Higher Statistical Officer

Job summary

The Cabinet Office sits at the heart of government. We support the Prime Minister and ensure the effective running of government, and we are home to a diverse array of business units, professions, and central functions.

Government Skills Group was created to accelerate the quality of learning and development in government through better training, knowledge and networks for around 550,000 Civil Servants across Government, delivering government priorities now and for the future.

As part of its development, it has been announced that Government Skills will become the National School of Government and Public Services. This change enhances its profile and visibility across government, offering better public services for citizens and confirming the government’s commitment to our vision of delivering world-class training in areas such as AI, digital, and leadership. This is an exciting time of growth, with new positions being created to support the future operating model.

The Evidence and Impact team within Government Skills is responsible for ensuring that hundreds of millions of pounds of annual spend on developing the skills, knowledge and relationships of the Government workforce is evidence-based and impact-led. We use a combination of analytical methods covering monitoring/data analytics, social research, evaluation, statistics, behavioural and user research, and economic analysis to provide robust, purposeful insights to inform business decisions. Our evidence supports the creation of effective policy and strategy on the future skills needs of the government and wider public sector workforce, and supports effective design, commissioning and delivery of the interventions required to achieve this.

You can find more information about Government Skills on our GOV.UK page: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-skills-and-curriculum-unit including about our team: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/evidence-based-learning-and-development

Job description

As a Higher Statistical Officer, you will support statistical analysis for Government Skills to understand the relationship between workforce skills, capability-building investments and critical outcomes including Civil Service and people performance, and mission delivery across government and the wider public sector.

Key responsibilities include supporting the development of data sharing agreements with Government departments and facilitating the integration and linkage of complex data sets to allow you and others to conduct effective analysis and statistically robust research/evaluation. You will also support reporting on KPIs and responding to ad hoc requests from senior stakeholders such as the Director General of Government Skills and the Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Office.

Additionally, you will be instrumental in embedding best practices for data quality and management across the directorate as we shape and refine our data strategy on sound statistical principles.

There are a wide range of analytical projects you may become involved with, being responsive to the priorities of the directorate and our wider stakeholders. We will support you to develop your analytical skills and interests.

You will work closely with the surrounding team of statisticians, social researchers and economists within the Evidence and Impact (E&I) team, and will contribute to the development, maturity and positive culture of the E&I team and build relationships with the wider Government Skills Group and selected stakeholders across government.

Responsibilities will include:

• Build dashboards and data visualisations for Government Skills Group, using data such as course completions, bookings, and scheme applications.
• Use and develop knowledge of statistical methods and technologies such as Python to manipulate and analyse data.
• Carry out statistical analysis across the whole project lifecycle, from sourcing data to reporting findings, to support an evidence-based, impact-led approach to workforce capability.
• Support the team in meeting stakeholders’ data and analysis needs, providing reports on KPIs and responding to ad hoc requests from senior stakeholders.
• Carry out technical work to improve data availability and data quality, such as writing data sharing agreements, performing root cause analysis for data quality issues, or producing metric development plans.
• Support the transition to a new model of data collection, analysis, reporting, and evaluation of skills and development activities across Government.
• Ensure the quality and compliance of analysis by aligning work to key policies and frameworks, such as the Aqua, Green, and Magenta Books
• Communicate technical information and statistical findings to non-specialists in ways that are easily understood to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Promote innovation in statistical methods by proactively upskilling in areas such as the ethical and robust use of AI within analysis.
• Embed best practices for data quality and management across the directorate as the data strategy is refined on sound statistical principles.
• Contribute to the effective development of the Evidence and Impact Team by supporting at least one cross-cutting work area, such as building statistical capacity across the team.

Person specification

Please state in your application if you are currently a badged member of GSS or not.

The successful applicant should demonstrate strong statistical analytical knowledge and skills, with a proven ability to source, gather, manage, quality assure, and improve data sources. They must be able to organise and interpret data and analysis, possess excellent written and oral communication skills, and have a good understanding of how analysts can work closely with policy and delivery colleagues to drive forward an evidence-based approach.

