About the job

Job summary

The Consumer and Competition Policy Directorate is at the heart of the Government’s growth agenda. What we do affects businesses, consumers and the overall economy. We pride ourselves on producing analysis that provides the basis for policy advice and project delivery. The Consumer and Competition Policy Directorate in DBT is responsible for fostering competitive markets that maximise consumer welfare and business productivity. The Directorate aims to be evidence-driven, engaged, collaborative, innovative and influential. We are a friendly team, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion by actively considering how the way we work as team could impact individuals differently. 

The Directorate has four teams: Competition Policy; Consumer Policy, Subsidy Control; and Analysis, Corporate Support and Digital Markets, where this role sits. 

The Analysis team consists of c.10 analysts, leading the Directorate’s research, appraisal and evaluation work and ensuring the analytical underpinning of all the Directorate’s work is robust. We work with policy teams to provide interesting, varied and insightful analysis to support competition policy, consumer policy and subsidy control. Analysis supports all stages of policy development from early problem identification to options assessment and policy evaluation. 

The team works closely with other areas of DBT including the Central Analysis Team and the Department’s Chief Analyst and with other government departments including No 10, HMT and DSIT. It also has good links with key stakeholders such as the CMA, consumer organisations such as Citizens Advice and Which?, and academia.  

Our past work has included:  

• Research and policy design analysis into the impact and prevalence of fake reviews: Investigating the prevalence and impact of fake reviews - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 
• Impact assessment and policy design analysis to support the Digital Market, Competition and Consumer Act: Microsoft Word - Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill - Impact Assessment Summary.docx (parliament.uk) 
• Assessing the case for government intervention into potential profiteering on essential goods during the Coronavirus pandemic. 
• Survey design to understand the overall prevalence of consumer harm, across different types of goods and service purchases in the UK:  Consumer protection study 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

We work flexibly within the team to support each individual’s workload, non-work commitments and their learning and development goals. This means that there will be scope, if desired, for you to work on projects across the competition and consumer policy areas.

Job description

• Collaborating with policy colleagues to design and lead on analysis that influences the future of competition and consumer policy beyond the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill and the current competition and consumer landscape 
• Scoping and delivering research, conducting regulatory impact analysis and evaluations to influence policy across the policy-cycle, and Value for Money analysis to inform the directorate’s spending decisions 
• Engaging and collaborating on common analytical interests with external stakeholders, such as the Competition and Markets Authority, Citizens Advice and academics  
• Contributing to a friendly, supportive and inclusive team environment within the wider Competition, Consumer Policy and Department for Business and Trade analytical communities 
• Line management responsibility for 1-2 junior analysts

Person specification

Essential Criteria 

• Analytical skills – Experience of using analysis to support sound policy development.  
• Collaboration – Experience of collaborating with colleagues across professions and with different backgrounds to deliver shared outcomes. 
• Communication – Experience of communicating analysis to a non-technical audience. 
• Making Effective Decisions – Experience of making and communicating decisions effectively where information is limited or conflicting. 

The successful candidate will need to be or become a member of a government analytical profession: the Government Economic Service, Government Social Research, the Government Statistical Service or the Government Operational Research Service. 

Government Economic Service 

Economists must:  

• Have a first or upper second-class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics. 
• Have studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics. 

Demonstration of skills, knowledge and experience to succeed as a Government Economist at the grade applied for or be an existing member of the Government Economic Service. Technical skills will be assessed against the grade requirement of the Government Economic Service (GES). Details can be found in the GES Framework. These will be assessed during the selection process, including at both sift of your written application and interview. Applicants who are civil servants but not members of the GES and anyone applying from outside government must be able to demonstrate you meet the requirements of the GES, as successful appointment will include membership of the GES. 

For applicants applying after more than a couple of years after university, who are not an existing member of the GES relevant experience consists of experience working on economic analysis or research including for example in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GES through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your economic experience and skills covering the three components of the GES technical framework.  

In the interview, we will also assess your technical economic skills by asking you to present on a pre-prepared topic which will be given to you in advance, for up to 10 minutes. Additional technical economic questions will also be asked as part of the interview.  

All technical questions will be based on the grade specific skills and knowledge required for the GES profession set out in the GES Technical Framework – a copy which can be obtained from the link below:  

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022 

Government Social Research 

To be eligible to apply you will need to hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research. OR hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research. 

In advance of the interview, if you are not an existing member of the Government Social Research (GSR) profession, you will be required to undertake a 45 minute online written “knowledge test”. This test will be supervised and conducted online over MS Teams and involve you responding to a range of exam questions to test your technical knowledge of social research and statistical methods.  

In the interview, we will also assess your technical social research skills by asking you to present on a pre-prepared research topic which will be given to you in advance, for up to 10 minutes. An additional technical question will also be asked as part of the interview.  

All technical questions will be based on the grade specific skills and knowledge required for the GSR profession set out in the GSR framework – a copy which can be obtained from the link below:  

Government Social Research (GSR) Technical Expertise Framework: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-framework 

Government Statistical Service 

The accepted qualifications for statisticians are: 

• A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate subject (2:1 minimum for Assistant Statistician; 2:2 minimum for Statistical Officer) containing at least 25% taught statistical content (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar) 
• A higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar) 
• Have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) logbook) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 5 
• Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least two years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics or data analysis (via a CPD logbook signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession) 

For statistical data scientist posts, the accepted qualifications are: 

• A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or Information Technology (IT) equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills 
• A higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics (this is not a definitive list) 
• Have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a CPD logbook) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or HND Level 5 

Please note candidates may apply in their final year of study while they are still awaiting their qualification result. But formal contracts can only be offered upon confirmation of the achievement of the relevant qualification. In the case of an apprenticeship, this includes completing two years’ work experience in a statistical or data analysis field in government as part of attaining the qualification. 

Applicants who are not already members of the Government Statistician Group (GSG) will be required to do an online statistical test as part of the application process to join the GSG.  

Once you have submitted your application and the application has closed, you will be emailed during standard working hours inviting you to complete the GSS online multiple-choice test. This is a timed test and must be completed within 48 hours for you to be considered for the next stage of the process. You are encouraged to try the test attached to the advert before attempting the real test. Please ensure you inform us ahead of the test if you require any reasonable adjustments to be considered. 

Please note: If you are already a member of the GSG, you are exempt from sitting the online test. To prevent your application being rejected please email dbtrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as you apply to notify us. Once confirmed you will be moved onto the next stage by our recruitment team. 

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

• From the Government Statistician Group competency framework: 
  - Presenting and Disseminating Data Effectively 
  - Acquiring Data/Understanding Customer Needs 
  - Data Analysis 

https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/policy-store/competency-framework-for-the-government-statistician-group-gsg/ 

Government Operational Research 

All candidates applying as operational researchers must meet the external recruitment requirements for operational researchers in terms of academic qualifications (outlined on the GORS website): 

• High numeracy: You must possess a 2:1 or higher numerate degree, or a 2:2 with relevant work experience or postgraduate qualification. 
• Highly numerate degrees include Astrophysics, Data Science, Decision Science, Econometrics, Engineering, Mathematics, Operational Research, Physics and Statistics. 
• Other numerate degrees, such as Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Finance, Geography, IT, Management, Management Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Sciences and Systems Science, may be accepted if 50% or more of the modules are considered highly numerate. 

Desirable Criteria  

Knowledge or interest in learning about research or the economics of competition and consumer policy, such as behavioural science, competition economics and consumer policy research. 

Personal Attributes & Skills 

The ideal candidate would have the ability to design analytical programmes that are effective at influencing policy. They would have a collaborative approach to working with external organisations, and ensuring that analysis is as influential with a wide range of internal colleagues. They would be supportive managers, who create the environment for the junior analyst or analysts they manage to enjoy and grow in their role.  

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £53,560, Department for Business and Trade contributes £14,461 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception.

Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.

After the closing date It is likely that the sift will take place 1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews 3-5 weeks after the closing date though this is subject to change.

To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:  

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
• A Personal Statement of up to 750 words, explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential criteria.

In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the CV Only.  Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview. 

As part of your interview, you will be asked to deliver a short oral presentation, details will be provided prior to your interview.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment:

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section on the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.

Alternatively contact the Government Recruitment Service at DBTrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. 

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

Candidate Support

You may want to join a virtual Candidate Support Session. These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview. 

Please see attached Candidate Pack for further information on: Diversity and Inclusion; Benefits; Learning and Development; Working Patterns and what we deliver as a department.

Further Information:

• A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.
• Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
• The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases. 
• 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. Any applicant who has 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. 
• Terms and Conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you. 
• Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland/Access NI 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

For further information on the Access NI confidential checking service telephone: the Access NI Helpline on 0300 200 7888 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email accessni@ani.x.gsi.gov.uk

Vetting

The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years. Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.  

  For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting

Feedback

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.