1. Embedding Data Science in Government
Analytical Professions Data Science
GSS Recruitment Team

2. Government Data Scientist Candidate Pack

3. What is Data Science?
Data Science is needed to analyse data from the government’s own systems as well as new material from surveys, social media and big data scraped from the web.
Data Scientists will help government understand and tackle some of the key challenges facing society on topics such as the economy, health, education or transport.
Programming and database skills used to gather unstructured data, piece it together with other data, analyse it, and make robust recommendations and presentations based on the results have already begun to influence policy decisions.

4. How are we defining data science?
New Approach
A ‘data first’ mindset; exploring the data to find insights & potential improvements using new & innovative techniques
New approach
Volume
Variety
Data science
Velocity
New technology
New, low priced storage in the cloud, with unrestricted technology capable of running software which can gain speedy insights
New technology 2

6. Cutting-edge tools for large data sets
What skills are we looking for in a data scientist?
Distinguishing features that combine to form data science
Overlap with existing government analytical professions
Layering multiple datasets
High volume of data that requires specialist technology to process
Real-time or frequently updated data
Unstructured data
Data
NoSQL Databases
Cutting-edge tools for large data sets
Javascript
Python
SQL
C++ R
Programming languages
APIs
Cloud
Pig
MapReduce
Tools
Visualisation libraries (e.g. D3.js)
Hive
Hadoop
Data cleaning
Dimensionality Reduction
Classification
Prototyping
Machine learning
Feature extraction
Techniques
Regression
Predictive analytics
Natural Language Processing
Data mining
Text mining
Clustering
Segmentation
The freedom to experiment and use a creative mindset to explore patterns and associations in data
Approach
Tackling specific known policy and operational questions
Strongly aligned with decision making 4

7. Applying to be a Government Data Scientist
To apply candidates will need to demonstrate on their application form that they have:
the relevant qualification (see next slide or advert)
provided evidence against the civil service competencies (see CS Competency framework)
provided evidence against the three statistical strands
Acquiring Data/Understanding customer needs
Data Analysis
Presenting and disseminating data effectively
Once the application form is submitted, candidates will automatically be asked to complete an online multiple choice test. Candidates will need to complete and pass this test before their application progresses to sift stage. Candidates that fail the test or do not complete it will be rejected at this stage. Their applications will not be sifted.
Please note: Data Analysis is tested twice as the interview panel will be looking for evidence of two Statistical Data Analysis techniques . It is important that candidates also describe the software applications used when applying those techniques.

8. Qualifications You’ll be a graduate or post graduate with:
a minimum of a 2.2 degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills. Or
an MSc in a post graduate qualification in one of these subjects Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics (this is not a definitive list). 6

9. Data Science Criteria Acquiring Data/ Understanding customer needs
Acquiring Data/ Understanding customer needs
 Demonstrates an understanding of customer needs and remains engaged throughout.
Can demonstrate making use of open data, extracting from the internet/open sources where possible. Demonstrates innovation – uses most relevant technologies.
Has experience of data matching or of integrating data from one or more sources while preserving the underlying information.
Demonstrates knowledge of relational databases and/or other structured forms of data (Hadoop, XML, JSON) – understands how to access the data in these structures and to use them for analysis.
Data Analysis (don’t forget to refer to section 2 in the FAQ document for more information on this section)
Classifies and codes the input data; can derive new variables and units for variables and units that are not explicitly provided in the collection but are needed to deliver the required outputs.
Transforms data into statistical outputs – keeps abreast of new and evolving techniques and tools or uses statistical data in innovative ways.
Identifies strengths and weaknesses of ideas and technical methods.
Demonstrates experience and a depth of understanding in at least one programming language such as Java, R, or Python.
Presenting and Disseminating data effectively
Can pull out the main story using the appropriate data visualisation techniques and the appropriate language for their audience/customer.
Demonstrates an understanding of what chart types are most appropriate for depicting different relationships
Has experience of using static and interactive visualisations, info-graphics, mapping, etc. Demonstrates innovation.

10. Civil Service Competencies
Please use the skills section within the CV template to tell us about when you have demonstrated the following competencies. We suggest around 500 words (continuous prose).
Changing and Improving
Collaborating and Partnering
Making Effective Decisions
Delivering at Pace 9

11. Civil Service Competency Framework
The Competency Framework sets out how we want people in the Civil Service to work. It puts the Civil Service values of honesty, integrity, impartiality and objectivity at the heart of everything we do and it aligns to the three leadership behaviours that every Civil Servant needs to model.
The framework outlines ten competencies which are grouped under the three leadership behaviours. These headings will be used in our vacancies to indicate essential and desirable candidate requirements. Candidates must use the selection process to demonstrate that they have, at the very least, all the essential requirements and, if possible some or all of the desirable ones.
The full framework is available online at the following link:
Competencies are used to establish suitability for a post because if you have done something well in the past then its expected that you can do it again in the future.

