Higher Statistical Officer

Job summary

Are you passionate about using data to understand society, inform decisions and make a real difference to people’s lives? With demand for analytical skills growing rapidly across government, a career in statistics puts you at the heart of decision‑making on some of the UK’s most important challenges.

The Government Statistical Service (GSS) is a cross‑government network led by the National Statistician. We provide high‑quality analysis, advice and a trusted evidence base that supports government, businesses and the public to make better decisions. Our work covers every corner of public life, giving you a unique opportunity to influence issues that matter.

As a Government Statistician, you’ll work on high‑profile analysis and research at the centre of government. Nowhere else will you find the same breadth of topics, range of career paths or ability to make an impact early on. Whether you’re a recent graduate or bringing experience from another field, this is your chance to use your statistical skills to help shape the UK’s future.

Job description

As a Government Statistician, you’ll apply your analytical and problem‑solving skills to real‑world questions, helping provide the evidence that underpins some of the most critical decisions facing the country. You’ll work on a wide range of topics, including:

• Supporting the transport network and infrastructure to keep the UK moving.
• Protecting and managing the natural environment, helping sustain a thriving rural economy.
• Contributing to policy areas such as immigration, crime, policing, counter‑terrorism and public safety.

Your role will involve designing innovative solutions, managing and analysing data, and using a variety of software tools and statistical techniques. You’ll be encouraged to explore new methods, think creatively and challenge existing approaches, ensuring our analysis remains robust, modern and impactful.

Communication is a vital part of the job. You’ll explain technical findings in clear, accessible language to non‑experts, helping ensure that your work informs decisions and leads to meaningful action. You will work in a supportive environment with opportunities to develop your skills, collaborate with experienced analysts and build a rewarding long‑term career in government statistics.

Whether you’re hearing about the GSS for the first time or already familiar with the profession, the candidate pack (available at the bottom of the page) offers further insight into what it means to work as a statistician in government and the difference you can make.

Key responsibilities

Every role in the Government Statistical Service (GSS) is unique — shaped by the department and the projects you support. In this role, you will:

• Deliver high‑quality statistical advice and analysis, helping to inform debate and support evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Use a range of analytical tools, software packages and statistical techniques to manage, interpret and present data effectively.
• Work proactively with stakeholders, understanding their requirements and sharing knowledge to ensure analysis meets their needs.
• Support the development of new data sources, using innovative approaches to acquire, assess and integrate data.
• Contribute to the production of official statistics, helping to solve problems in data management, quality assurance and analysis.
• Support the wider team, and where appropriate, manage or guide junior staff, including non‑analysts.

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

There are two eligibility routes for applicants:

Qualifications route
To apply you should have:
• a first- or second-class honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a numerate subject containing taught statistical content (e.g. Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Psychology, Geography,).
OR
• a higher degree, for example MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Psychology, Geography).

Experience route
Alternatively you could apply if you:
• have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development (via a logbook) covering a minimum of three years. You will need to evidence how you applied statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or HND (level five) and demonstrates the expected skills as outlined in the GSG Competency framework.

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.

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

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.

Application Stage

Number of Stages: 2 Stage Process

Stage 1: Application and GSS Online Test

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 (ituation, 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.

Stage 2 - Interview

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 20th April 2026
Interviews will be held from W/C 4th and 11th May 2026

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.

Please note if you are applying on a Student/Graduate visa this will need to be valid for at least 18 months at time of application.

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

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.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 : Jess Gwatkin
• Email : GSS.Recruitment@ONS.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : GSS.Recruitment@ONS.gov.uk

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 recruitment.complaints@ons.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission

Attachments

GSS_Candidate_Pack_2026 Opens in new window (pdf, 543kB)GSS_Online_Test_Guidance_and_Practice_Pack_2022 Opens in new window (pdf, 258kB)GSG-competency-framework-2021 Opens in new window (pdf, 109kB)