Higher Statistical Officer - England
Government Statistical Service
Apply before Midday on Thursday 24th October 2024
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Fixed term
Length of employment
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Type of role
Statistics
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About the job
Job 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.
As a government statistician you will have the opportunity to work on high profile analysis and research, working at the heart of government, in roles that really make a difference. No other organisation can claim to be involved in the same breadth of work that the GSS will offer you.
Job description
As a Senior Government Statistician you will work on high profile analysis and research, working at the heart of government, in roles that really make a difference, 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
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, and will be able to explain and communicate your findings to a varied audience.
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
Key responsibilities
Every role in the Government Statistical Service (GSS) is as different as the departments they work in. You will work on a breadth of projects which 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
The following departments have vacancies in England:
- Cabinet Office
- Department for Education
- Department for Business and Trade
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Department of Heath and Social Care
- Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
- Home Office
- Office for National Statistics
Person specification
As a higher statistician we will be looking for your skills and experience in the following essential areas;
- 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
- experience of taking the leading role in a team, with the ability to overcome challenges and ensure delivery of quality business outcomes
Qualifications
• 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);
OR
• 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).
Alternatively you could apply if you:
• 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.
OR
• 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
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
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. We have some benefits that are relevant across all of our department, and others that are specific to certain departments, to find out more please contact our recruitment team.
As a government statistician, as well as the benefits offered by the department you are allocated to, you will:
- have opportunities to maintain your Continuous Professional Development (CPD) through a statistical learning and development programme
- earn a competitive salary with opportunities for future career progression
- work in a sector that promotes flexible working and work/life balance.
- a hybrid working model is in operation across the Civil Service. The amount of time required in the office may vary by department
- have the ability to join a highly competitive pension scheme
- obtain membership to the Government Statistical Group GSG, a professional community of Statisticians and Data Scientists.
- 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
Selection process details
Application Stage
To start your application please complete the CV section and personal statement. Your CV section should cover details of education and professional qualifications, employment history and relevant skills and experience. Please ensure you reflect on the requirements in the person specification, and where you have relevant experience include this.
Your personal statement should be no longer than 1250 words. You should use this space fully to provide evidence for each part of the Person Specification. As the criteria are scored, we would recommend that you give clear examples for each including the impact of your actions and set them out using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Important - 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.
Applicants may utilise AI resources in their submissions; ensuring all information provided is factually accurate, truthful, and original, avoiding any form of plagiarism to maintain the authenticity and credibility of the application process.
Once you have submitted your application you will be invited via email 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
This campaign is linked with advert 372680 - Higher Statistical Officer Wales, therefore the selection and interview process will be combined. These Higher Statistical officer roles are the same but with different location, so you do not need to apply to both roles.
Should you be invited to interview, you will be assessed using various assessment techniques aligned to the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, which will include assessment of the Behaviours and GSG Technical Competencies in this advert.
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.
Important Dates
Sifting will take place from W/C 28th October and 8th November 2024
Interviews will be held from W/C 11th and 22nd November 2024
A reserve list may be held for period of up to 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Candidates should note this is a multi-location campaign and therefore the reserve list is recorded by location in merit order.
*Please note that Individuals will need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time, usually 3-5 years, to enable appropriate checks to be carried out. Certain government departments and locations including London will require additional security clearance.
Due to the length of time onboarding can take please note if you are applying on a Student/Graduate visa this will need to be valid for at least 12 months.
GSS recruitment are unable to offer visa sponsorship through our campaigns.
Prior to the assessment process, candidates will be sent an eligibility form to complete and return to us. Further information will be provided at the time.
Applications from candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria as set out in our advert may not be progressed.
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.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Debra Postle
- Email : GSS.Recruitment@ONS.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : GSS.Recruitment@ONS.gov.uk
Further information
