Data Economy Analyst

Job summary

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government.

Our priorities are to drive a modern digital government, by:

1. joining up public sector services
2. harnessing the power of AI for the public good
3. strengthening and extending our digital and data public infrastructure
4. elevating leadership and investing in talent
5. funding for outcomes and procuring for growth and innovation
6. committing to transparency and driving accountability

We are home to the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI), the world-leading GOV.UK and at the forefront of coordinating the UK’s geospatial strategy and activity. We lead the Government Digital and Data function and champion the work of digital teams across government.

We’re part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and employ more than 1,000 people all over the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London and Bristol.

The Government Digital Service is where talent translates into impact. From your first day, you’ll be working with some of the world’s most highly-skilled digital professionals, all contributing their knowledge to make change on a national scale.

Join us for rewarding work that makes a difference across the UK. You'll solve some of the nation’s highest-priority digital challenges, helping millions of people access services they need.

Job description

The Data Policy Analysis Team (DPAT) is embedded in the Data Economy directorate, creating and collating the evidence needed to inform effective data policy in the UK. These roles offer an opportunity to contribute to the frontier of research on the growing role of data in the economy and collaborate directly with the decision-makers in this space. Selected published analytical products by this team include estimates of data investment in the UK, an impact assessment for the Data (Use and Access) Act, and the Business Data Use and Productivity Study.

Our team is a multidisciplinary team of social researchers, economists and operational researchers. This role provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your analytical skills such as project management, stakeholder liaison, communication and analytical methods (including evidence reviews and data analysis).

Our team is diverse, inclusive and focused on individual wellbeing. We are proud to support lots of different working patterns, locations and learning and development activity.

This campaign is seeking to hire 2 (SEO) analysts, who will support the work of the Data Economy directorate.

Person specification

Specific job responsibilities vary between roles. Example responsibilities are:

• Plan and deliver high-quality analysis to support the evidence base for data policy.
  
• Work with large and novel datasets to create clear and robust insights, including the creation of reproducible analytical pipelines.
  
• Clearly communicate technical findings from existing and novel evidence to both technical and non-technical audiences, including the application of findings, caveats, and trade-offs in the context of strategic priorities.
  
• Collaborate closely with other analysts and policy colleagues to support policy design and create policy appraisals, business cases and evaluations in line with HMT Green Book, HMT Magenta Book, and other best practice.
  
• Estimate the economic impact of policy proposals, drawing on economic theory and empirical evidence.

Essential Criteria

• Data analysis and modelling: Ability to lead the delivery of high-quality quantitative analysis within a project from unstructured research questions to interpretation of results. This includes the application of a variety of statistical, econometric and analytical tools and techniques, supporting others in their use, and the quality assurance of team outputs.
  
• Economics: A strong understanding of economic theory and ability to apply theory, evidence, and critical thinking to shape policy and strategy decisions. This includes providing support under conditions of uncertainty, imperfect information, and to tight deadlines.
  
• Project management: Ability to identify and address evidence gaps to develop the wider analytical team’s evidence base. This includes identification of risks and engagement with stakeholder to assess evidence needs.
  
• Communicate insight: Ability to effectively tailor and communicate analysis to a variety of audiences, including technical and non-technical audiences. This includes leading difficult discussions with a team or with senior stakeholders.

The role is reserved for badged Government analytical professions: Government Statistician Group (GSG), Government Economic Service (GES), Government Social Research Service (GSR), Government Operational Research Service (GORS). Candidates who are not members must be eligible and willing to take the tests to become a member. Those wishing to apply to either the Government Statistician Group or Government Social Research Service will need to sit online tests as part of the application process.

Desirable Criteria

• Proficient in coding languages such as SQL, R, or Python
  
• Knowledge of the data economy
  
• Use of git version control

Evidence suggests that some candidates, especially women and people from underrepresented groups, can be less likely to apply unless they meet all the requirements. If this role appeals to you, please consider applying even if you don’t feel you meet every part of the person specification.

Memberships

You must be a full member of one of the following analytical professions: Government Social Research Service (GSR), Government Statistician Group (GSG), Government Economics Service (GES) or Government Operational Research Service (GORS).
OR
You must be able to demonstrate that a) you satisfy the eligibility criteria and b) have the competence, at the required grade (SEO), for one of the analytical professions.

