Government Statistical Service (GSS) : Employer profile

Company profile

The population, the economy, the environment, the labour market, transport, crime, education and health. These are just some of the topics covered by the Government Statistical Service. Ours is a vital data management role, and the statistics we produce are reported daily on TV, radio and in the national press.

A professional body of analysts, spread across more than 30 government departments and agencies, we employ more than 1,000 professional statisticians and many more support staff. Our teams collect, analyse and publish Official and National UK statistics on all aspects of national life and there are many opportunities to join them as a Statistical Officer or as part of our Statistician Fast Stream Graduate Programme.

The role of a Statistical Officer
Statistical Officers provide an informational and statistical advisory service to government, Parliament and the wider community. Their input is used in developing, implementing and monitoring government policy.

As a Statistical Officer, you will be part of a team that analyses data from a wide variety of GSS surveys and other sources. Through close cooperation with ministers and policy-makers, you will ensure that statistics play an effective role in shaping and monitoring government policy and performance.

The Statistician Fast Stream Graduate Programme
The Statistician Fast Stream Graduate Programme is an accelerated training and development graduate programme for people who have the potential to become the future leaders of the Civil Service. Statisticians on the Fast Stream Graduate Programme (also known as Assistant Statisticians) are involved in all aspects of government policy, establishing the statistical pros and cons behind some of the most important questions facing society today.

During your time on the Fast Stream Graduate Programme, you can be working in any government department or agency, from the Ministry of Defence to the Department for International Development. So you could have an impact on any area of social and economic activity at regional, national and international levels.

Fast Stream Statisticians develop their expertise by undertaking a series of postings in a range of departments or agencies. These postings, usually lasting between 12 and 18 months, will help you sharpen your technical, managerial and statistical communication skills.
Fast Stream intake opens twice a year, spring and autumn.

Why join the Civil Service?
As a Statistical Officer or Statistician on the Fast Stream Graduate Programme, you can look forward to a varied and interesting career. There will be many opportunities for you to move between departments to broaden your experience and to gain new skills. You will be expected to learn quickly about different fields of government, and will be in position to make a valuable contribution wherever you go.

There are also a number of excellent benefits that a career in the Government Statistical Service can bring. These include:

• Competitive salary
• Training and development
• Excellent opportunities for promotion and progression
• 25-30 days annual holiday plus 10.5 days of privilege and public holidays
• Family-friendly benefits (including flexible working hours, part-time, job share, crèches, holiday play schemes, childcare assistance, maternity and paternity leave)
• Choice of pension scheme
• Sports and social facilities.

Training and Development
You will receive comprehensive, high-quality training linked to a structured framework of competencies. Each department’s approach to training and development varies, but you will be guided by an experienced statistician and your line manager in developing your skills and career. Some departments also offer assistance in gaining further educational or professional qualifications in approved studies.

You should have, or hope to obtain this year, one of the following:

• A first or second class-honours degree in a numerate discipline such as mathematics, economics, psychology or geography (applications are welcome from those whose degree contain formal statistical training)
• A Graduate Diploma of the Royal Statistical Society
• An equivalent qualification.

We also welcome applications from candidates who do not have a degree but can demonstrate significant experience in a statistics-related field plus continuing professional development in a relevant area that leads to qualifications (e.g. RSS Higher Certificate).

Where are the posts located?
We have posts available in many government departments both in London and across the rest of England and Wales. A list of departments and locations is available at: http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/recruitment/departments-and-accredited-ndpbs

How to apply

If you are interested in becoming a Statistical Officer, joining the Statistician Fast Stream Graduate Programme or any other opportunities in the GSS, please click the apply online button.