Government Operational Research Service - Mainstream Recruitment
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-22)

Details of eligibility requirements and the application process for the mainstream scheme, the route through which most people join.

Most of our Operational Research Analysts join us via the Mainstream route. You’ll be directly appointed to a role in a government department, and progress at your own pace.

You’ll enter at a different level depending on your background: Level 2 is our entry grade for recent graduates and postgraduates, while Level 3 is for those with experience of a wider range of analysis, and of managing analytical projects.

How to apply

Applications to the Mainstream run several times a year, typically in the spring and the autumn. When these recruitment rounds are running, you can apply through the Civil Service Jobs website (https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi). You can find the application pages by clicking ‘Advanced Search’, and then selecting ‘Operational Research’ from the ‘Type of Role’ drop down menu.

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply for the Civil Service Mainstream if:
- you have, or expect to have, a 2:1 or higher degree or degree apprenticeship in a highly numerate degree subject; or
- you have, or expect to have, a 2:2 or higher degree and a highly numerate postgraduate degree
- you satisfy both the nationality and immigration requirements
Application Process

There are two stages to the application process - an online application form, and an interview.

The application form assesses you on the behaviours and technical skills as outlined in the Civil Service Success Profiles (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles). If your application is successful at the initial stage, we will invite you to interview. These are usually held virtually, and consists of a short presentation on a topic you’ll be given on the day, and questions which will assess you further on your behaviours and technical skills.

Process for successful applicants

If you are successful, you will be offered a role, subject to security clearance and right to work checks.

You will able to express three preferences for location. GORS has roles all over the UK, and many Civil Servants, including in senior positions, work outside the South East. Currently, about 45% of GORS members are based outside of Greater London.

On appointment, you will join the Government Operational Research Service (GORS) alongside over 1,200 members. Salaries depend on location and department, but start from:
- around £34,000 (London) or £31,000 (National) at Level 2
- around £42,000 (London) or £38,000 (National) at Level 3
Nationality and immigration requirements

You are eligible to apply if you are in one of the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) (https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
You will need to demonstrate that you meet the relevant immigration requirements and their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Nationality requirements are explained in more detail on the Civil Service nationality rules webpage (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules), and immigration rules on the GOV.UK Visas and Immigration page (https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration).

Security Vetting

Please note that all government roles require security vetting (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels), and the higher levels require candidates to have had a UK footprint for 3 years, which may affect the role you are assigned.