Become a technology consultant with Oxford Insights’ career change programme

About the programme

[THIS PROGRAMME IS NOW CLOSED – WE WILL REOPEN APPLICATIONS AGAIN SOON]

Are you looking to return to work after time away, or are you a career changer hoping to pivot into a technology-focused role with real impact on a global scale? If so, this role is designed specifically with you in mind.

At Oxford Insights we work with governments from around the world, which in turn support people from all walks of life. It’s therefore vital we have a workforce that reflects that diversity of experience. With that in mind, we’re launching a programme for those from outside our sector who are interested in becoming technology consultants. This position is permanent and can be undertaken flexibly, either full-time or part-time, to fit around your existing life commitments. We offer remote-first working within the UK, or you can base yourself at one of our regional hubs in London, Cambridge or Gloucestershire.

We explicitly welcome applications from career changers, those reentering the workforce, and individuals from non-consulting and non-technology backgrounds. We don’t expect you to arrive with a resume of consultancy work and corporate speak. Instead, we want your real-world experience, unique perspective, and transferable skills. In return, we will provide the structured support you need to build your confidence, find your footing, and thrive in this new chapter of your career.

About us

Oxford Insights is a mission-driven boutique consultancy. We are currently a team of around 20 staff with a £3m annual turnover, and we are looking to build on this success to scale our impact across the public sector. We help governments around the world increase the positive impact of their services by harnessing technology and data ethically, sustainably, and transparently.

Our landmark annual publication, the Government AI Readiness Index, serves as an official benchmarking tool for bodies like UNESCO and the G20, and we are known for our high-quality, human-centered project work, including medtech procurement in the NHS,  building AI capacity in the Kenyan public sector, and the first ever study into AI adoption dynamics in the UK regulatory sector.

Culturally, we possess a strong public service ethos akin to a large charity, balancing commercial sustainability with a strict commitment to societal value, integrity, and long-term client trust.  Our work is genuinely interesting and varied, with no two days looking the same.

Find out what it’s really like to work as a consultant for Oxford Insights.

About the role

Working alongside our delivery teams on a variety of digital, data strategy, and evaluation projects, your day-to-day responsibilities will include some of the following:

• Supporting the delivery of consulting projects through desk research, data collection, and qualitative or quantitative analysis.
• Conducting qualitative research, including stakeholder interviews and focus groups with public servants, civil society partners, and citizens.
• Drafting sections of clear, structured reports, policy briefings, and client-facing presentations.
• Documenting user needs, administrative friction points, and real-world data flows to inform the design of better public services.
• Supporting the wider project team with administrative coordination, meeting notes, and workshop logistics.
• Contributing to proposal writing and internal business development activities as your confidence in the sector grows.
• Participating actively in Oxford Insights’ internal research agenda, corporate initiatives, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.

Essential experience and skills

We care about your potential, alignment with our values, and core analytical capacity.
In particular, we are looking for:

• Real-world work experience: Professional experience from any sector or industry, demonstrating accountability, time management, and an ability to prioritise your time. Prior consulting experience is not required.
• Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication, with an ability to translate complex ideas clearly for diverse audiences, and present your work to groups of people. 
• Analytical mindset: A thoughtful approach to problem-solving with a close attention to detail when dealing with qualitative information or data.
• Collaborative approach: A kind, collaborative team player who is highly receptive to feedback, eager to learn, and comfortable adapting to new subject matters.

Salary & benefits

• Salary: £30,500-£39,000 per annum (pro-rata for part-time working patterns), with genuine opportunities for progression and a generous bonus scheme.
• Leave: 25 days of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time working patterns), with an extra two-week company shutdown over the Christmas period to ensure everyone rests.
• Health: Private health insurance provided as standard.
• Location: Remote-first within the UK, but you can also work from one of our regional clusters in London, Cambridge and Gloucestershire if you prefer. Like all OI roles, there will be occasional travel for client site visits, workshops, or internal team collaboration events. 
• Right to work: Applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor visas.

Why join us

• Work with true purpose: You will contribute to projects that directly shape how public money is spent, how local health data is securely linked, and how international governments prepare for emerging technologies like AI.
• A platform to grow: We treat learning as a core responsibility. You will receive structured guidance, direct peer coaching, and formal exposure to senior leaders to help you successfully transition your career.

Learn more about our company values.

How we support your growth

Transitioning into an entirely new sector can feel daunting, which is why this pathway is built around supported, hands-on development. We do not expect you to know everything from day one; instead, you will learn on the job by embedding directly into live, meaningful public sector projects alongside experienced team members.

Your growth will be guided by three continuous pillars of support:

Peer learning & mentoring

You will work side-by-side with consultants who understand the journey you are on, and will provide daily, practical guidance as you navigate new problem spaces.

Leadership guidance

Our senior leadership team is deeply invested in both you and the programme. You will receive structured, supportive mentorship and regular 1:1 check-ins to help you build confidence at your own pace.

The OI knowledge base 

To anchor your development, you will have immediate access to our internal toolkits, project methodologies, and what we call the “OI way”. This helps remove the guesswork from consulting, detailing how to “own your craft” and progress sustainably within OI.

Application process

Initial submission: To help us evaluate your application we ask that you submit the following to jobs@oxfordinsights.com:

• A CV outlining your career to date
• A cover letter of no more than 100 words explaining your motivations for making a career pivot into consulting.
• Written answers to the following two questions (no more than 100 words each)
  1. If you could design and deliver an Oxford Insights project on any technology, or public service area, what would it be and why?
  2. Tell us about a time in your career when you had to successfully collaborate within a team to navigate a tight deadline. What did you do and what was the outcome?

First interview: A short interview with our consultants, focusing on transferable skills, your real-world experience, and how you approach collaborative problem-solving.

Second interview: A final interview with members of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

Deadline to apply: This programme is now closed. We will not accept applications. We do hope to re-open it again in the near future.