Local Growth and Communities Senior Analyst

Job summary

This Vacancy is for candidates who wish to apply under GES/GSR/GORS professions as current members or as applicants that are eligible for membership, or as a current member of the GSS.

If you are not a member of the GSS but meet the entry criteria to join this profession, please apply to vacancy 451050

Do you have experience of producing high quality research and analysis to influence senior stakeholders?
Are you able to manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment?If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and we'd love to hear from you!
We are recruiting a Senior Executive Officers (SEO), to the Analysis – Communities, Devolution and Local Growth Division. This is a division of around 30 analysts, across all professions and with a presence in multiple office locations. ACDG analysis plays an instrumental role in influencing the policy of regional and local inclusive growth, devolution, communities and cohesion policies. ACDG’s analysis is continuously in demand from senior officials, Ministers and other government departments.

For example, our division has led in the development of:

• The analysis around the funding allocation of the flagship Pride in Place Programme
• Building the evidence base for the Northern Growth Strategy
• Social Cohesion Action Plan for 10DS to strengthen social cohesion in Britain
• Developing Green Book guidance to strengthen the case for place-based analysis in business cases.

We are looking for a skilled and experienced analyst to join ACDG. This role is open to all badged and non-badged analysts, who are eligible to apply, across analytical professions (GES, GORS, GSR, GSS). It would suit those who already have experience of producing high quality analysis and using research to influence policy. The postholder will be joining the team at a crucial time as we prepare for the 2027 spending review and continue to support the delivery of our flagship programmes. The role also offers significant opportunities for professional development, including the ability to access departmental learning and development opportunities.

Job description

• Providing robust statistical analytical support for the development of new and existing indices supporting policies in cohesion and inclusive growth.
• Providing bespoke reactive and proactive analysis to inform new policy development and support existing community focused policies linked to the Pride in Place, and other MHCLG community focused and place based funds.
• Providing responsive briefing for cross departmental evidence commissions associated with communities, inclusive growth, cohesion and place-based working agenda.
• Working closely with senior officials, other government departments on national priorities and with other analysts (social researchers, statisticians, economists) in MHCLG, and elsewhere in Whitehall to improve overall data quality to inform and monitor policies.
• Working with a range of partners, including academics, think tanks and local government to ensure that we are strengthening the flow of evidence and analysis into policy making and operational delivery.

Person specification

The successful applicant will be required to demonstrate the following:

• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including experience of working with survey, administrative and official data and working in RStudio
• Data visualisation skills and the ability to create high quality and charts, infographics and maps using a range of analytical software
• Experience of producing high quality research and analysis to influence senior stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor communication to technical and non-technical audiences and provide clear and concise analytical briefings
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage competing demands under tight timeframes (evidence of delivering complex analytical projects desirable)
• Proven record of working under pressure and in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as part of a team
• The willingness to contribute to a strong, supportive and inclusive culture across the division

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,076, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government contributes £13,058 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.At MHCLG we offer many benefits that range from tailored career pathways and flexible working to MyLifestyle Childcare Voucher and Cycle to Work Schemes. For more information, please click here.

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

Analysts in MHCLG must be affiliated to a Government analytical profession. This is usually one of the following:

• Government Economic Service (GES)

• Government Operational Research Service (GORS)

• Government Social Research Service (GSR)

• Government Statistical Service (GSS)

Stage 1: Filter and eligibility questions, entry tests

Candidates who successfully pass the initial filter and eligibility questions will be asked to confirm which of the analytical professions they belong to or are applying to be part of. This information will be used to progress successful applications to the appropriate professional checks element of the process.

Existing civil servants who are currently a member of one of these professions will retain their professional membership in this role. Applicants on promotion will be assessed for promotion within their profession as part of the selection process. Please make any current affiliation clear in your application.

External candidates or civil servants without a current profession affiliation may be considered for accreditation to one of the professions as part of the recruitment process. If you are not currently a member of a government analytical profession you will be put through the membership process for your chosen profession as part of this application. You must pass the membership process for your application to be successful. If you do not pass the relevant profession entry test your application will not be taken further. See the Guide for Analytical Candidates document for more details of the membership process for the relevant profession.

You will need to address the technical competences for your profession in the application and at interview.

Please refer to the Guide for Analytical Candidates which provides:

1 - The technical competences for each analytical profession – GES, GORS, GSR and GSS.

2 - details of the entry requirements to each analytical profession

3 – details of the entry process for each analytical profession

Entry Qualifications

The entry qualifications are listed below. Please list FULL details of your degree in your application form.

Government Economic Service (GES):

To possess or expected to have a first or upper second class honours degree with at least 50% of the modules in economics, or have a masters in economics. Modules must have covered both micro and macroeconomics to qualify.

If you graduated more than five years ago then you must have examples of how you have maintained your economic knowledge on the competency section of the application form.

Government Operational Research Service (GORS):

2:1 in a numerate degree (the rule of thumb is that at least 50% of the studied modules must have mathematical content).

