Mobility in the UK Government Statistical Service Anne Foulger

Introduction Statisticians work in ONS and other government departments Various locations around the UK Posts are advertised on Statnet and Civil Service website. Up to individuals to be pro-active

Some benefits of mobility Understanding the wider context Flexibility Data sources, statistical techniques Network of contacts Evidence for promotion Different experiences

Example 1 - Different experiences Department for Education, London Policy analysis, briefing ministers, working with schools, local government, policy development Office for National Statistics, Newport Managing a large-scale social survey, media training, working with Eurostat, statistical policy Different experiences Understanding the wider context

Example 2 – Understanding data Monitoring teenage pregnancy strategy Using data from Department of Health and ONS Policies relating to young people: Department for Education Useful to know people in other departments Knowledge of different data sources Network of contacts Data sources, statistical techniques

Example 3 - Change management Seeing how different organisations are structured and how they manage change Methods of communication with staff (verbal, written, visual) Different leadership styles Flexibility Evidence for promotion

Any negatives? Steep learning curve if you are new to a department (new IT systems, different terminology) If you move too quickly, no time to build up in-depth knowledge Jobholders and managers may have different expectations

Developing a culture of mobility Providing advice and support (eg Statisticians in Government team, Head of Profession) Networking events, seminars Secondments outside the Civil Service Setting clear expectations Sharing experiences

Points for discussion Do other delegates have similar positive (or negative) experiences of mobility? How do you balance the benefits to the individual vs benefits to the organisation?