Associate Quality Assurance Test Analyst

Job summary

Looking for a career change, a new challenge, or your first step into Digital and Data?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is offering an exciting 12-month Quality Assurance Test (QAT) Analyst Development Programme, designed to help you build a rewarding career in the Government Digital and Data Profession while earning a salary and gaining valuable workplace experience.

This structured development programme is ideal for people who are curious, analytical, detail-focused and eager to learn. Whether you're starting your career or looking to move into a new profession, we'll provide the training, coaching and support you need to develop as a Software Test Analyst.

As part of the Digital Services Quality Assurance and Testing (DS-QAT) team, you'll learn how testing helps ensure the quality, reliability and accuracy of digital services and statistical products used across the organisation. You'll work alongside experienced testers and technical specialists, gaining practical experience while developing the skills needed to succeed in the profession.

Over the 12 months, you'll follow a structured learning pathway combining formal training, mentoring, hands-on experience and industry-recognised learning opportunities. You'll spend at least 20% of your working time dedicated to learning and development, helping you build the technical knowledge, professional skills and confidence needed for a long-term career in testing.

If you're someone who enjoys solving problems, asking questions, spotting issues others might miss, and working collaboratively to improve outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Find Out More

To help you learn more about the programme, we'll be hosting an information webinar where you'll have the opportunity to hear from the team, learn about the role and ask questions. This webinar will be hosted at 9.30am on Wednesday 12th August 2026.

Click here to register for our information webinar: Webinar - EO - QAT Analysts - 473695 - Office for National Statistics , Join meeting in Teams , Microsoft Teams

About ONS

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK's largest producer of official statistics and the recognised national statistical institute. Our work helps inform decision-making across government, businesses and society, providing trusted insights into the economy, population and communities across the UK.

Joining ONS means becoming part of an organisation that values learning, innovation and continuous development.

Job description

As an Associate Quality Assurance Test Analyst, you'll join a structured development programme designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and experience required to build a career in software testing. This could lead to a formal, and internationally recognised, qualification in software testing.

You'll work closely with experienced Test Analysts, Test Managers and Test Engineers, learning how to plan, execute and report on testing activities that support the delivery of high-quality digital services and systems.

During the programme, you'll gain experience in:

• Software testing principles, techniques and best practice.
• The Software Development and Testing Lifecycles.
• Creating and executing test scenarios and test scripts.
• Identifying, recording and reporting defects.
• Analysing test results and communicating findings.
• Working within Agile delivery teams.
• Collaborating with business, technical and delivery colleagues across ONS.

Key Responsibilities

As part of the programme, you will:

• Learn and apply software testing techniques and best practices.
• Develop knowledge of business processes, systems and user requirements.
• Execute tests and accurately record test results.
• Support the identification, investigation and reporting of defects.
• Contribute to the analysis and reporting of testing outcomes.
• Work with colleagues across multidisciplinary teams to support quality assurance activities.
• Develop your technical and professional skills through training, coaching and practical experience.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of testing processes and ways of working.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for enthusiastic individuals who demonstrate:

• An interest in technology, digital services and quality assurance.
• Strong attention to detail and a logical approach to problem solving.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to organise and prioritise work effectively.
• Curiosity, motivation and a willingness to learn new skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Resilience and adaptability when working in a changing environment.
• Confidence using common digital tools and workplace applications.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

You must be able to demonstrate:

• Basic digital skills and confidence using common workplace software and online systems.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to work accurately when reviewing information or completing tasks.
• The ability to work collaboratively with others, building positive relationships and contributing effectively as part of a team.

Behaviours

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £28,138, Office for National Statistics contributes £8,151 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).

The Office for National Statistics is part of the Civil Service, and as such we share a number of key benefits with other departments, whilst also having our own unique offerings to support our valued colleagues across the organisation.

Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that our careers site will give you a great insight into the benefits and facilities available to our colleagues, and our fantastic working culture.

Inclusion & Accessibility

At ONS we are 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 a Disability Confident Leader we’re committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

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.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and stateme