12. Preparing an application
You must show that you have the appropriate level of knowledge, breadth of experience and, where appropriate, professional skill for the post.
Under each heading you should produce a short and snappy statement that describes one relevant example of your best achievement using 1st person singular (‘I’ not ‘we’) taking account of any word count rule.
You can use the STAR model:
Situation (what was the setting and conditions, and what was your role)
Task (what specifically needed to be done – when, why, etc.)
Action (what did you do – in terms of your own contribution and ensuring the contribution of others, How you did it and why)
Result (What the outcome was and how you contributed to it – what difference did you make)

13. Your Application - Key Points
The application form is your first opportunity to say why you would be the best person for the job.
It is a competition so you really need to ensure that you give your best and strongest competency-based examples to reflect what the post requires.
Make it as easy as possible for the sift panel to assess your suitability for the job. This means thinking about the relevance of your examples and how you set them out in your application form.
Failure to provide good evidence will result in your application form not passing the sift

14. Preparing an Application - Your Checklist:
Have you given yourself enough time to put together a well thought out application form?
Have you reviewed the job description carefully so you have a clear understanding of the role?
Have you got a copy of the competency framework handy whilst you are putting your examples together?
Have you chosen your most powerful and relevant examples?
Have you included the result and described your contribution/impact?
Did you draft first then refine?
Have you avoided jargon (assume that the sift panel will have no knowledge of the situation you are referring to)?
Have you checked for spelling and typos?
Have you written in the first person, ‘I’ and not ‘we’ and used active language such as: ‘I organised’, ’I accomplished’, ‘I calculated’, etc.
Have you adhered to the word count limit, where one has been set?
Have you put yourself in the Vacancy Manager’s shoes and read your application through from their perspective before submitting?
If the answer to each of the question is ‘’yes’ – Well Done

15. The Sift:
The purpose of a sift is to assess and score the evidence provided on the application form.
The sift panel, which is made up of two or three representatives of the profession, will discuss and agree standards against which they assess each application.
There is a single rating scale used throughout Government, which allows candidates to compare feedback from applications made to different departments.
GSS operates the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS). This means that all GIS applicants who meet the minimum standard are invited to interview.
Rating
Label
Definition 1
Not Demonstrated
No positive evidence of the competency 2
Minimal Demonstration
Limited positive evidence of the competency, without consistency 3
Moderate Demonstration
Moderate positive evidence of the competency, without consistency 4
Acceptable Demonstration
Adequate positive and consistent evidence of the competency 5
Good Demonstration
Substantial positive and consistent evidence of the competency 6
Strong Demonstration
Substantial, consistent positive evidence of the competency and includes some evidence of exceeding expectation 7
Outstanding Demonstration
Evidence provided wholly exceeds expectation at this level

16. Assessment Day
If you have completed and passed the online multiple choice test and achieved the pass mark set by the sift panel you will be invited to attend the assessment day. This will consist of:
a presentation and a competency based interview. 14

17. The Interview
The purpose of the interview is to test your suitability for the requirements of the role and provides all candidates with an opportunity to express their views and present their evidence
You need to prepare well for a good interview – Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
The interview will be based on the competencies that were defined in the vacancy advertisement and will last approximately an hour, although this may vary depending on the role and the number competencies being assessed.
At interview you will also be tested on the Civil Service Competency framework.
Don’t be put off by the panel taking notes. It is important that they make a record of your answers so that they are able to score you at the end of the interview and provide feedback at the end of the process. This feedback will be provided via the Civil Service Jobs website.
The interview, combined with any other selection activity, will inform the panel which candidate is right for the job based on their merit. The job will be offered to the person who would do it best. 15

18. Preparing for an Interview - Your Checklist
Read through your application form to refresh your memory of the evidence you provided
Think about how you might expand on the examples you gave on the application form
Think about other strong examples you could use
Arrange a practice interview with people you trust (friends, colleagues, current manager, etc) - practice makes perfect
Check out the GSS website
Make sure you know where the interview is taking place and how to get there
Make sure you take along all requested ID documents
Think about what to wear, your posture and your non-verbal behaviour
Remember, it’s not about being good enough for the job, it’s being the best candidate for the job – interviews are competitions
Remember that pretty much everyone feels the same about interviews – they make you nervous; know what works best for you in terms of calming your nerves.