The candidate should have:

Essential criteria:

• Excellent quantitative analytical skills and experience applying these effectively to produce robust statistical analysis
• Experience visualising data and analysis using Python
• Experience building data dashboards that meet user needs
• Proven ability to source, gather, manage, quality assure, and improve data sources
• Experience writing code to manipulate data and carry out statistical analysis using Python
• Experience of delivering a diverse portfolio of work and managing tasks flexibly to adapt as priorities change
• Experience communicating technical information or analysis to non-specialists in ways that are easily understood and to help build their capacity in basic statistics
• Ability to work closely with non-analytical colleagues, promoting the use of evidence to make decisions

Desirable criteria:

• Prior knowledge, experience, or a wider interest in skills, learning, education, and/or workforce-related issues
• Experience using Python (particularly Plotly Dash) to build dashboards
• Technical knowledge of how statistics can contribute to impact evaluations and other social research methods, such as survey analysis

Qualifications and memberships

Candidates should be eligible to be badged into the Government Statistical Service (GSS) at HEO level, or already be badged in the GSS at this level. If not already badged, your eligibility to join the GSS at HEO level will be assessed during the selection process. Information about the GSS and the eligibility criteria can be found on the Analysis Function website

You should have one of the following:

• A first or second class honours degree or equivalent in a subject containing formal statistical training (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).
• 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 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).

Additional information:

Cabinet Office policy is that a minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. For some roles, due to their nature and the business need, this may be up to 100%. Requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

Memberships

Are you a badged member of GSS? Please note this will be verified by the department. This is not mandatory for an application to be made to this role.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• How do you meet the professional and technical skills expected?

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £39,250, Cabinet Office contributes £11,370 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).

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and employer contributions of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.

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 process

As part of the application form you will be asked to complete:

• A CV
• A 500 word Personal Statement/Statement of suitability setting out how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification.
• 250 words on your Technical Skills

When you submit 250 words on your Technical Skills please set out how you meet the professional and technical skills expected, in line with the Person Specification.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Please note: if we receive a large number of applications for this role, an initial sift of applications will be made based on the technical elements of the person specification.

Selection process

Following Application Close - Sift and Online Test

Please note that all applications will be sifted first. Applicants successful at sift who are not already badged members of the Government Statistician Group (GSG) will be asked to complete a test, following notification of their success at sift. This will be an online multiple choice statistical test which will be emailed during standard working hours. This is a timed test and must be completed within 3 days 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 any reasonable adjustments to be considered.

Please note: If you are already a member of the GSG, you are exempt from sitting the online test. To ensure a test is arranged or marked as not appropriate, please confirm in your application whether you are already a badged member of the Government Statistical Service when answering the relevant question in the application process.

Please ensure you inform us ahead of the test if you require any reasonable adjustments to be considered.

Dissemination Test and Interview

Those that pass the multiple choice test will be invited to attend an assessment. As part of the interview process, we will use Success Profiles to assess your Behaviours and Technical Skills. The behaviours are:

• Making Effective Decisions;
• Delivering at Pace;
• Working Together.

In addition to this you will be assessed against the GSS competency framework. As part of the assessment against the GSS competency framework you will be provided with data and asked to complete a brief dissemination exercise.

Candidates will be assessed against the three statistical competencies as part of the interview only. The 2021 GSG Competency Framework will provide the basis for assessment at the HEO grade.

Sift and interview dates (subject to change)

Sift date: w/c 21 September 2026

Interview date: w/c 19 October 2026 onwards

Interview location: Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Further information

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 note that this role requires SC clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.

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

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

Any move to Cabinet Office 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. Determine your eligibility at: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.

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

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.

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

Feedback

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) 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 : Suganya Sivaskantharajah
• Email : Suganya.Sivaskantharajah@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : cabinetofficerecruitment.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 in the first instance you should contact Government Recruitment Service by email at : cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at info@csc.gov.uk. For further information on the Recruitment Principles and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/.

Attachments

Cabinet Office Employee Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 302kB)Cabinet Office Terms and Conditions - External 2025-02-20 Opens in new window (docx, 83kB)