Senior Statistical Officer

Do you want your work to make a meaningful difference to the UK? The Government Statistical Service (GSS) is a cross‑government community that collects, analyses and publishes the statistics that inform decisions across the economy, public services and society.

As a Government Statistician, youll work at the heart of government on high‑profile analysis and research. Youll join a welcoming analytical community, collaborating with experienced statisticians and data specialists across government. From the start, your work will influence real decisions affecting people and services across the UK.

The GSS offers exceptional variety from health and education to the environment and the economy along with structured training, expert support and clear opportunities to develop your career. Youll also help drive innovation by using modern tools and techniques to improve how government uses data.

As a Senior Government Statistical Officer, youll drive analytical work that informs some of the most important decisions in the country. Youll take responsibility for the full analytical lifecycle from designing new data solutions, to quality assurance, through to communicating clear, influential insights to stakeholders.

Many roles involve managing teams of analysts and non‑analysts, supporting others to grow and championing the use of new tools, technologies and innovative analytical methods. Youll develop deep technical expertise through ongoing professional development, while contributing to a strong, collaborative analytical culture across your department and the wider GSS.

Whether this is your first introduction to the GSS or youre already familiar with our community, the candidate pack (bottom of page) provides a detailed look at what its like to work as a statistician in government and the impact you can make.

Key Responsibilities

Every role in the GSS is unique shaped by the department and the challenges youll support. In this role, you will:

• Design and develop innovative data solutions, creating new collections and drawing on multiple sources to meet user needs.
• Build strong, proactive relationships with customers, engaging early to understand requirements and communicating findings clearly, including limitations.
• Influence debate and decision‑making, ensuring robust data is collected, analysed and used effectively.
• Champion new tools, technologies and analytical techniques, acting as a key point of contact across teams.
• Apply appropriate statistical methods, adapting your approach to interrogate and manipulate diverse and complex data sources.
• Deliver high‑quality statistical advice and analysis, taking ownership of outputs produced by both yourself and the teams you lead.
• Develop the capability of others, sharing expertise on data sources, data manipulation and innovation across your team or wider business area.

We are looking for the following skills and experience in the following essential areas;

• proven leadership capability and experience to overcome challenges alongside managing a team and prioritising tasks in line with organisational aspirations
• demonstrable analytical experience, including a track record in the practical application of analysis or research with an in depth knowledge of data sources
• experience of managing the delivery of complex projects and delivering quality outcomes to meet customer demands
• good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex analysis to non-specialists and contribute effectively to discussions with ministers, senior officials and external stakeholders
• ability to deliver high impact analysis to tight deadlines, using forward planning to identify risks and issues