GSS Summer Student Placements 2027

Are you studying a numerate degree and looking for a meaningful summer placement?

Interested in using data and statistics to tackle real-world challenges?

Want to gain valuable experience while exploring a career in government analysis?

If so, the Government Statistical Service (GSS) could offer the perfect opportunity.

Join us for a summer placement and spend up to three months working in a government department at the heart of decision-making. You will apply the skills you have developed during your studies to support work that informs policies and services that affect millions of people across the UK.

Depending on your placement, you could be helping to:

• Improve transport networks and infrastructure to keep the country moving

• Protect the environment and support sustainable economic growth

• Inform policies on immigration, crime, public safety, health, education and much more

This is a unique opportunity to see how statistics and data help shape government decisions while gaining practical experience in a professional analytical environment.

As a summer placement student, you will become part of a team delivering high-profile work that supports ministers, senior leaders and policy makers across government.

You will contribute to research and analytical projects, using your statistical knowledge to help answer important questions and provide evidence for decision-making. Along the way, you will gain insight into how government operates and how analysis contributes to solving some of the UK's most complex challenges.

During your placement, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work on real projects with genuine impact

• Collaborate with statisticians, data scientists, economists, social researchers and policy professionals

• Gain exposure to different areas of government, from policy development and frontline service delivery to finance and long-term strategy

• Develop valuable workplace skills, including communication, stakeholder engagement and project management

• Join a network of fellow placement students and early career analysts across the GSS

• Benefit from a supportive and inclusive working environment that promotes learning, development and a healthy work-life balance

Placements are available for a continuous period of up to three months between June and August 2027.

This placement is designed to help you build on the knowledge and techniques you have gained during your studies by applying them in a professional setting.

You will work alongside experienced analysts and data professionals, developing your technical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how evidence and statistics influence government policy and public services.

The placement also provides an excellent opportunity to develop broader professional skills and gain experience that will support your future career aspirations.

The Government Statistical Service is one of the UK's largest analytical communities and offers exciting career opportunities across a wide range of government departments.

For many students, a summer placement is just the beginning. If you enjoy your experience with us, we would be delighted to see you pursue a long-term career within the GSS. Throughout your placement, you will receive guidance and support to help you explore future opportunities and prepare for related recruitment campaigns.

Many previous placement students have successfully secured permanent roles with the GSS following graduation, making this an excellent opportunity to gain experience, develop your skills and kickstart a rewarding career in government analysis.

For details of longer term career development opportunities - https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Experience in collection, manipulation and analysis of data and presenting research results (theoretical or practical understanding of basic statistics).

IT literate, with experience of working with a variety of software, especially Excel, including experience of or aptitude for statistical software.

Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate analysis to non-specialists

Ability to work as part of a team to deliver quality statistical advice and analysis, often to tight deadline