Standards and guidance
Defra user researchers follow recognised user research standards and work with their teams to make sure services meet the GDS Service Standard.
Research must meet the standards and guidance listed below:
Recognised user research profession standards and guidance
Defra user research standards and guidance
- Ethics, safeguarding and bias management
- Inclusive and accessible research
- Using AI safely and responsibly
- User research during election periods
Data handling
- Handling participant data
- Informed consent and privacy notices
- Anonymising participant data
- Data storage and retention
GDS service standard and assessments
All Defra services must meet the GDS service standard and pass service assessments before moving to the next design phase.
The role of user research is to provide evidence demonstrating how the service meets user needs (especially points 1-5).