Applicants with a 2:2 degree may be accepted but they must show wider skills and experience relevant to Government OR. For instance, a Masters qualification in OR would be considered sufficient evidence of the wider skills and experience that we are looking for.

Government Social Research (GSR):

Hold an undergraduate degree, at a minimum of 2:1 or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree, in a social science subject. A qualifying social science subject is one which contains substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken in the course). It should cover quantitative methods and at least three of the five topics listed below.

Mandatory: Quantitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. questionnaire design, sampling, weighting), data analysis (e.g. statistical analysis)

Three of:

• Systematic/literature reviews

• Qualitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. interviewing, focus groups, ethnography), data analysis (e.g. thematic analysis)

• Interpretation of data (qual & quan), presentation of results, provision of recommendations/ conclusions

• Study design, hypothesis formation, testing and evaluation

• Application of ethics to research

Relevant degree subjects in the social sciences can be varied. Potential members need to demonstrate the substantial social research methods training they have taken and not merely the social science degree subjects.

OR

Professional Experience route: Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree, 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. The degree requirement for Main Stream applicants is an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2 with no need for a postgraduate degree. In any case, 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.

Government Statistical Service (GSS):

a first or second class honours degree in a numerate subject (2:1 minimum for Assistant Statistician and 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)

or

a higher degree, e.g. a MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)

or

have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development (via a log book) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (level five)

or

have achieved or are on track to achieve a level four 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 log book signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession)

Statistician candidates ( entry test) :

Candidates who ARE NOT members of the Government Statistical Service (GSS) will be invited to sit the Government Statistical Services Test. This is the first part of the GSS membership process and you must pass this test for your application to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

If you are not currently a member of the GSS but meet the entry criteria to join this profession, please apply to vacancy number 451050.

Social Researcher candidates (entry test) :

Candidates who ARE NOT members of Government Social Research service (GSR) will be invited to sit the Government Social Research Knowledge test. This is the first part of the GSR membership process and you must pass this test for your application to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

We will arrange for you to sit the GSR Knowledge Test as soon as possible. This test must be completed prior to interview and if candidates fail the knowledge test their application is terminated at this point.

Candidates who are EXISTING members of Government Social Research service (GSR) do not need to complete this test as part of their application.

Candidates who do not pass the filter and eligibility questions will not move to the second stage.

Competencies

You will need to address the technical competences for your profession in the application and at interview.

Professional technical competences are listed below:

Economic competences

Economics: Application of knowledge

Economics: Analysis of data

Economics: Effective communication

Operational Research competences

Operational research: Sustaining and developing operational research professionals and professionalism

Operational research: Knowledge and application of operational research skills

Operational research: Achieving impact with analysis

Social research competences

Social research: technical skills

Social research: using and promoting social research

Statistics competences

Statistics: Acquiring data/Understanding customer needs

Statistics: Data analysis

Statistics: Presenting and disseminating data effectively

Application and Selection
The application process will be split into 2 stages, testing the following Success Profiles:

Behaviours , Technical

Stage 1: Sift (CV & Cover Letter)

Technical: Your covering letter should be no more than 1 page referencing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description.

Most of our campaigns utilise multiple assessors and so it is possible that each of your answers would be viewed by different assessors.

If you run into any technical problems when applying through Be Applied (for example, trouble logging in or submitting your application), their support team can help. Please contact them at hello@beapplied.com.

Stage 2: Interview

• Behaviours: Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing The Big Picture

• Technical: Experience questions will be based around the essential skills and criteria as listed in the job description.

Candidates will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation, further details will be provided on invitation to interview.

Sift and Interview Dates

Sifting is envisaged to take place the week commencing 16/03/2026.

Interviews are envisaged to take place the week commencing 30/03/2026 and are currently being held remotely via videocall. This could be subject to change.

How We Recruit

Find out more about our recruitment processes here.

• Applying

• Sifting

• Interview

• Interview Results & Feedback

• Reserve List

• Near Miss

• Civil Service Grades

• We are a DCS, RIS & GPTWV employer

• Reasonable Adjustments

How to Apply

Find out everything you need to know before applying here.

You must review the following information from the MHCLG Career's Site before submitting your application. This step is essential to ensure your eligibility for the role and that your application is completed correctly.

• Security Clearance Requirements

• Civil Service Nationality Requirements

• Right to Work

• Artificial Intelligence

• Civil Service Code and Recruitment Principles

• CV Declaration

• Sponsorships

• Salary and Grade

• Existing Civil Servants

• Conflict of Interest

• Location and Flexible Working

• Fixed Term Contracts

• Internal Fraud Database - Internal Fraud Register

• Appeals and Complaints

• Conflict of Interest

Security Clearance Requirements

National Office: + CTC

London Office: + CTC

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 counter-terrorist 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 : Maria O'Beirne
• Email : Maria.O'Beirne@communities.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@communities.gov.uk

Attachments

1a. MHCLG Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 834kB)Guide for Analytical candidates Opens in new window (pdf, 310kB)1b. Candidate Guidance Opens in new window (pdf, 355kB)1c. Success Profiles Candidate information Opens in new window (pdf, 936kB)