Introduction to Government Statistics Wednesday 26 th March 2014 Mark Griffiths

About Me Graduated last year from Lancaster University with a first in Mathematics with Statistics I Joined DWP in August, applied in the autumn Previous work experience: Student Ambassador for my university(2 years) and shop assistant(5 years) Work in Sheffield, live with my parents On a quest

UK Government & Statistics Unlike most other European countries, rather than one department responsible for statistics it is decentralised This means what we do is influenced by the government of the time But analysts work along side other civil servants on projects that otherwise would not have access to. Thus influencing policy. We have UK statistics authority to enforce high standards across departments ONS only department without a minister as head 5 mains areas: 1. Analyse, 2. Evaluate, 3. Disseminate, 4. Advise and 5. Influence

My Role and Responsibilities For my day job I create and maintain management information reports for Job Centres and PIP As part of a side project I am working with another part of my department to look at ways of measuring there performance. I helped to create and run a newsletter for my division I am leading on a an initiative to review the services we provide to our customers. Also fire warden and building rep for statisticians in Sheffield

Civil Service Myths Unionised and Strike often All support labour You have to be interested in politics You will need to make your career in London Old fashioned, inefficient and frivolous

Benefits of Working in the Civil Service Lots of supported development opportunities Flexible and enlightened work conditions Many different career opportunities within the one employer In a community of analysts Social side Offices around the country

Entry Routes Assistant Statistician(Fast Stream) Recruitment open currently, reopens in September. Application sift, Online tests, E- tray exercise, statistical assessment centre and a fast stream assessment centre. Salary is about £4000 pa more than the StO Statistical Officer(Main Intake) Currently closed opens again in the autumn, Check the GSS website. After application form sift, one interview and test Salary £22,000-£25,000, more in London (approx. £3000)

Questions