Eligibility requirements of the analytical professions can be found here:

GES:
To apply for full and associate GES membership, you must :
•have a first or upper second-class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics.
•have studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics.

GSG:
For statistical posts, the accepted qualifications are:
•a first-class or second-class honours degree in a numerate subject containing at least 25% taught statistical content (for example, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography, or similar)
OR
•a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (for example. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography, or similar)
OR
•a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD, in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics (this is not a definitive list)
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 (CPD) (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.
You could also apply if you have achieved or are on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least 2 years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics or data analysis (via a CPD logbook signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession).

GSR:
•For qualification route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one-third of modules taken in the course). For professional experience route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2 in any subject, or hold a degree equivalent plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team.

GORS:
•You must have, or expect to have, a 2:1 or higher degree or degree apprenticeship in a highly numerate degree subject; or you must have, or expect to have, a 2:2 or higher degree and a highly numerate postgraduate degree.

Professional competency frameworks can be found here:
•Government Operational Research Service - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gors-technical-framework
•Government Statistician Group - https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/policy-store/competency-fr…
•Government Social Research Service - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-f…
•Government Economic Service – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022

More Information: You can find more information and descriptions of the Civil Service Behaviours here – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uplo…
Advice about writing behaviour examples for your application, sometimes called “competencies”, can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/a-brief-guide-to-competencies

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• Analysis of data (GES), Data analysis (GSG), Technical skills (GSR), Knowledge and application (GORS)
• Analysis of data (GES), Data analysis (GSG), Technical skills (GSR), Knowledge and application (GORS)
• Effective Communication (GES), Presenting and disseminating data effectively (GSG), Using and promoting social research (GSR), Achieving impact with analysis (GORS)

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Analysis of data (GES), Data analysis (GSG), Technical skills (GSR), Knowledge and application (GORS)

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,620, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology contributes £12,926 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a competitive mix of benefits including:

• A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
• Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.

Office attendance

The Department operates a discretionary hybrid working policy, which provides for a combination of working hours from your place of work and from your home in the UK. The current expectation for staff is to attend the office or non-home based location for 40-60% of the time over the accounting period.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.

After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test and Civil Service Management Judgement Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 02/07/2026. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

There will be maintenance for online tests on Sunday, 28th June. This means you will be unable to access the online tests between 4pm and midnight. Your progress will be saved, and you will be able to continue once the tests are available again.

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, personal statement and technical statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Please use your personal statement (in no more than 500 words) to explain how your personal skills, qualities and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role, with reference to all the skills and experience requirements highlighted above. *Please also include which analytical profession you’re in or wish to join (GSR, GSG, GES or GORS).*

Applications will be sifted on a personal statement and any technical skills required.

In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the lead technical skill (Analysis of data (GES), Data analysis (GSG), Technical skills (GSR), Knowledge and application (GORS)) only.

Please note - the CV incorporated into the application form is for information purposes only and will not be scored.

Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

The interview will consist of behaviour and technical questions.

Interviewees will be asked to deliver a presentation; further details will be provided nearer the time.

The link to the technical/professional competency framework that candidates will be assessed against, for their reference:

• Government Operational Research Service
• Government Statistical Group
• Government Social Research Service
• Government Economic Service

Sift and interview dates

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Further Information

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a disability confident leader and we welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions.

Information about the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) and some examples of adjustments that we offer to disabled candidates and candidates with long-term health conditions during our recruitment process can be found in our DSIT Candidate Guidance. A DSIT Plain Text Version of the guidance is also available.

We encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

A location based reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.

Candidates who meet the minimum benchmark may be placed on a Reserve List for consideration for similar roles, including those at a lower grade. Candidates who narrowly miss the benchmark and are not placed on the Reserve List may still be considered for an offer in a similar role at a lower grade.

Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.

Any move to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

DSIT does not normally offer full home working (i.e. working at home); but we do offer a variety of flexible working options (including occasionally working from home).

DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Feedback

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to 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)
• 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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).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.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).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

Job contact :

• Name : Annabel Manley
• Email : Annabel.manley@dsit.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dsitresourcing.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the recruitment principles, and wish to make a complaint, then you should contact in the first instance DSITrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk . If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission/Complaints.

Attachments

DSIT T&Cs v1.2 Opens in new window (docx, 179kB)