About the job

Job summary

We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates  

At DfE, we are proud of the commitment we make to diversity and inclusion and of the progress we have made. We have active & vibrant staff networks, special leave policies and workplace adjustments put in place for those who need them. We are continuing to build a diverse DfE, in an inclusive environment which nurtures and realises potential in all, at all levels.

Equality and Diversity - Department for Education

We are looking for a motivated and experienced analyst to lead the Research Engagement Team of the Data Access and Engagement Programme (DAEP). Our Engagement Team is the Department's lead on external academic and research body engagement and interaction. We are looking for an individual to lead and drive an exciting programme of work with influential thinkers to influence and leverage cutting edge analysis and research evidence. This is a fixed-term post running until the end of December 2025.

The team is responsible for developing a programme of work through three ‘lenses’:

1. Development of the  Areas of Research Interest (ARI) document (including annual updates and getting clearance to publish),
2. helping lead a programme of work promoting use of our data sets, and
3. innovation in researcher policy thinking and methodological approaches.

The team comprises one G7 and one SRO.

We are seeking a motivated and talented individual with a passion for research and analysis, and who enjoys talking to the best academics, researchers and analysts in the UK and internationally. 

This role is open to badged analysts applying on promotion and level transfer. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and leading the work with an SEO in support. 

Job description

Working with the Head of the Research Knowledge and Engagement Unit and members of the Data Operations Division, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing a programme of research engagement that is linked to the Department’s activity to make our data and linked data sets more accessible to academic and professional researchers. The programme will allow more systematic reach out to the wider research community, helping to improve the policy relevance of work carried out outside the department and cementing relationships with a wider range of academics in a larger range of academic subject areas than is currently the case.

As well as driving the programme of engagement over the next two years, the role will provide the opportunity to talk to a wide range of research stakeholders, including academic researchers, research organisations, funders and other parties with an interest in educational analysis and research. 

Working with one team member, the role holder will be responsible for DAEP project management, reporting progress to ADR UK and the programme Steering Group. In liaison with the Data Access team, the role holder will maintain the programme risk register and help develop the programme Theory of Change and performance metrics.

This is an exciting opportunity to realise a vision of high-impact research influence, supporting development of data and research strategic thinking and improved access to and use of policy and practice relevant research evidence that can be used to underpin policy decision making and evaluation.

Person specification

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following:

Essential criteria

• Demonstrated ability in working at pace and influencing senior colleagues and research stakeholders.
• Proven ability to plan and manage projects and programmes of research or analysis.
• Good analytical skills and ability to synthesise data from a variety of sources and make clear recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• If you are a Civil Service badged analyst, there are no minimum qualifications required.
• If you are not a badged analyst, then you will need a degree in a relevant subject.

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of data and research in an educational and/or children’s social care context.

Desirable criteria will only be assessed in the event of a tie break situation to make an informed decision.

This post is intended for a badged analyst. Applicants must state which analytical profession they are badged in. Applicants who are not badged, or who hold multiple badges, must state which profession they wish to be assessed against. All applicants must meet the minimum standard on the appropriate competency framework for Grade 7 level in one of the analytical professions in order to be considered for this post and if not currently badged will be expected to seek badged status if appointed. Details of the Competency Frameworks may be found here:

• GSG
• GSR 
• GES
• GORS 

Benefits

Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.

 As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK, with an average employer contribution of 27%.

You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours. 

Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.

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 Stage
To apply for this role, you are asked to submit:

1. A CV, including details of roles held, key responsibilities and achievements, and 
2. A statement of suitability that reflects why you think you are suitable for the role, making reference to the criteria in the person specification (1000 words maximum).

In the event of a large number of applicants, we will perform an initial sift on Qualifications and CV only. 

Interview Stage
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview which will include a presentation and interview questions relating to:

• Technical analytical skills at Grade 7 level (focusing on ‘identifying research needs’ and ‘understanding the government context’).
• Civil Service Behaviours: Seeing The Bigger Picture, Communicating & Influencing, Delivering At Pace, and Working Together

The topic of the presentation will be provided at least 5 working days before interview.

Other Information

We reserve the right to raise the minimum pass mark in the event of a high volume or strong field of candidates.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.

The government is committed to supporting apprenticeships, enabling people to learn and progress in a role whilst earning. We want to monitor the number of people who have completed apprenticeships who are now applying to progress further in their career and are asking this question to all candidates, on all vacancies. You will be asked a question as part of the application process about any previous apprenticeships you have completed. Your response to this question will not affect your application and it is not a requirement of the role to have completed a previous apprenticeship.   

DfE cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DfE holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe 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 circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks.DFE@education.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.

A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.

Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location.

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.

Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs

Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.

Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.

Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information.

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 Department of Education via centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk 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.

Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming 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/

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. 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.