About the job

Job summary

The Data Services is a small team of three data engineers and one data architect.   

Together they provide the data architecture and build the tools that will enable the Inspectorate to integrate its various and disparate data sources within an Operational Data Warehouse (ODW). 

You will build the tools and processes consistent with the underlying data architecture. 

The ODW will be the single source of truth that will provide the data for internal enterprise system messaging and business intelligence, and external official statistics. 

The Planning Inspectorate has a long and proud history in ensuring a fair planning system for England. The work we do has a significant impact on people’s lives, the communities where they live and the economy.

We want our colleagues to be able to work more flexibly and more collaboratively, exploring new and innovative ways to improve the way we provide services.

For further information on the Planning Inspectorate, please see the information pack attached. You can also view our careers page at Civil Service Careers

Job description

We are looking for people who are adept at problem solving and able to apply critical thinking skills to create effective solutions.

Able to clearly articulate ideas, project status, and complex technical concepts to a diverse range of stakeholders.

Able to anticipate problems before they occur.

Able to adapt quickly to new tools, techniques, and situations.

Possess a desire for continuous learning and self-improvement.

Always be looking for new and improved ways of doing things.

Able to work effectively as part of a team, communicate well with others, and contribute to a positive team culture.

Assist in running the Data Engineering Community of Practice.

A typical day would involve the following

Strategic Planning and Decision Making: Contributing to high-level strategic planning and decision making related to the ODW.

Data Warehouse Design and Implementation: Developing the design, implementation, and maintenance of the ODW.

Stakeholder Engagement: Communicating with stakeholders across the organization, including non-technical staff, management, and external partners. This could involve presenting updates, explaining complex technical information in a clear and understandable way, and gathering input to inform your strategy and decisions.

Problem-Solving: Devising effective and innovative solutions, often involving a combination of technical and organizational approaches.

Training: Oversee knowledge transfer from the external partner in preparation for the end of the ODW project and upskill accordingly.

For full information on the role and assessment process please refer to the candidate pack attached.

Hybrid working

All of our office-based roles are contractually located at Temple Quay House in Bristol. Most of our roles are able to work in a hybrid manner and you will be expected to attend Temple Quay House at least 12 days a year. Depending on your role, you may be required to attend more often than 12 days a year either permanently or temporarily to ensure we deliver our services in the most efficient and effective way for our customers. If you would like to discuss our Hybrid Working Policy in more detail.

Please contact us at PINS.Recruitment@PlanningInspectorate.gov.uk

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Practical experience of data engineering concepts, including modelling, orchestration, and quality assurance.
•  Proficiency in working with relational database systems and experience of using Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services and/or Azure Data Factory.
•  Ability to write optimized and maintainable SQL code for data warehousing, integration, and transformation. Working knowledge of Python programming
•  Understanding of data warehousing principles.
•  Understanding of data governance principles, data security, and privacy requirements. Knowledge of compliance standards like GDPR and Data Protection Act.
•  Ability to diagnose and resolve data engineering issues, optimize data pipelines, and ensure high performance of data solutions.

Desirable Criteria 

• Cloud Platforms: Experience working with cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure. Knowledge of cloud-based data services, such as Azure Data Factory for building scalable and reliable data solutions.
• Agile Methodologies: Understanding of Agile development methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban. Ability to work collaboratively in an Agile team environment, participate in sprint planning, and deliver data engineering solutions iteratively.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,220, Planning Inspectorate contributes £11,984 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 

Complete the online application form on Civil Service Jobs which requires the following information:

• A CV: The CV section is an opportunity for you to detail your career history. It should outline the jobs you have done, the length of time you were employed within each role and a brief description of your role, responsibilities and duties which demonstrate relevance to the role you are applying for against the essential criteria. You must type, or ‘copy and paste’ into the text box called ‘Employment History’ within the online application. You cannot attach a copy of your CV.
• Technical Questions: You will need to answer 3 technical questions.  Technical Headings:  Data Engineering, Microsoft Technologies and Coding and Data Governance. You will be given a 500 word count (maximum) per question.

We will assess your application on the evidence you have provided against the Essential Criteria and technical questions.  

All shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome shortly afterwards.

Interview 

If you are shortlisted, you will:

• Be asked to attend an interview to have a more in-depth discussion about your experience and suitability for the role
• Interviews will be behaviour questions which will have technical elements from the Essential Criteria

Candidates who are successful at shortlist stage will be sent full assessment requirements with their interview invitations. 

Other Information 

Shortlist Date: w/c 13th May 2024

Interview Date: 23rd & 24th May 2024

Interviews are currently being completed remotely using Microsoft Teams. We would like to reassure candidates that the virtual interview will not be recorded (or retained) within the Planning Inspectorate, other than usual interview protocol and in line with the Civil Service jobs Privacy notice.

We encourage all candidates to make themselves familiar with the role and what we will be assessing you against which is detailed in the Person Specification.

The Planning Inspectorate is committed to finding the right person for the job. We recruit using Success Profiles and consider the criteria you will need to demonstrate to be successful for the role, by doing this we are pushing up performance, diversifying our workforce and creating an inclusive culture.

ID and Documents

If specific qualifications/memberships are essential for the role and you are successful, you will be asked to provide accurate scanned or photographed images of the qualifications/memberships that you listed on your application prior to your start date.

We must check that any successful candidates are allowed to work for the Civil Service before we employ them. If successful, you will be asked to provide documents that show your Right to Work under Civil Service Nationality Rules and we must check the documents are valid with you present (either in person or over a video call).

 Disability Confident Interview scheme

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. We run a Disability Confident Interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

To be considered for an interview under the scheme you must:

• have a disability defined by the Equality Act 2010
• provide evidence in your application that you meet the minimum criteria in the job description
• meet all of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential

While we will endeavour to provide you with all the appropriate information, you are the expert on your specific requirements so if you require any adjustments, you should consider the information provided about the assessment process in the candidate pack and then:

•         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. The earlier and more clearly you tell us what you need and why you need it, the more likely we are to be able to accommodate you in a timely fashion.

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.