Features: Statisticians Fast Stream

Written by Rachel Shepherd, Editor, Graduate Prospects, March 2013

As a statistician you will help people to make informed decisions with the evidence you provide. Joining the Civil Service Fast Stream can help you to do this

Statistics help to provoke public debate and are used everywhere from newspaper articles to TV adverts and this was part of the attraction for Sam Cuthbertson.

'I chose this Stream because statistics matter. I firmly believe good public statistics inform and raise the level of debate about the issues we all care about and I wanted to be a part of that.'

Sam was appointed to the Ministry of Justice in August 2011 as a Fast Stream Statistician and he has had the opportunity to get involved in projects that really get people thinking.

'I was involved in publishing statistics on sexual offending in England and Wales. While I was a bit worried when I saw the numbers on the newspaper front pages, it was a special feeling to know that you had supported an issue of really important current public debate.'

Structured learning

The Government Statistical Service (GSS)  is the UK's largest producer of statistics, providing trusted, authoritative information, making valued input and informing decision making at the very highest level.

'GSS statisticians work at the heart of government, are intellectually stretched, undertake responsible and meaningful work and advise on issues that are significant to the whole country,' says Simon Nicholas, scheme manager.

Statistician Fast Streamers take part in a structured learning and development process and are supported to work across different departments to help develop their core and statistical skills. The initial aim of Fast Streamers should be to gain promotion to a senior management role, with the long-term goal to become senior civil servants and high level statistical advisers.

In addition to a structured development plan, graduates can enjoy:

• a personal, professional coach;
• access to centralised career guidance and advice;
• direct leadership from the National Statistician;
• focused learning and development opportunities;
• 23-30 days annual leave plus public holidays;
• a starting salary of around £25k-£28k.

Necessary skills

'We look for people who are inquisitive and self-confident. Most importantly, you must have the communication skills to disseminate your findings to a variety of different audiences - whether it is giving a presentation in a high-profile meeting or in a conversation with a government minister,' says Simon.

You need to have minimum 2:1 degree in a subject containing formal statistical training such as statistics, maths, economics, sociology, science or geography. In addition to this you need to be highly numerate and able to demonstrate exceptional teamwork, problem solving and organisational skills.

'The application process is challenging but achievable and has great benefits at the other end. If you have the desire to use your analytical skills for something which can make a genuine impact on society then this is for you,' advises Simon.

Communication and teamwork

'I often describe my job as being a story-teller. I have to decide how best to communicate the information we have and what it all means. You have to remember that not everyone likes numbers as much as you do,' says Sam.

You will be working with a team of people who all share a common vision of trying to improve the way the country works. When you stop and look at the whole of government there are so many opportunities you can get stuck into including the health service, education and the economy.

Of course there are challenges as Sam points out, 'Someone once told me that 'Statisticians need to get out more'. I think that is true. We all find the numbers really interesting and perhaps spend too much time on them but we also need to spend time with the people who need to understand and use them.'

To find out more visit Civil Service Fast Stream - Statisticians Fast Stream
Chat with other Fast Streamers online at Facebook - Fast Stream