Head of Central Research Evaluation and Monitoring

Job summary

The Central Research, Monitoring & Evaluation Team is a critical part of the Department for Business and Trade’s ability to demonstrate the impact and value of what it does. This role is located in the Central Analysis team in Analysis Group. This is a critical role leading a lot of the core underlying analysis of the group’s work, including business sentiment metrics, performance metrics and leading two of the departments business surveys. The role is also responsible for managing the AG research programme and building M&E capability in the department. The role will also lead on applying innovative AI approaches and techniques in research analysis and using the AG research programme to further our AI work.

The team works closely with the Director of Analysis, Delivery Unit, and Senior Analysts in the Department to set a strategic direction for the Department’s monitoring and evaluation function and Analysis Group’s evidence and analysis programme.

Job description

The team has three main functions:

• Cross Cutting Survey and Performance Delivery – The team is responsible delivering two key surveys; the Support Services Impact Survey and the National Survey of Businesses. The surveys are critical for measuring the Departmental Impact, Delivery, and Perception's metrics which are a key priority for the department and enable it to report on its performance.
• Embedding monitoring and evaluation across DBT – The team leads on implementing the Department’s M&E Strategy, governance, and tracking delivery. The team also provides expert advice to teams and programme or project leads on the design and delivery of evaluations across the full spectrum of the Department’s activities. They also lead in building capability on M&E across the department.
• Strategic and Cross Cutting Evidence and Research – The team is responsible for identifying and filling strategic research evidence gaps including building and delivering a more strategic top-down process for commissioning analysis aligned with departmental priorities including applying innovative AI approaches and techniques. The team commissions and delivers key strategic and cross cutting research projects that are of value across the department. They also deliver a high-quality analysis programme through an efficient governance process, as well as building capability in communicating analysis to increase its impact on decision-making.

Key responsibilities.

Performance, Monitoring, Evaluation & Capability Building

• Support teams in developing the Support Services Impact Survey and the National Survey of Businesses and work feeding into performance and metrics for the department particularly the impact and perception metrics which these surveys will feed into.
• Support teams in embedding robust Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) plans within business cases and ensuring quality of Post-Implementation Reviews (PIRs).
• Provide “Strategic Consultancy service” where M&E or evidence is poor or lacking.
• Lead departmental support for major evaluations (e.g., Industrial Strategy, Post Office, Free Trade Agreements).
• Build commissioning and M&E capability across policy, analytical, and operational delivery teams.

Strategic Advisory & Engagement

• Act as a keyholder during fiscal events and business case development to add value to departmental priorities.
• Become the go-to team for support and advice on consultations and evidence use.
• Maximise use of existing evidence and data across DBT to inform decision-making.

Evidence Strategy & Research Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of DBT’s ambitious Evidence Strategy, aligned with the Director of Analysis’s transformational objectives.
• Set departmental direction for research and analysis to strengthen understanding of how business and trade policy contribute to UK economic growth.
• Scope and deliver strategic research projects under the Analytical Governance (AG) Research Programme.
• Strengthen DBT’s evidence base through academic engagement and collaboration with What Works Centres and ARIs (Areas of Research Interest).

Innovation & AI Integration

• Lead the development of DBT’s capabilities in applying AI to research and analytical functions.

Person specification

The below is a list of characteristics which may be helpful in this role. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but are laid out to help candidates understand more about the role.

This role would generally suit someone who;

Essential Criteria

The below criteria are essential and will be assessed at application stage;

• Must be able to manage, conduct and communicate analysis with confidence, and be able to proactively develop a programme of analytical work.
• They should be able to build productive relationships with colleagues, across analytical teams, and with a wide range of stakeholders. They will demonstrate evidence of first-rate analytical skills and a wide range of relevant experience.
• Must be a Government Social Researcher or part of the Government Statistical Group at Grade 6 level or eligible to apply to become a member of either.

GSG

The accepted qualifications for GSG posts are:

• A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate subject (2:1 minimum for Assistant Statistician; 2:2 minimum for Statistical Officer) containing at least 25% taught statistical content (e.g., Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography 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, Psychology, Geography or similar)

• Have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) logbook) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 5

• Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least two 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)

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

GSR

To be eligible to apply you will need to 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 on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research. OR hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g., an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), 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. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.

Qualifications

GSG

The accepted qualifications for GSG posts are:

A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate subject (2:1 minimum for Assistant Statistician; 2:2 minimum for Statistical Officer) containing at least 25% taught statistical content (e.g., Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography 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, Psychology, Geography or similar)
Have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) logbook) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 5
Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least two 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)

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

GSR

To be eligible to apply you will need to 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 on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research. OR hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g., an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), 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. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

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

• Technical Skills (GSR) The Government Social Research Technical Framework - GOV.UKGSS Technical skills Aligned to the Competency framework for the Government Statistician Group (GSG) – Government Analysis Function for Grade 6s

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £69,185, Department for Business and Trade contributes £20,042 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

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, Experience and Technical skills.

To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
• A Personal Statement of up to 500 words, explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential criteria.

Your application will be sifted against the Experience criteria of the Civil Service Success Profiles.

In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the CV. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

It is likely that the sift will take place 1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews 3-5 weeks after the closing date, though this is subject to change.

Following Application Close

Please note applicants who are not already badged members of the Government Statistician Group (GSG) or Government Social Research Profession (GSR) will be asked to complete an offline test, following submission of their application.

GSG – an online statistical test, which will be an online multiple choice test which will be emailed during standard working hours. This is a timed test and must be completed within 48 hours for you to be considered for the next stage of the process. Please ensure that you inform us ahead of the test if you require and reasonable adjustments to be considered.

GSR – a 45 minute online written “Knowledge Test’. This test will be conducted online and involve you responding to a range of exam questions to test your technical knowledge of social research and statistical methods.

Please note: If you are already a member of the GSG or GSR, you are exempt from sitting the online test. To prevent your application being rejected please email dbtrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as you apply to notify us. Once confirmed you will be moved onto the next stage by our recruitment team.

Candidates who pass the sift will be invited to interview, where we will assess you on the Success Profiles elements of Behaviours and technical skills and we will be asking you to present for 5 minutes on a pre-prepared topic. An additional technical question will also be asked as part of the interview.

For the technical element of the assessment process, please review relevant profession competency framework below:

(GSG)

From the Government Statistician Group competency framework:
- Presenting and Disseminating Data Effectively
- Acquiring Data/Understanding Customer Needs
- Data Analysis

https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/policy-store/competency-framework-for-the-government-statistician-g…

(GSR)

Government Social Research (GSR) Technical Expertise Framework: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-framework

• Technical Skills

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment:

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section on the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.

Alternatively contact the Government Recruitment Service at DBTrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

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

Please see attached Candidate Pack for further information on: Diversity and Inclusion; Benefits; Learning and Development; Working Patterns and what we deliver as a department.

Further Information:

• A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.
• Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
• The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
• New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
• 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. Any applicant who has 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.
• Terms and Conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
• Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.
• Candidates that do not quite meet the standard for this role may be offered a position at a lower grade.

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

Vetting

The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5-years. Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Feedback

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).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 : Kylie Lovell
• Email : Kylie.Lovell@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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

Further information

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DBT by email: Resourcing@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
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

DBT candidate pack July 2024 (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 943kB)DBT T&Cs 2025-08-18 Opens in new window (doc, 46kB)