46369 - Research Statistician

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This post is ideal for an experienced user of big data, specifically stored in SQL databases, with the ability to write and run queries and stored procedures, have an understanding of data cleansing and data integrity as well as be comfortable with statistical analysis. The ideal candidate must have an inquisitive nature, desire to investigate and passion for obtaining evidence based knowledge, knowing that the data being used and the research being undertaken will be making a difference and improving the lives of offenders.

You must have a proven record of managing, understanding and interrogating large datasets, specifically in SQL. You may be required to offer statistical expertise on a range of projects as well as assist in the planning and designing of research projects, undertaking and then writing-up the analysis, with the aim of publishing your findings. Proven experience in the use of statistical methods and software, e.g. SPSS, Minitab, R is an advantage. You will be excellent at communicating your findings and recommendations both verbally and within written reports to both analysts and laypeople non-technical stakeholders such as senior managers and front-line practitioners.

You will be working as part of a small analytical team, bringing your own experiences and personality to enrich the team, within a friendly, sociable and accomplished larger department. As part of the team, you will be supported throughout and your individual talents will be recognised and utilised, as well as upskilling you in any areas you would like to improve (for example statistical analysis and R, where previous experience is not essential). To supplement your research, opportunities to travel round the country to visit community and custody sites (expenses paid) will be available.

Working at Daresbury Park, in Warrington offers excellent links to both Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire by car (with free parking on site), with the office next to the M56, Junction 11. There are good rail links to Runcorn from Liverpool and Manchester. Flexible working hours (with time off in lieu), opportunities to work from home and generous holiday allowance as standard.

If you have any further queries regarding this vacancy, please contact the CFO Admin team for assistance: CFO-Admin@justice.gov.uk

Overview of the job

Conduct research, analysis and statistics for the HMPPS Co-Financing organisation as well as assisting in researching the entire HMPPS population.

HMPPS Co-Financing Programme (CFO) is a large-scale national employability programme working across all prisons and probation areas. The joint funding structure of the programme necessitates dual governance arrangements to satisfy requirements of both HMPPS and the European Union (EU). The programme combines activity, funding and governance across all programme delivery areas for HMPPS and as such requires detailed knowledge of and effective links to the majority of departments across HMPPS, Youth Justice Board and MoJ. The EU element requires effective links to policymakers and delivery agencies across DWP, Department of Health, Skills Funding Agency and local authorities.

The post falls under Headquarters, and is located at Daresbury Park, Warrington. This post is 100% ESF funded.

The job holder reports to the CFO Information & Analysis Lead and through them to the CFO Lead Manager (Research & Statistics).

The job holder will have line management responsibility for 1 Band 5 member of staff.

Summary

Assist with the calculation of the match funding for HMPPS CFO – helping to prepare the MI, confirm the eligible contracts, produce the reports to demonstrate the match funding to be claimed and satisfy auditors of validity and processes behind the MI.

Lead on the use, analysis and distribution of analytical findings of GIS and address point software.

An in-depth, comprehensive knowledge of the rules and regulations surrounding external funds, especially those associated with European money is essential.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Cover line manager’s (Lead Manager- Research and Statistics) responsibilities when needed.
• Leads with, handles and analyses complex data as the only statistician in HMPPS CFO.
• Lead on the use, analysis and distribution of analytical findings of GIS and address point software.
• Run database changes for the CATS database using SQL queries – with the knowledge to write, understand and validate the queries before they are run to ensure that they are correct and do not damage the data/database.
• Assist in the location of eligible match funding contracts, ensure MI is present and correct and develop/produce reports to show the match funding both for claims to ESF and WEFO and for stringent audits by ESF and the European Court of Auditors.
• Lead in the collating of all the management information required for ESF and WEFO for quarterly claims. Assist in the production of the required reports and ensure that the reports are correctly sent and pass ESF and WEFO data validation checks.
• Research, plan and conduct statistical studies on both the HMPPS cohort and the CATS subset. Document the research with written short summary reports, longer details papers and verbal/PowerPoint presentations. The reports aid in shaping HMPPS CFO policies and helping in shaping wider HMPPS policies.
• Produce ad hoc reports on the HMPPS cohort and the CATS subset, as requested by HMPPS CFO staff, internal and external partners, providers/contractors, senior HMPPS managers and ministers.
• Supports the delivery of bespoke research projects commissioned by specific parts of HMPPS such as the HMPPS board. These will often involve activities such as undertaking 1 to 1’s and running focus groups/analysing questionnaires to gather original data. Undertake data analysis work and support the production of the final report.
• Be proficient in interrogating, extracting and validating the integrity of data sources from relevant databases (e.g. ORACLE) so that analysis and conclusions drawn have validity for decision makers.
• Present and translate information gained from research in a variety of forms to suit the needs of recipients such that it is meaningful and is viewed as having validity.
• Manages large (millions of data points), complex individual-level datasets, such as prisoner data, often matching data from multiple sources.
• Develops, updates and runs programs to restructure, match and analyse data, such as applying historical prison and community population data and future projections to produce estimates of future offender characteristics.
• Support the production of information and reports for HMPPS clients such as DOMS, Governors, HMPPS Board and Heads of Group etc. This includes the production and maintenance of regular “dash board” information.
• Assist with the development of data repositories for clients to draw off their own standard and appropriate reports. Ensure appropriate security and access requirements and provide end user support and any underpinning manuals and documentation.
• Complete regular statistical returns for HMPPS, the European Union, and the Civil Service in general such as: the Office of National Statistics, Public Sector quarterly employer survey, Civil Service annual employee staff survey, Cabinet Office quarterly sickness returns etc.
• Produce regular information for internal clients such as staff in post, joiners, leavers, sickness etc.
• Use the formal document management systems available and ensure appropriate security, version control and archiving of data used and statistical analysis produced.
• Respond to ad hoc requests for information in an appropriate format and a timely manner. For example reports to the succession planning committee, data for the HMPPS annual report and accounts.
• Analyse standard data such as that from the SSC or Probation Service HR platform using appropriate packages such as Excel, Business Objects etc. Provide initial commentary and recommendations for further investigation/action. (Both qualitative and quantitative work).
• Design and deliver smaller ad hoc requests for information in a timely manner.
• Undertake complex modelling and forecasting for HMPPS such as that on workforce planning. This may involve designing the base model.
• Draft responses to parliamentary questions where they are non-complex and statistically based, or provide data and analysis to supplement answers produced by others. Coordinate the administrative aspect of the submission e.g. getting it in on time. Keep an overall record and analysis of PQs and the responses provided.
• Provide information as part of the response to requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act as required.
• Will be involved in the training of others to successfully input data or undertake basic analysis work using specific packages such as Excel, Access or Business Objects etc.
• Undertakes data integrity checking, cleansing and migration work as required.
• The job holder will have line management responsibility for 1 Band 5 member of staff.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating & influencing

Experience

• A knowledge and/or some practical experience of ESF rules and regulations across England and Wales.
• High level of querying skills, primarily SQL or similar.
• Experience in setting up quantitative research, gathering data and analysing data from large datasets using statistical tests and procedures as well as presenting the results verbally and in writing.
• One year of experience of data analysis or statistical research in a government department, or equivalent relevant experience.

Technical Requirements

• Member of a government analytical service (GORS, GES, GSS, GSR), or active commitment to developing to become a member, with a bachelor’s degree in a numerate subject.
• Formal research/statistical qualifications, knowledge and experience of managing research project and statistical analysis – to at least degree level.

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com. Please quote the job reference - 46369.