19. Feedback
GSS uses the on-line Civil Service Jobs website to advertise vacancies across the civil service and externally and manage the recruitment process.
Candidates will receive feedback on their application form and, if relevant, their interview performance via the on-line system. This information can be used to support future applications.
Candidates that are invited to the assessment day should note that they will no longer (since 8 April) receive sift feedback prior to their interview.

20. Other Assessment Activity
The interview panels will test candidates on:
Their suitability for the job
Their suitability for technical/specialist skill (when appropriate)
Their suitability for the grade
Some recruitment campaigns will include an additional assessment activity as part of the selection process. This could be:
Written exercise
Work sample exercises
Group role play
Presentation (which may involve a follow up question and answer session)
Situational judgement test
If this is the case, candidates will be made aware beforehand

21. The Data Scientists offer
Data Scientists recruited centrally and those who join the GSS will work collaboratively with number of different professions both analytical (Statistical, Operational Research, Social Research, Economist, etc) and I.T/digital. The Data Science network will support:
Induction training, to cover the structure and governance of the GSS, the UK Code of Practice for Official Statistics, and Career Management.
Up to ten training days for the first 3 years, to cover specific skills training linked to data science/statistics/Operational Research/Social Research/economics, as required.
Access to a Data Science Learning and Development programme.
Access to a Government wide Data Science community.
A one year probationary period, where staff will be assessed at 6 months and 12 months by the line manager or Mentor.
Secondment opportunities to other government departments or to external organisations.

22. Professional Status
Candidates that are successful through the Data Scientist recruitment will automatically join the Government Statistical Service (GSS).
The GSS is a community for all civil servants working in the collection, production and communication of official statistics. Our members come from a range of professions, including statisticians, economists, social researchers and communicators. They are spread across most UK government departments and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The National Statistician is head of the GSS.
We collect, analyse and publish official statistics to help government, business, and the public understand the current state of the UK economy and society. Our statistics allow people to make informed decisions, whether it’s the Prime Minister trying to improve the UK economy, or a citizen interested in the crime rate in their area.
GSS statistics are produced without any political influence, to ensure that they are a trusted and authoritative source of information. 20

23. GSG or GORS Government Statistician Group (GSG)
This is a professional community for civil servants who are recognised members of the statistics profession. Members of the GSG have unique continuous professional development opportunities and guidance open to them through the GSS Professional Support Team. They allow statisticians to develop both specific statistical skills and operational skills.
Each government department has a Head of Profession (HoP) for statistics, who is responsible for professional statistical matters and statistical staff working in their departments. HoPs are professionally accountable to the National Statistician.
Operation Research (OR) or ‘management science’, is the application of scientific methods to management problems. OR brings intellectual rigour to the decision-making process. This service holds the analytical minds behind many of the government’s policies – policies that touch the lives of everyone in the UK. More than 25 government departments and agencies rely on our OR Analysts to help them find solutions to complex problems – solutions that are vital to improving the quality of life for millions of people across the UK. 21

24. Learning and Development
The learning & development pathway for Data Scientists will:
build on the work of the Government Data Science Partnership accelerator programme. An Induction course will provided as standard on recruitment at the entry level, with additional training being recommended and advertised through the GSS website.
Data Science Induction Course will cover: the structure and governance of the GSS and its relationship with other analytical professions, opportunities for training and career management, the role of GDS and the UK Code of Practice for Official Statistics. Speakers will include ONS Big Data team; experts from departments; GDS.
Data Science specific training will be offered to successful candidates as will training arranged for statistics, economics, operational research and social research.
Specific (networking) events organised throughout the year, e.g. Data Science seminars (showcasing Data Science project work), a Data Science Forum (invited guest speakers from external organisations), will be organised.

25. Security Clearance
All new recruits to the GSS must meet certain security standards. All offers of employment are conditional on successful completion of security clearance.
The following conditions will affect your security clearance and therefore may affect your eligibility for our vacancies:
Criminal record: If you have criminal records
Nationality and Immigration status: Particularly relevant if there are specific nationality and residency requirements for the advertised role.
Address History: If you have lived at numerous addresses in the UK in the last 5 years.
Lived outside UK: You should have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years and for 5 years or more for higher security roles.
Employment History: If you have had multiple employers in the last 5 years.
Credit Reference Check: If there any financial concerns that could lead to potential vulnerability. The credit reference check is made to assess the financial state of the individual being vetted.
Others factors: Associated with, or have or lived in areas associated with organisations seeking to disrupt the government or have family who have associated with, organisations and/or individuals known to security services e.g. Northern Ireland.

26. Good Luck!
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