Data Analyst

The ONS operates a flexible hybrid working model across the UK, with colleagues linked to one of our contractual locations working between office and remote throughout the week. The locations for this role are Newport, Titchfield (Fareham), Manchester, Darlington.All colleagues are required to work from their contractually allocated site for at least 40% of their working time. Due to current capacity constraints there is currently an exception for colleagues based at the Darlington Economic Campus, this is expected to move to 40% attendance in 2027-28.The induction process for the role will be conducted in person.Job SummaryHere at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), we have unrivalled access to a vast breadth and depth of data. Every day, we use this to produce trusted statistics and insightful analysis that informs both the public and policymakers on the issues that matter most.Our work spans the production of essential economic statistics and the analysis that brings them to life to support decision makers and help people understand the UK economy. Our key focus is producing high quality, relevant and timely core statistics: gross domestic product, inflation, public sector finances, labour market statistics, trade and the balance of payments. We're also expanding our use of administrative data, while transforming our surveys and moving off legacy statistical systems.Following the recent independent review of ONS by Sir Robert Devereux, we’ve launched our Economic Statistics Plan (ESP)—a bold response to restore quality and confidence in our economic statistics. The plan outlines how we assess the quality of our core outputs, the steps we’re taking to address risks and challenges, and the foundations we’re laying for the future. These changes will help us build a more resilient statistical system that supports confident decision-making and a clearer understanding of UK society.Delivering the ESP successfully requires a collective effort. As part of that, ONS are recruiting a number of Data Analysts to help us understand, manipulate, and accurately analyse data—providing insight that informs both internal and external audiences.You will play a key role in delivering the Plan, and in developing our people, building good working relationships across the organisation and making ONS a great place to work.Job DescriptionData analysts collect, organise and study data to provide business and operational insight. They work across a broad range of areas and topics.Data analysts understand, manipulate and accurately analyse data to provide insight about a topic for internal and external audiences. They make complex topics easier for everyone to understand, including non-specialist audiences.Key Responsibilities Of Data Analysts Include:manage, clean, abstract and aggregate data alongside a range of analytical studies on that dataidentify, collect and migrate data to and from a range of systemsmanipulate and link different data setshelp with data quality checking and cleaninguse tools and techniques for data analysis, data visualisation and provision of business insightpresent data and conclusions logically and concisely in the most appropriate format, while following the Analysis Function standardssummarise and present the results of data analysis to a range of customers — this includes making recommendations for how to use the datainterpret and apply relevant data information security standards, policies and procedures to dataperform routine statistical analysis and answer queries, which may include the production of reportsuse a range of analytical techniques such as data mining, time series, forecasting and modelling techniques to identify and predict trends in datawork with data architectureuse coding and programming skills for data and analyticsPlease note we will not be badging to an analytical profession as part of this campaign.Data analysts collect, organise and study data to provide business and operational insight. They work across a broad range of areas and topics.Data analysts understand, manipulate and accurately analyse data to provide insight about a topic for internal and external audiences. They make complex topics easier for everyone to understand, including non-specialist audiences.Key Responsibilities Of Data Analysts Include:manage, clean, abstract and aggregate data alongside a range of analytical studies on that dataidentify, collect and migrate data to and from a range of systemsmanipulate and link different data setshelp with data quality checking and cleaninguse tools and techniques for data analysis, data visualisation and provision of business insightpresent data and conclusions logically and concisely in the most appropriate format, while following the Analysis Function standardssummarise and present the results of data analysis to a range of customers — this includes making recommendations for how to use the datainterpret and apply relevant data information security standards, policies and procedures to dataperform routine statistical analysis and answer queries, which may include the production of reportsuse a range of analytical techniques such as data mining, time series, forecasting and modelling techniques to identify and predict trends in datawork with data architectureuse coding and programming skills for data and analyticsPlease note we will not be badging to an analytical profession as part of this campaign.Person specificationEssential Criteria -Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Able to effectively engage internal and external stakeholders, build close working relationships, and communicate complex statistics clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leaders.Analysis of Data – Able to understand, explain, and work with a variety of data sets and types, including identifying trends, resolving errors, and applying programming languages to process, analyse, and assure the quality of both quantitative and qualitative data.Application of Knowledge - Able to act independently in the application of specialist knowledge to arrive at evidenced conclusions, options and/or recommendations.Effective Communication - Able to identify and communicate trends, impacts, movements, and anomalies in the statistics to more senior members of the branch, other teams within the organisation and occasionally external stakeholders.QualificationsWe welcome applications from individuals who satisfy the essential criteria and eligibility for the professions as listed in the attachment below.Candidates need to hold at