Senior Statistical Officer

Job summary

Do you want your work to make a meaningful difference to the UK? The Government Statistical Service (GSS) is a cross‑government community that collects, analyses and publishes the statistics that inform decisions across the economy, public services and society.

As a Government Statistician, you’ll work at the heart of government on high‑profile analysis and research. You’ll join a welcoming analytical community, collaborating with experienced statisticians and data specialists across government. From the start, your work will influence real decisions affecting people and services across the UK.

The GSS offers exceptional variety — from health and education to the environment and the economy — along with structured training, expert support and clear opportunities to develop your career. You’ll also help drive innovation by using modern tools and techniques to improve how government uses data.

Job description

As a Senior Government Statistical Officer, you’ll drive analytical work that informs some of the most important decisions in the country. You’ll take responsibility for the full analytical lifecycle — from designing new data solutions, to quality assurance, through to communicating clear, influential insights to stakeholders.

Many roles involve managing teams of analysts and non‑analysts, supporting others to grow and championing the use of new tools, technologies and innovative analytical methods. You’ll develop deep technical expertise through ongoing professional development, while contributing to a strong, collaborative analytical culture across your department and the wider GSS.

Whether this is your first introduction to the GSS or you’re already familiar with our community, the candidate pack (bottom of page) provides a detailed look at what it’s like to work as a statistician in government and the impact you can make.

Key Responsibilities

Every role in the GSS is unique — shaped by the department and the challenges you’ll support. In this role, you will:

• Design and develop innovative data solutions, creating new collections and drawing on multiple sources to meet user needs.
• Build strong, proactive relationships with customers, engaging early to understand requirements and communicating findings clearly, including limitations.
• Influence debate and decision‑making, ensuring robust data is collected, analysed and used effectively.
• Champion new tools, technologies and analytical techniques, acting as a key point of contact across teams.
• Apply appropriate statistical methods, adapting your approach to interrogate and manipulate diverse and complex data sources.
• Deliver high‑quality statistical advice and analysis, taking ownership of outputs produced by both yourself and the teams you lead.
• Develop the capability of others, sharing expertise on data sources, data manipulation and innovation across your team or wider business area.

Person specification

We are looking for the following skills and experience in the following essential areas;

• proven leadership capability and experience to overcome challenges alongside managing a team and prioritising tasks in line with organisational aspirations
• demonstrable analytical experience, including a track record in the practical application of analysis or research with an in depth knowledge of data sources
• experience of managing the delivery of complex projects and delivering quality outcomes to meet customer demands
• good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex analysis to non-specialists and contribute effectively to discussions with ministers, senior officials and external stakeholders
• ability to deliver high impact analysis to tight deadlines, using forward planning to identify risks and issues

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:

• Delivering at Pace
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership

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 Rec