About the job

Job summary

At the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA), we encourage applications from everyone, particularly groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. We pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has and promote inclusivity and equality of opportunity for all. Our recruitment process is anonymised, which means that your name, date of birth and other personal details will not be seen by the sift panel.  

Please take note that DVLA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. 

Do you have experience of leading or delivering data science projects? 

Can you present and communicate complex findings in a clear and concise manner?

Would you thrive in a data environment that assists with setting the Agencies direction through the use of data science?   

If so, we would love to hear from you!

This is an excellent opportunity as you will work with colleagues from multiple departments and play an essential role inputting data and data science at the heart of decision making, increasing the impact of data science at the DVLA. 

Would you like to find out more about the role, the team and what it’s like to work at DVLA? If so, we are organising a familiarisation session where you can virtually 'meet the team' on Monday 22nd January 2024 at 12:30pm.

Please click here to book on.  

Job description

You will work closely in a small, dynamic and capable team within Management Information Data Analysis and Science (MIDAS). You will be involved in undertaking the design, development and support of statistical predictive models and big data applications for implementing predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms using both structured and unstructured datasets. 

You will provide robust data sources and analysis, including reports, using DVLA data segmented by customer type, behaviours and trends. The role will be part of the Data Science Team working on a diverse range of projects using vehicles/drivers/medical data delivering in a variety of styles, including Agile.

The role could also involve managing/mentoring a trainee Data Scientist on a year in industry placement as part of their studies. 

Responsibilities

Key accountabilities of the role include: 

• Engaging with stakeholders on specification of agreed projects and maintaining contact throughout duration of assignment and seeking feedback for ways of improving the delivery of services and user requirements.
• Being an advocate of Data Science and being able to communicate complex findings in a clear and concise manner providing business intelligence that can be used for decision making.
• Designing and developing big data applications for implementing predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms, with the goal of discovering valuable insights from available data.
• Building credible statistical models from DVLA and external data sources and use the best coding practices to generate reproducible work.

For an in-depth insight into the role please refer to the attached Role Profile. 

Additional information 

This role will be based in Swansea, and we will be operating a hybrid working model that allows you to work between home and on-site giving you greater flexibility about where and when you work, subject to business needs and this also allows for ongoing support, development, and collaboration with colleagues.  

Therefore, the expectation is that you will spend a minimum of 60% of your working time based at your principal workplace (DVLA). We would encourage you to discuss the working arrangements for this role with us during the recruitment process. 

Occasional UK travel may be required for this role, however you will be notified in advance.

Person specification

• Be inquisitive.
• Explore and visualise data.
• Use data ethically and appropriately.
• Are innovative and adaptable.
• A strong and effective communicator, able to communicate complex findings in a clear and concise manner.

Qualifications

If you do not already hold the following qualification, then this role will provide you with the opportunity to work towards this once in role:

• Degree or equivalent in Data Science or associated subject.

We strive to ensure that DVLA is a great place to work where everybody can be their true self, be treated with dignity and respect, and according to their individual needs. We have a number of staff network groups run by staff to support their colleagues. 

Due to the evolving nature of the business, vacancies can become available at any time. Therefore, this campaign may create a reserve list to fulfil demand if it arises which will be held for a period of 12 months. 

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. 

• Best in class learning and development tailored to your role.  
• An environment with flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
• Generous average employer contribution of 27%, depending on rate of salary and chosen pension scheme.
• 25 days holiday, increasing by one day each year up to 30 days pro rata.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.

There are many more opportunities and great benefits of working at DVLA, visit our Careers website for further information.   

 

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.

How to Apply 

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and Personal Statement (max 1000 words).

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

For your CV and Personal Statement, please provide detailed evidence of your experience of the following essential criteria: 

• Leading or delivering data science projects with tangible outcomes – with expertise in one or more data methods and techniques, e.g., predictive modelling, deep learning, natural language processing etc.
• Collaborative working with staff and external stakeholders at all levels, and communicating data science tools and outputs to a range of audiences.
• Ability to prepare and manipulate data, and perform complex analytic.
• Experience of presenting and communicating effectively.

We need to understand how your skills and experience meet all the essential criteria for this role. You can use any part of your life to demonstrate your skills and experience, but it must be relevant to the role. You can refer to your work experience, education, hobbies, or interests.  

You can decide the best way to structure your Personal Statement. You may choose to address each of the essential criteria on their own. Or you can give one example that covers all the essential criteria we are looking for. Click here for further guidance on submitting your CV and Personal Statement. 

It is essential when submitting your Personal Statement that you provide as much detail as possible, within the word count, against the essential criteria outlined as this will be used in conjunction with your CV to assess candidate suitability to move to the next round in the recruitment process.

The sift is due to take place from Tuesday 30th January 2024.

Interviews will be held from Wednesday 14th February 2024.

This interview will be conducted on site at DVLA, Swansea. Further details of which will be provided to you should you be selected for interview. 

We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates. 

If invited to interview, this may consist of a range of question types. These could include questions around behaviours and how you would respond in any situation as well as specific examples of things you have done. 

The selection process will be designed specifically for the role. As a result, your assessment will include: 

•              an interview and presentation 

You’re encouraged to become familiar with the role profile, as you may be assessed against any of the criteria recorded within. 

The Department for Transport alongside other Government Departments recruit using Success Profiles. This means for each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate in order to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.  

For further information on Success Profiles visit our Careers website. 

Reasonable Adjustments

As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Document Accessibility

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

This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you cannot access the information on our website for any reason, please email DRGComms@dft.gov.uk for assistance.

Further Information

For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit the How We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.

Pre-employment Checking

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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

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.