About the job

Job summary

The Government People Group (GPG) exists to work with departments, professions, and functions to build a modern, effective Civil Service.

We support the government workforce with the right skills and capability. We are working with leaders to get the right people in the right jobs, with the right skills and continuous learning to excel in their roles.

We provide leadership, and in turn, create leaders with exceptional line management capability across departments, influencing partners in the wider public sector and beyond. This involves getting our retention and reward strategy right, to nurture specific skills, and create pride and resilience in our workforce.

Our role is also to provide system leadership across central government in pulling together back office services. Collectively, we help support the Cabinet Office’s priority to drive efficiencies, and reforms that will make government work better, to ultimately provide a better service to the public.

The role available sits within the Platforms, Data and Interoperability (PD&I) directorate. The team provides first-class platforms and services for over 400,000 civil servants, including recruitment, data analysis, skills, insight and learning solutions. We have a responsibility for the operation and modernisation of Civil Service digital and data platforms. 

You will be based within the Data and Insight team, who have developed a data platform and are the lead analytical unit in GPG. Across our newly created team we provide a range of insight and data services which drive value for a range of internal clients e.g. objective and high-quality data analytics, statistical reporting and operational research to support senior leaders. Our services enable users to understand and tackle complex problems, increase operational effectiveness and develop their organisational strategy.

Job description

We are looking for a Data Analyst to join our Data and Insights team, who will strengthen and develop the suite of data products for recruitment. 

This vacancy provides 9 month cover for a HEO position within the team and offers an exciting opportunity to work hands-on with cross-government recruitment and other HR data. The postholder will deliver data products and data-driven reports to the strategic centre of the Civil Service.  The role can be adapted to suit different analytical skill sets. We welcome applications from existing Analysts established in any of the analytical professions (Operational Research, Economics, Statistics etc.) however this is not essential.

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Recruitment Data Scientist, the role of Data Analyst will have the following set of responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Analysis and synthesis: understand how to apply basic techniques for the analysis of research data and synthesis of findings.
• Communication: communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Data management: understand data governance and how it works in relation to other organisational governance structures.
• Data modelling, cleansing & enrichment: produce data models and understand where to use different types of data models. understand industry-recognised data modelling patterns and standards.
• Data quality assurance, validation and linkage: identify appropriate ways to collect, collate and prepare data. Able to decide if data is accurate and fit for purpose.
• Data visualisation: use the most appropriate medium to visualise data to tell compelling stories that are relevant to business goals and can be acted upon and present, communicate and disseminate data appropriately and with influence.
• IT & Mathematics: apply your knowledge and experience of IT and mathematical skills, including tools and techniques.
• Logical and creative thinking: respond to problems in databases, data processes, data products and services as they occur.
• Project management: apply your knowledge and experience of project management methodologies, including tools and techniques.
• Statistical methods and data analysis: understand how and when to practically apply existing best practice solutions.

This list is not exhaustive, you may be required to carry out additional duties according to business needs.

Person specification

As a team, we are passionate about development and the short-term nature of this post means we are flexible about how applicants might approach the role. 

For example, you could be currently working in a different profession and be looking to develop some data skills, in which case we can help you get started with the basics of data analysis. If this describes you, on sifting we will be looking for evidence of potential and a record of a proactive approach to building and testing these skills in your current role. 

Alternatively, you could have been working in data for a while and you’re looking to gain new skills and experience working innovatively on high-profile projects that have the potential to impact all Civil Servants.

Key is willingness to identify ways to innovate and improve existing processes for us to be more effective and efficient with our data products and packs for recruitment, we are looking for someone with expertise in data visualisation tools. Ideally, you will have experience of working successfully in a complex organisation with good written and verbal communication skills whilst forging effective relationships with both stakeholders. 

Essential:

• Analytical abilities in a research or data context or a desire to build these skills.
• Ability to apply critical thinking and domain expertise to interpret results and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Applied knowledge of visualisation software such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, PowerBi, R Shiny for the creation of dashboard for multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills to present findings and insights to diverse audiences.
• Experience of working with customers and stakeholders and providing a high quality service.
• An interest in recruitment and/or equality, diversity and inclusion analysis.
• Using data to identify and solve complex business problems and answer research questions.

Desirable:

• Proficiency in statistical techniques and methods (e.g. hypothesis testing, regression analysis, experimental design).
• Knowledge of AWS data pipeline infrastructure e.g. Lambda, ECS and Step functions or similar experience working with data pipelines and their upkeep.

Further information: 

This role is a Government Digital Data and Pay position and belongs to the data family group (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.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete:

1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. 
2. A Personal Statement  on how you demonstrate the essential and any of desirable criteria (maximum 750 words)

The Personal Statement should explain how your skills and experience are relevant to the role. This should include examples showing how you have completed similar responsibilities and activities. You should focus on the essential criteria listed in the person specification section.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Your CV and Personal Statement are your opportunities to show us how your experience means that you meet the criteria for this role. Your CV should cover your skills, qualifications, job history, and achievements to date and your Personal Statement is the chance to further expand on this and give specific examples of where you have demonstrated the criteria for the role. Giving examples rather than just saying you're experienced with a certain requirement will strengthen your statement and enable the sift panel to understand more about your suitability for the role.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be undertaken using the CV.

Interview process

Candidates successful at the sift stage will be invited to interview. At the interview, you will be assessed on three Behaviours, and two Technical Skills. For the technical questions, this will be against the Government Digital and Data and Pay framework for Data Analysts 

Expected timeline (subject to change)

Expected sift date – TBC
Expected interview date/s – TBC
Interview location - Online

Further Information

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

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

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 or Disclosure Scotland 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 

Please note that this role requires SC clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years. 

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.

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

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.

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

Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

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. 

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.