Senior 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.

Sitting in the Cabinet Office, the Government People Group (GPG) exists to work with departments, professions, and functions to build a modern, effective Civil Service. We support the government workforce with the right skills and capability. We are working with leaders to get the right people in the right jobs, with the right skills and continuous learning to excel in their roles.

Within the GPG, Government Skills was set up in 2020 to drive up capability across Government in an evidence-based and impact-led way. Government Skills ensures all civil servants, from entry to most senior leadership, have the core and specialist knowledge, skills and networks they need to deliver great public services and address complex systemic challenges, now and in the future. This work is central to the Public Sector Reform and Efficiency policy area, and supports Mission Delivery by ensuring the workforce has the capability and learning culture to deliver against the Government’s missions.

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 Senior Statistical Officer you will lead 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.

You will be a key collaborator in the development and implementation of the Government Skills Data Strategy. This involves ensuring data is harmonised for central analysis and sitting at the heart of policy discussions to ensure data collection is a primary consideration from the outset of any new system or initiative.

Key responsibilities include developing 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. 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. This is likely to include supporting impact and economic evaluations; producing modelling to guide development of the directorate-wide future operating model, and ensuring the analytical capability of several significant projects.

You will work closely with the senior leadership team within Evidence and Impact and will contribute to the development, maturity and positive culture of the E&I team and the wider Government Skills Directorate.

Responsibilities will include:

• Support the development and implementation of a directorate-wide data strategy, taking lead responsibility for agreed areas of the strategy.
• Lead on statistical analysis across the directorate, supporting an evidence-based, impact-led approach to developing the capability of the government and public sector workforce. You will work across the full policy/delivery cycle from identification of the problem/opportunity, through to understanding and influencing implementation, through to formative and summative evaluation of impact, quality and economic value.
• Support on the transition to a new model of data collection, analysis, reporting, insight, research and evaluation.
• Design and manage analytical projects across the full analytical cycle from inception, to design, implementation, reporting and impact, including managing internal and external commissioning where needed, and being day-to-day contact as required.
• Support the teams in meeting stakeholders’ data and analysis needs, using and developing your own knowledge and drawing on appropriate external resources and expertise.
• Ensure that all statistical analysis is high quality, ethical and aligned with relevant frameworks, including the Government Campus Evaluation Strategy and other relevant guidance, including the Magenta Book, the Aqua Book and the Code of Practice for Statistics.
• Promote innovation in statistical methods through applying your existing knowledge and skills, and proactively upskilling yourself, for example, on ethical and robust use of AI within statistical analysis.
• Alongside the Evidence and Impact Team leads, work closely with internal stakeholders to identify, prioritise and connect longer term and immediate data and analysis needs (including understanding data customers’ needs across the civil service).
• Contribute to the effective development of the Evidence and Impact Team by leading on at least one cross-cutting work area, for example, building capacity in statistical analysis across the team.

Person specification

The successful applicant should demonstrate strong statistical analytical knowledge and skills within their profession – with a proven ability to source, gather, manage and quality assure and improve data sources; organise and interpret data and analysis, 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:

• Excellent quantitative analytical skills and the ability to apply these to produce robust statistical analysis.
• Proven analytical experience, including a track record in the practical application of analysis or research with an in-depth knowledge of data sources.
• Experience writing code to manipulate data and/or carry out statistical analysis using emerging technologies such as Python or R.
• Experience of delivering a diverse portfolio of work and managing work flexibly to adapt as priorities change.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate technical information on evaluations to non-specialists in ways that are easily understood, and to engage positively with a wide range of non-specialists and build their capacity in basic statistics.
• Experience of innovating in the development and delivery of analysis, whilst also taking a careful approach to quality and risk.

Desirable:

• Knowledge or experience of statistical methods, measures and processes that can be used in research into skills, learning, education and/or workforce-related issues
• Demonstrates expertise in developing and assessing business cases, with a strong working knowledge of analysis to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
• Technical knowledge of how statistics can contribute to impact evaluations and other social research methods (e.g. survey analysis).
• Ability to use basic SQL for pull and manipulate data for visualisation

Qualifications and memberships

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

To be badged into the GSS 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

GSS (Government Statistical Service); but can be badged during the process.

Memberships

If you are currently badged select 'Yes’ and if you are not currently badged select ‘No’.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

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

• Acquiring data and understanding customer needs
• Data Analysis
• Presenting and Disseminating Data Effectively

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,760, Cabinet Office contributes £12,677 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 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 criteria in the person specification.
• 250 words on your Technical Skills

If we receive a large number of applications for this role, an initial sift of applications will be made based on the technical Skills.

Online Test

If you are successful at the sifting stage of the process you will be invited 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.

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 you will complete a competency based interview and also be asked a scenario-based question. 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 both the application and the interview. The 2021 GSG Competency Framework will provide the basis for assessment at the SEO grade.

Further details will be provided to those candidates who are invited to interview.

You will also be assessed on the behaviours below

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making effective decisions
• Changing & improving

Expected timeline
Expected sift date – tbc
Expected interview date/s – tbc
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.

Further Information

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.

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.

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 cabinetoffice.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 successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 : Connor Ovenstone
• Email : connor.ovenstone@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)