least; A 2.1 degree in economics OR A 2.1 in a social science related subject with sufficient research OR A 2:2 in a numerate subject containing taught statistical content.All candidates are expected to ensure they meet the entry requirements. Failure to meet these requirements will result in your application being rejected.BehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:Making Effective DecisionsCommunicating and InfluencingWorking TogetherTechnical skillsWe'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:Data Quality - Understands and can explain statistical / research methods and the differences between sources, such as concepts or different data sets. Is able to design and choose best methods for data collection.Analysis Approach - Utilises analytical tools to analyse data for trends and gaps, applying approved techniques to create coherent series’ and data modellingPresentation / Dissemination - Communicates in a straightforward and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding.Alongside your salary of £34,075, Office for National Statistics contributes £9,871 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.The Office for National Statistics is part of the Civil Service, and as such we share a number of key benefits with other departments, whilst also having our own unique offerings to support our 5400 valued colleagues across the business.Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that the benefits pack attached (bottom of page) will give you a great insight into the benefits and facilities available to our colleagues, and our fantastic working culture.  Inclusion & AccessibilityAt ONS we are always looking to attract the very best people from the widest possible talent pool, and we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer. As a Disability Confident Leader we’re committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, please contact the recruitment team in the first instance.If you would like an accessible version of any of the attachments or recruitment documents below or linked to in this advert, please contact the recruitment team who will be happy to assist.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.Security ClearanceFor ONS the requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for 3 consecutive years immediately prior to applying and the department will consider eligibility by exception on a case-by-case basis. You will be asked to provide information regarding your UK residency during your application, and failure to provide this will result in your application being rejected.If you are unsure that you meet the eligibility above, please read the information available on Gov.uk on this link, or contact the recruitment email on the advert before applying to discuss, as failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected and any offer of employment being withdrawn.At the point of SC application, you will need to provide or give access to the following evidence: Departmental or company records (personnel files, staff reports, sick leave reports and security records) UK criminal records covering both spent and unspent criminal records Your credit and financial history with a credit reference agency Security Services recordsArtificial intelligence (AI) software such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot and Gemini are powerful tools that can create and review text in ways that mimic what people can do. These tools can help you enhance your application and prepare for the process, but it is essential you use them appropriately. They must also not be used to provide misleading or false information at any stage of the application journey.It is also important to understand that while AI can help you prepare for an interview, you must not use it to produce responses during an interview.For full guidance in relation to the use of AI through the recruitment process, please click here.Application ProcessNumber of Stages: 2 stage processStage 1: ApplicationStage 2: InterviewStage 1 – ApplicationThe assessment process at the application stage will be based on your work history, skills, experience, CV, and personal statement. It is important that your application is tailored to highlight the skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to the role.A 1250 word personal statement is required at application stage, which should not be exceeded. Where it is a requirement to make a personal statement, you should provide evidence for each essential skill criterion listed in the person specification. As these criteria are scored, it is advisable to give clear examples for each one, including the impact of your actions, ideally utilising the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result).Please note that Success Profiles Behaviour examples are not required at this stage of the application process.In instances where a high number of applications are received, the sift pass mark may be adjusted, and candidates will be invited to interview based on merit order, i.e., those with the highest scores.Stage 2 – InterviewIf invited to interview, you will be assessed using techniques aligned with the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, covering all behaviours listed in the job advert and any required technical skills.A presentation may be required at interview.Interviews may be in person or via Microsoft Teams.Our main locations are Newport (South Wales), Titchfield and Darlington and Manchester.A reserve list may be held for a period up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made.The Sift will be conducted from 29th OctoberInterviews will be conducted from 19th NovemberFor the full terms and conditions of the post, please see attachment.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.SecuritySuccessful 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.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 requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals 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 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe 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.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.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob Contact :Name : Anthony JonesEmail : anthony.jones@ons.gov.ukTelephone : Anthony.jones@ons.gov.ukRecruitment teamEmail : Anthony.jones@ons.gov.ukFurther informationIf you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact recruitment.complaints@ons.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission