About the job

Job summary

The Government Commercial and Grants Services (GCGS) team works across two key Government Functions, the Commercial Function and the Grants Management Function. We deliver best in class digital, data and analytical solutions to drive meaningful services with cutting edge technology and data driven insights, enabling greater efficiencies and more integrated ways of working across c.£172bn of government grant funding and c.£50bn of procurement spend. Part of the Government Grants and Commercial Directorate, GCGS is a fast paced and exciting place to work. The team is leading the way through use of digital tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness of grants and contract administration, while simultaneously improving data completeness and accuracy.

Through our collective efforts we have delivered true value to the public and we are excited to be taking the next steps in our journey. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and implement services that will make a huge difference to communities across the UK. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Job description

This is an exciting role working in a unique organisation at the heart of Government. We are looking for someone ambitious, driven and inquisitive about trends who will inspire others to look to analysis for the answers!

You will be joining a friendly team who are passionate in how we can use data in new and innovative ways to support decision making across Government.

This role has a critical role in collecting data across government, publishing annual Official Statistics and delivering insightful reporting to ministers and senior officials.

We are looking for someone ambitious, driven and inquisitive about trends who will inspire others to look to analysis for the answers.

You will be joining a friendly team who are passionate in how we can use data in new and innovative ways to support decision making across government.

The GCG Data & Analytical Services team provides analytical support to both the GGMF and the Government Commercial Function (GCF). We lead a broad range of analytical projects, from publishing official statistics to economic appraisal and evaluation.

This role sits in our Reporting pillar, as well as leading a range of ad-hoc analytical projects across the team.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this role include:

• Delivering the annual Official Statistics publication on grant spending
• Engage with all government departments to collect, quality assure and sign-off their data ahead of publication;
• Support the production of the publication and ensure that it is robust;
• Continuously improve the publication and underlying data quality to add value to the public;
• Support departments to meet appropriate data standards and drive continuous improvement in data quality. Leading the development and delivery of the GGMF and GCF dashboard suite:
• Using Power BI to create, develop and improve the dashboards within the GGMF Reporting Suite to transform data into valuable insight for senior managers, the wider Cabinet Office and Departments;
• Working with a range of stakeholders to scope requirements for new products and drive continuous improvement;
• Analyse data from a range of sources and systems from across Government, providing insightful and actionable reports back to the team and wider colleagues across Cabinet Office;
• Coordinate data collection and data cleansing to develop a suite of innovative cross-government reports. Deliver impactful analysis to senior stakeholders;
  Lead ad-hoc analytical projects to support strategic priorities;
• Ensure that analysis is robust and communicated effectively;
• Work with stakeholders to understand requirements and agree realistic delivery plans.

They will be responsible for the direct line management of at least two analysts, and matrix manage others on specific projects. The post holder may be required to carry out other duties within the scope of the grade and within the limits of their skill, competence and training; the post holder may also occasionally be required to carry out responsibilities at a higher level.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills. You understand how to apply basic techniques for analysis of research data and synthesis of findings. You know how to involve your team in analysis and synthesis. You can present clear findings that colleagues can understand and use.
• Communication skills. You can translate and communicate accurate information to technical and non-technical stakeholders. You know how to facilitate discussions within a multidisciplinary team, with potentially difficult dynamics. You can advocate for the team externally and manage differing perspectives.
• Data management. You understand data governance and how it works in relation to other organisational governance structures. You can participate in or deliver the assurance of a service.
• Data modelling, data cleansing, and data enrichment skills. You can produce data models and understand where to use different types of data models. You understand different tools and can compare different data models.
• You know how to reverse-engineer a data model from a live system. You understand industry-recognised data-modelling patterns and standards.
• Data visualisation. You know how to use the most appropriate medium to visualise data to tell compelling and actionable stories relevant for business goals. You can present, communicate and disseminate data appropriately and with high impact.
• Logical and creative thinking skills. You know how to respond to problems in databases, data processes, data products and services as they occur. You can initiate actions, monitor services and identify trends to resolve problems. You know how to determine the appropriate remedy and can help to implement it as well as preventative measures.
• Project management skills. You know how to apply your knowledge and experience of project management methodologies, including tools and techniques. You know how to adopt those most appropriate for the environment.
• Proven IT and mathematical skills. You know how to apply your knowledge and experience of these skills, including tools and techniques. You can adopt those most appropriate for the environment.
• Quality assurance, validation and data linkage abilities. You can recognise and identify appropriate ways to collect, collate and prepare data. You can decide if data is accurate and fit for purpose. You know how to do your own data preparation and cleansing with limited guidance.
• Statistical methods and data analysis skills. You know how and when to practically apply existing best-practice solutions.
• You must be an existing member, or be eligible to become a member, of one of the following professions: Government Statistical Service (Statistical post), Government Operational Research Service or the Government Digital & Data Profession (Data Analyst). 

Additional information:

A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. Although requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,400, Cabinet Office contributes £9,558 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.

Application process

To apply, please provide

1. CV

2. Statement of suitability (500 words maximum): see below*

3. Statement on technical skill (250 words maximum): Knowledge of analytical methods - please describe a time where you have conducted a piece of analysis to solve a real world problem.

Please use the Statement of Suitability to provide evidence of how you meet the essential criteria outlined above and how your skills and experience make you a suitable candidate. Please include whether you are currently a member of the Government Statistical Service, Government Operational Research Service or the Government Digital & Data Profession; or which of Government Statistical Service, Government Operational Research Service or the Government Digital & Data Profession you meet the entry requirements for and wish to become a member of.

At the interview stage, Applicants will be assessed against the professional competency framework of their chosen profession at the interview stage: 

Government Operational Research Service Competency framework 

The areas that will be assessed at interview are:

• Knowledge & Application of OR skills and techniques (GORS Level 2)
• Achieving impact with analysis (GORS Level 2)

Government Statistical Service Competency framework

The areas that will be assessed at interview are:

• Data Analysis (Higher Statistical Officer)
• Presenting and disseminating data effectively (Higher Statistical Officer)

Government Digital & Data Profession Capability framework

The areas that will be assessed at interview are:

• Analysis and synthesis (Data Analyst, Level: working)
• Statistical methods and data analysis  (Data Analyst, Level: working)
• Data visualisation (Data Analyst, Level: working)

The Civil Service behaviours that will be assessed at interview are:
● Communicating and Influencing
● Delivering at Pace
● Leadership
● Making Effective Decisions

The Civil Service behaviour framework (CS_Behaviours_2018) can be found attached below (Level 3 - HEO and SEO or equivalent).

Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Selection process
Sifting will be during week commencing 03/06/2024 and interviews expected week commencing 24/06/2024. Please note that all interviews are currently being conducted remotely via Google Meet.

Applicants will be assessed against the professional competency framework of their chosen profession at the interview stage.

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 cabinetofficerecruitment.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 interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Further information
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 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.

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

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. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.

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

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.

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.

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.