives and accommodating unique needs. As part of our DEI strategy, we have established employee networks focus on faith and belief, race and neurodiversity. If you have a disability or are neuro divergent and require support with your application, please contact [e-mail]

We are committed to flexible working practices and want to create equality of opportunity in a fair and supportive working environment, where people feel included, accepted and are allowed to flourish in a space where their mental health and wellbeing is taken into consideration. We currently operate a hybrid working model, with the expectation that staff will be in the office at least 40% of the time.

Why Join Verian?

Working for us means being part of a dynamic, forward‑thinking organisation that values diversity, collaboration, and innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to work for work on high‑profile projects that make a real difference to society.

We provide a comprehensive and highly regarded learning and development programme .

Our people are our biggest asset, and our Graduate programme is a great way to play a meaningful role in the business, whilst developing your skills

To learn more about Verian and hear from current employees across the globe Visit our careers page

Join Verian for a career that’s out of the ordinary and contributes to shaping impactful research that influences public policy. Apply today!