Location
Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Salford
About The Job
Job summary
The Post Office is an essential part of the UK’s economic infrastructure, supporting high streets and businesses, and contributing directly to the Government’s mission to kick start economic growth. Exploring ways to strengthen the Post Office network is a manifesto commitment for the Government and a priority for the Department for Business and Trade.
A review of the future of the Post Office is underway, and DBT Ministers announced the intention to publish a Green Paper in the first half of 2025 that will seek the public’s views on proposals for reform of the Post Office. This is an exciting opportunity to join the team working to ensure the Post Office is fit for the modern world. Given the complexity and scale of some of the challenges faced by the Post Office, high-quality analysis is integral to shaping this future.
This role also leads the analytical team supporting DBT’s sector teams on consumer-facing sectors, including creative industries, one of the eight growth-driving sectors in the Industrial Strategy. Here, our mission is to provide authoritative analysis that influences policymaking to increase productivity and support UK business growth. We seek to:
- Deliver an evidence-based implementation of HMG policy including the Industrial Strategy, the Growth Mission and Net Zero agenda
- Shape new policy thinking for sectors accounting for hundreds of thousands of jobs in key regional clusters
- Assure the Value for Money of HMG’s sectoral investments
Job Description
The role will lead one of the two G6 teams in the recently expanded Post Office, Consumer and Creative Industries Analysis team; a multi-disciplinary, diverse and vibrant team of around 20 analysts that also supports Post Office-related redress delivery. This is a high-profile team, delivering important work at pace and offering fantastic opportunities for exposure, growth, and development. We report into the Post Office Policy Director and work closely with the variety of policy, delivery, finance, commercial and communications experts in the team, as well as counterparts at Post Office Limited.
You will lead a team of analysts to deliver the data, analysis and evidence to inform future government requirements of the Post Office. You will work closely with policy colleagues to support the key political priorities of strengthening and reviewing the Post Office network in its current form and the development of the Green Paper. You will lead the team to identify, prioritise and fill evidence gaps using a variety of analytical tools, such as social research, statistics, cost-benefit analysis and modelling. You will also lead analytical assurance for decisions on government funding for the organisation, including its IT development. Across these workstreams you will build close relationships with Post Office Limited, teams across government (including HM Treasury and UK Government Investments), and external academics and research organisations to build a comprehensive body of evidence.
The role also leads the analytical team supporting DBT’s sector teams on consumer-facing sectors such as hospitality, retail, creative industries, sports economy and international education. You will lead the team to develop the evidence base, support policy development and design, and provide analytical assurance for sector policies. You will work across Whitehall, making important connections with the Industrial Strategy, Growth Mission and work on the future of the high street.
You will lead a team of five analysts: three direct reports at G7 level and two junior analysts. You will be responsible for setting direction in the team, managing workloads and prioritising resources where needed, and supporting individual development and wellbeing.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
The successful candidate must:
- Already be, or be able to become, a member of a government analytical profession (Government Economic Service, Government Social Research, Government Statistical Service or Government Operational Research Service) for which guidance is set out below.
- Have strong team leadership and management skills: setting direction, prioritising resources and supporting and developing teams to deliver analysis and advice on high priority decisions.
- Be experienced in bringing together evidence from multiple sources and drawing conclusions where evidence is incomplete or lacking.
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
- Be able to get across complex policy areas quickly and work closely with policy/strategy colleagues, building constructive relationships and drawing out policy/strategy requirements.
The successful candidate will need to be or become a member of a government analytical profession: the Government Economic Service, Government Social Research, the Government Statistical Service or the Government Operational Research Service. Applicants internal to HMG should indicate their current profession, and external applicants should indicate for which profession they would like to be assessed for membership. The postholder will receive an analyst allowance of £4,245 subject to being successfully badged.
Government Economic Service
To hold full or associate GES membership, you must:
- Have a first or upper second-class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics.
- Have studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics.
Demonstration of skills, knowledge and experience to succeed as a Government Economist at the grade applied for or be an existing member of the Government Economic Service. Technical skills will be assessed against the grade requirement of the Government Economic Service (GES). Details can be found in the GES Framework. These will be assessed during the selection process, including at both sift of your written application and interview. Applicants who are civil servants but not members of the GES and anyone applying from outside government must be able to demonstrate you meet the requirements of the GES, as successful appointment will include membership of the GES.
For applicants applying after more than a couple of years after university, who are not an existing member of the Government Economic Service relevant experience consists of experience working on economic analysis or research including for example in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GES through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your economic experience and skills covering the three components of the GES technical framework.
In the interview, we will also assess your technical economic skills by asking you to present on a pre-prepared topic which will be given to you in advance, for up to 10 minutes. Additional technical economic questions will also be asked as part of the interview.
