Data Analyst

Job summary

Here at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), we have unrivalled access to a vast breadth and depth of data. Every day, we use this to produce trusted statistics and insightful analysis that informs both the public and policymakers on the issues that matter most.

Our work spans the production of essential economic statistics and the analysis that brings them to life to support decision makers and help people understand the UK economy. Our key focus is producing high quality, relevant and timely core statistics: gross domestic product, inflation, public sector finances, labour market statistics, trade and the balance of payments. We're also expanding our use of administrative data, while transforming our surveys and moving off legacy statistical systems.

Following the recent independent review of ONS by Sir Robert Devereux, we’ve launched our Economic Statistics Plan (ESP)—a bold response to restore quality and confidence in our economic statistics. The plan outlines how we assess the quality of our core outputs, the steps we’re taking to address risks and challenges, and the foundations we’re laying for the future. These changes will help us build a more resilient statistical system that supports confident decision-making and a clearer understanding of UK society.

Delivering the ESP successfully requires a collective effort. As part of that, ONS is recruiting a number of Data Analysts to help us understand, manipulate, and accurately analyse data—providing insight that informs both internal and external audiences. You will play a key role in delivering the Plan, and in developing our people, building good working relationships across the organisation and making ONS a great place to work.

We’re particularly interested to hear from applicants with experience with economic data sources, such as business surveys; or a background in economics, finance, or accountancy.

Job description

Data analysts collect, organise and study data to provide business and operational insight. They work across a broad range of areas and topics.

Data analysts understand, manipulate and accurately analyse data to provide insight about a topic for internal and external audiences. They make complex topics easier for everyone to understand, including non-specialist audiences.

Key Responsibilities of Data Analysts include:

• manage, clean, abstract and aggregate data alongside a range of analytical studies on that data
• identify, collect and migrate data to and from a range of systems
• manipulate and link different data sets
• help with data quality checking and cleaning
• use tools and techniques for data analysis, data visualisation and provision of business insight
• present data and conclusions logically and concisely in the most appropriate format, while following the Analysis Function standards
• summarise and present the results of data analysis to a range of customers — this includes making recommendations for how to use the data
• interpret and apply relevant data information security standards, policies and procedures to data
• perform routine statistical analysis and answer queries, which may include the production of reports
• use a range of analytical techniques such as data mining, time series, forecasting and modelling techniques to identify and predict trends in data
• work with data architecture
• use coding and programming skills for data and analytics

Please note we will not be badging to an analytical profession as part of this campaign. However, there are regular opportunities for staff to apply for badging with the relevant government analytical profession upon joining ONS.

Person specification

Essential Criteria -

• Data Analysis (Lead Criterion): Ability to interpret and work with diverse data sets, identifying trends, resolving issues, and using programming tools to analyse and assure data quality.
• Effective Communication: Ability to identify and clearly communicate trends, insights, and anomalies in data to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leaders.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Demonstrable ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders, building strong working relationships to support shared objectives.

Qualifications

We welcome applications from individuals who satisfy the essential criteria and are a member of, or eligible to join, one of eligibility for the government analytical professions as listed below :

- Government Economic Service (GES),
- Government Statistical Service (GSS),
- Government Operational Research Service (GORS), or
- Government Social Research (GSR).

To achieve this, candidates need to hold at least;

- A 2.2 degree in economics, OR
- A 2.2 in a social science related subject with sufficient research OR
- A 2:2 in a numerate subject containing taught statistical content

OR
- A minimum 2 years relevant work experience

Please note - All candidates are expected to ensure they meet the entry requirements. Failure to demonstrate how you meet these requirements will result in your application being rejected.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• Data Quality - Understands and can explain statistical / research methods and the differences between sources, such as concepts or different data sets. Is able to design and choose best methods for data collection.
• Analysis Approach - Utilises analytical tools to analyse data for trends and gaps, applying approved techniques to create coherent series’ and data modelling
• Presentation / Dissemination - Communicates in a straightforward and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,587, Office for National Statistics contributes £10,019 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 5400 valued colleagues across the business.

Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that the benefits pack attached (bottom of page) 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.

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