Principal Data Analyst

Job summary

The Public Sector Reform Test, Learn and Grow (PSR TL&G) team is at the heart of the UK government’s initiative to drive innovation and reform in public service delivery. With the £100 million PSR Innovation Fund, our team collaborates with local authorities and government departments across the United Kingdom and with the Devolved Governments to design, test, and grow innovative solutions that enhance public service outcomes. By employing a ‘Test & Learn’ approach, we focus on creating evidence-based improvements while relieving pressures on public services. Our work involves piloting foundational programmes and place-based initiatives to accelerate mission delivery, support preventative measures, and foster a collaborative environment that encourages continuous improvement and innovation in Public Services.

Job description

As Principal Data Analyst, you will provide line management for data analysts and data governance managers in the TLG programme (six people). You will provide coaching and professional oversight of data analysis in the TLG programme (including, but not limited to, data collection, governance and visualisation). You will also be expected to deliver high quality data analysis for the programme, as needed. You will work closely with the Head of Analysis and Evaluation in the programme to set the strategic analytical direction, build capability, and assure the quality of data use across multidisciplinary teams working on place-based initiatives. Together with the Head of Analysis and Evaluation, Head of Design and Lead Data Governance Manager, you will determine and implement appropriate standards, processes and structures to ensure data is prepared, managed and used effectively within the programme.

This role is mapped to the Principal Data Analyst role in the Government Digital and Data capability framework, though we would expect candidates to be able to apply their skills to digital and non-digital projects. This role will require travel within the UK to work closely with local partners. This role is eligible for a DDaT allowance, the value of which will depend on an assessment of your skills and experience, as demonstrated at interview.

Person specification

You will influence programme decision making on data analysis and the use of data, oversee continuous improvement of the programme’s data practices and management, and represent the data analyst community and the programme externally.

In this role, you will:

• work and provide line management across a multidisciplinary team,
• work closely with the Head of Analysis and Evaluation to set overall analytical direction across the programme,
• provide leadership, coaching, and professional oversight to data analysts and data governance managers across the TLG programme, building capability and setting high quality standards,
• identify and exploit opportunities to leverage data analysis across the whole programme ecosystem,
• assure the quality of data analysis across multiple complex place-based projects and teams,
• produce high quality, advanced data analysis and data visualisation to support the TLG programme, as needed
• work in the open and share often.

Skills and experience

It’s essential that you have experience in:

Leading a high-performing analysis team:

• create and maintain a psychologically safe and inclusive team culture
• support the professional development of others

Applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques:

• develop and guide others in a range of statistical and analytical techniques and tools (including how to bring quantitative analysis into mixed methods research)
• oversee the quality assurance of statistical techniques and analytical outputs, continually improving and innovating practices

Communicating between the technical and non-technical:

• communicate complex data analysis clear to a non-technical audience
• manage stakeholder expectations and moderate difficult discussions about high risk and complex topics, even within constrained timescales

Data management:

• champion and lead data management and governance processes within the programme
• define data management tools and develop training requirements to implement data governance processes effectively
• enable continuous improvement of data management practices and compliance with data governance policies

Data preparation and linkage:

• develop analytical data models using a deep understanding of data sources
• ensure data models are implemented using tools and systems that align with modelling standards
• set data quality standards in the programme, and ensure stakeholders understand their importance
• mentor and coach others in data quality and modelling

Data visualisation:

• set and advocate for new standards and practices in inclusive, accessible data visualisation
• identify data visualisation capability gaps and implement appropriate training
• promote the value and adoption of data visualisations in the programme
• strategically support stakeholders in understanding and using a story

It’s desirable that you have:

Predictive modelling and forecasting

• experience using historical data, machine learning, and statistical algorithms to forecast/predict behaviours or trends

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.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

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

• Applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques
• Communicating between the technical and non-technical
• Data management

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £71,734, Cabinet Office contributes £20,781 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 process you will be asked to submit a CV and 750 word personal statement, outlining suitability based on the essential skills and experience listed in the job advert.

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

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

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

• Applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques
• Communicating between the technical and non-technical
• Data management

Security clearance BPSS required.

Expected timeline (subject to change)

Expected sift date – early to mid November

Expected interview date/s – mid to late November

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 adjustments

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 an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

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

Further information

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

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; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

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

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

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.

Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

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.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 : psreoperations@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
• Email : psreoperations@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 Terms and Conditions - External 2025-02-20 Opens in new window (docx, 83kB)Cabinet Office Employee Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 302kB)