All technical questions will be based on the grade specific skills and knowledge required for the GES profession set out in the GES Technical Framework – a copy which can be obtained from the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022
Government Operational Research Service
All candidates applying as operational researchers must meet the external recruitment requirements for operational researchers in terms of academic qualifications (outlined on the GORS website ):
- High numeracy: You must possess a 2:1 or higher numerate degree, or a 2:2 with relevant work experience or postgraduate qualification.
- Highly numerate degrees include Astrophysics, Data Science, Decision Science, Econometrics, Engineering, Mathematics, Operational Research, Physics and Statistics.
- Other numerate degrees, such as Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Finance, Geography, IT, Management, Management Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Sciences and Systems Science, may be accepted if 50% or more of the modules are considered highly numerate.
As part of the application process, you will be tested against the GORS competencies:
- Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques.
- Achieving impact with analysis.
- Sustaining and developing operational research.
Government Statistical Service
The accepted qualifications for statisticians are:
- A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate subject containing at least 25% taught statistical content (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)
- a higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar).
- Have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) logbook) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 5.
- Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least two years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics or data analysis (via a CPD logbook signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession).
For statistical data scientist posts, the accepted qualifications are:
- A first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or Information Technology (IT) equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills.
- A higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics (this is not a definitive list).
- Have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a CPD logbook) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or HND Level 5.
Please note candidates may apply in their final year of study while they are still awaiting their qualification result. But formal contracts can only be offered upon confirmation of the achievement of the relevant qualification. In the case of an apprenticeship, this includes completing two years’ work experience in a statistical or data analysis field in government as part of attaining the qualification.
Applicants who are not already members of the Government Statistician Group (GSG) will be required to do an online statistical test and a presentation as part of the application process to join the GSG. Once you have submitted your application and the application has closed, you will be emailed during standard working hours inviting you to complete the GSS online multiple-choice test. This is a timed test and must be completed within 48 hours for you to be considered for the next stage of the process. You are encouraged to try the test attached to the advert before attempting the real test. Please ensure you inform us ahead of the test if you require any reasonable adjustments to be considered.
Please note: If you are already a member of the GSG, you are exempt from sitting the online test. To prevent your application being rejected please email dbtrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as you apply to notify us. Once confirmed you will be moved onto the next stage by our recruitment team.
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- From the Government Statistician Group competency framework:
- Presenting and Disseminating Data Effectively.
- Acquiring Data/Understanding Customer Needs.
- Data Analysis.
https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/policy-store/competency-framework-for-the-government-statistician-group-gsg/
Government Social Research
To be eligible to apply you will need to hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research. OR hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
In advance of the interview, if you are not an existing member of the Government Social Research (GSR) profession, you will be required to undertake a 45 minute online written “knowledge test”. This test will be supervised and conducted online over MSTeams and involve you responding to a range of exam questions to test your technical knowledge of social research and statistical methods.
In the interview, we will also assess your technical social research skills by asking you to present on a pre-prepared research topic which will be given to you in advance, for up to 10 minutes. An additional technical question will also be asked as part of the interview.
All technical questions will be based on the grade specific skills and knowledge required for the GSR profession set out in the GSR framework – a copy which can be obtained from the link below:
Government Social Research (GSR) Technical Expertise Framework: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-framework
Qualifications
Mandatory qualifications for the government analytical profession (Government Economic Service, Government Social Research, Government Statistical Service or Government Operational Research Service) you are applying under are detailed in the Essential Criteria section.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- During the interview you will tested on the relevant Government Analytical Profession Framework, detailed in the Essential Criteria section.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £67,170, Department for Business and Trade contributes £19,459 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.
Please refer to the attached candidate pack for further information on our benefits.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception.
Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.
To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:
- A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
- A Personal Statement of up to 1000 words, explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential criteria.
It is likely that the sift will take place 1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews 3-5 weeks after the closing date, though this is subject to change.
In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the CV. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
As part of your interview, you will be asked to deliver a short oral presentation, details will be provided prior to your interview.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment:
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section on the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.
Alternatively contact the Government Recruitment Service at DBTrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Candidate Support
You may want to join a virtual Candidate Support Session . These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview.
Please see attached Candidate Pack for further information on: Diversity and Inclusion; Benefits; Learning and Development; Working Patterns and what we deliver as a department.
Further Information:
- A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.
- Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
- The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
- New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
- Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty. Any applicant who has details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
- A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
- Terms and Conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
- Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.
- This role may be considered as a secondment opportunity. Please reach out to the hiring manager listed at the bottom of this advert to discuss.
- Candidates that do not quite meet the standard for this role may be offered a position at a lower grade.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record C heck to Disclosure and Barring Service / Disclosure Scotland / Access NI o n your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
For further information on the Access NI confidential checking service telephone: the Access NI Helpline on 0300 200 7888 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email accessni@ani.x.gsi.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window) .
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Ellen Wasden
- Email : Ellen.wasden@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dbtrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DBT by email: Resourcing@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission/Complaints.
