Summary

With a growing demand for analytical services, a career in statistics puts you at the heart of decision making in government.

The Government Statistical Service (GSS) is a cross-government network led by the National Statistician. The GSS works to provide advice, analysis and a statistical evidence base to help people make better decisions.

You will be working at the heart of government with a breadth of opportunity to work on projects and issues that make a real difference for the public good, including;

• supporting the transport network and infrastructure to keep the UK on the move

• safeguarding our natural environment to sustain a thriving rural economy

• supporting immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, fire, counter-terrorism and police

No other organisation can claim to be involved in the same breadth of work that the GSS will offer you.

Through this campaign you will join the Government Statistical Group (GSG), the Civil Service profession for Statisticians and Data Scientists.

Job description

The role will require you to apply your statistical skills to innovate and solve problems in data management and analysis. You will be using a range of software packages and analytical techniques. The ability to explain and communicate your findings to a varied audience will also be essential.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities

Your day to day tasks will require you to;

• deliver high quality statistical advice and analysis to inform debate and influence decision making

• use a range of software packages and analytical techniques

• work proactively with customers to identify their requirements, share knowledge and information

• use innovative techniques to acquire new data sources

• be responsible for statistical production and solve problems in data management and analysis

• you may also manage junior grades including non-analysts

Person specification

• Proven analytical experience, including a track record in the practical application of analysis or research with an in-depth knowledge of data sources

• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex analysis to non-specialists and contribute effectively to stakeholders.

• Ability to deliver analysis outputs to tight deadlines contributing to statistical production

• Leadership experience, with the ability to overcome challenges to deliver quality business outcomes

Qualifications

You should have, or hope to obtain by September 2022 one of the following:

• A first or second class honours degree in a numerate subject (2:2 minimum for Statistical Officer) containing at least 25% taught statistical content (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography, Data Science or similar);

• A higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Data Science, Psychology, Geography or similar).

• Have worked in a statistical or data science field for a minimum of two years and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development (via a logbook) in applying statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (level five), which demonstrates the expected skills as outlined in the GSG Competency framework.

• Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least 2 years in a statistical/data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics/data analysis (via a CPD log book signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession).

Please note - candidates may apply in their final year of study whilst they are still awaiting their qualification result, however, formal contracts can only be offered upon confirmation of the achievement of the relevant qualification. In the case of an apprenticeship, this includes completing 2 years work experience in a statistical/data analysis field in government as part of attaining the qualification.

Failure to provide this information will result in your application being sifted out of the process.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Presenting and Disseminating Data Effectively
• Acquiring Data/Understanding Customer Needs
• Data Analysis

Benefits

The Government Statistical Service is a community for all civil servants working in the collection, production and communication of official statistics. Our statisticians work across a range of government departments, agencies and other public bodies playing a pivotal role in government decision making.

Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about us, we hope that the candidate pack attached (bottom of page) will give you a great insight into the GSS and what it means to work as a statistician.

Working in the GSS means you

• Contribute to society with a unique chance to work on a breadth of projects and issues that make a real difference for the public good.

• Challenge and stretch yourself to develop your career and reach your full potential

• Have opportunities to maintain your Continuous Professional Development (CPD) through a statistical learning and development programme

• Earn a competitive salary

• Flexible working hours

• Access a highly competitive pension

Through this campaign you also obtain membership to the Government Statistical Group GSG, a professional community of Statisticians and Data Scientists.

We take the well-being of employees seriously and we consider everyone, in whatever department or location in the country to be part of a diverse and inclusive GSS family.

Inclusion & Accessibility

In GSS we're always looking to attract the very best people from the widest possible talent pool, and we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer.

As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, please contact the recruitment team in the first instance.

If you would like an accessible version of any of the attachments or recruitment documents below or linked to in this advert, please contact the recruitment team who will be happy to assist.
If you need help with any part of the application process or completing your CV or personal statement please contact our Recruitment Team at GSS.Recruitment@ons.gov.uk one of the team will be happy to help you.

Things you need to know

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

See our vetting charter.

People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Please see candidate pack attached for full entry requirements.

Application Stage:

To apply please submit the short form details and full application by completing the CV section and personal statement. Your CV section should cover details of education and professional qualifications, employment history and relevant skills and experience. Ensuring you reflect on the requirements in the job description, including essential and desirable skills.

Your personal statement should reflect the person specification. It must include details of your technical and professional achievements and should be no more than 1250 words.

Please make sure that you fully complete the qualifications section in the application form. Applications submitted without details of degree studied, grades and credits (including predicted) will be discounted. Failure to provide this information will result in your application being sifted out of the process.

Once you have submitted your application you will be emailed during standard working hours inviting you to complete the GSS online multiple choice test. This is a timed test and must be completed and submitted by midday on the closing date to be considered for the next stage of the process. You are encouraged to try the test attached to the advert before attempting the real test. Please ensure you inform us ahead of the test if you require any reasonable adjustments to be considered.

Please note: If you are already a member of the GSG, you are exempt from sitting the GSS online test. To prevent your application being rejected please ensure you email your membership number or details to GSS.Recruitment@ons.gov.uk as soon as you submit an application to notify us. Once confirmed you will be moved onto the next stage by our recruitment team.

Interview Stage:

Should you be invited to interview, you will be assessed using various assessment techniques aligned to the Civil Service Success Profiles framework.

Part of the assessment will be based on the following Behaviours:

Managing a quality service

Seeing the big Picture

Leadership

You will also be assessed on the following GSG Technical Competencies:

Presenting and disseminating data - tested by presentation (non-badged applicants)

Data Analysis

Acquiring data/Understanding customer needs effectively

Please note:

We do not refund travel or subsistence for candidates attending interviews.

Some government departments may require a higher level security check.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Sifting will take place from 10th & 17th of January 2022

Interviews will be held from w/c 24th & 31st of January 2022

*Please note some departments encourage applications from Welsh speakers. If you would like to know more please contact us.*

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Paul Cudmore, Office for National Statistics, Government Buildings, Cardiff Road, Newport NP10 8XG. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission here

Attachments