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Using data for the public good

Microsoft. Facebook. Google. What do these companies have in common? Yes, they’re vast, powerful, innovative tech companies who define our digital existence. They’re also amongst the biggest recruiters of data scientists in the world. This isn’t an appeal to study the analysis and science of data because it will get you a job at one […]

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Have you got a question about COVID-19?

Have you got a question about coronavirus (COVID-19)? So do we! In fact, we have a number of questions on COVID-19 across a breadth of topics from vaccinations and testing attitudes to social contact and self-isolation behaviours. That’s why we’re excited to launch the COVID-19 Question Bank which will act as a repository of questions […]

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Measuring errors in data

The Methodology Division leads on the development and support of statistical and survey methods for Office for National Statistics (ONS) and provides support for the wider Government Statitisical Service (GSS) and beyond. As Principal Statistical Methodologists we jointly lead on demographic methods for the Census and Population Statistics Hub in Methodology. Our work is varied […]

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My Charity Next secondment

Abbie Cochrane, a Government Statistical Service (GSS) Fast Streamer, recently spent time on a secondment working for Scope between autumn 2020 and spring 2021. Charity Next interviewed her about her placement. Please give a brief overview of your host organisation, and the main responsibilities of your placement there. My host organisation was Scope, a disability […]

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My secondment at BBC News: I never appreciated how creative journalists are

Since graduating I have only ever worked in the Civil Service but always wondered what it would be like to work elsewhere. Fortunately, with the support of my manager, Deputy Director and the wide range of professional development opportunities in the Civil Service I have been lucky enough to complete a three-month analytical secondment at […]

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Why I am championing the use of the online skills tool

Throughout 2020, the Government Analysis Function trialled an online skills tool with volunteers from across each of the analytical professions. The tool offered the opportunity for users to self-reflect against the professional skills needed for various analytical career paths, supported career planning, development planning and could be used to help structure career conversations. As leaders […]

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Using administrative data to deliver impactful research

We live in a society rich in data and the opportunities which this brings. However, to make sure we benefit from these opportunities we need to ensure our research and its methodology can keep up to date with new data sources and our ever evolving user needs. The Methodology Division, in the Office for National […]

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Delivering training courses from home

The Government Statistician Group (GSG) induction course is a mandatory course for all new members of the GSG profession. The course introduces you to statistics and data science across government. It also gives you the opportunity to meet fellow members of the profession. When the pandemic struck we set about adapting our one day face to face course to something that we could offer […]

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My secondment at BBC News: How to pitch stats and influence people

In July 2019 I started my three month secondment at BBC News. As a Consultant Statistician (a job title that felt a little scary!), I helped journalists with pretty much anything relating to data and stats. This broad remit meant that the secondment was by far the most varied job I’ve ever worked. A day […]

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The user engagement strategy for statistics is alive and kicking!

Nancy Singh and I were thrilled that more than 250 people joined us at the strategy’s virtual launch event on Monday 22 February. Sir Ian Diamond emphasised at the event that user engagement is a top priority for all analysts. He reminded us that we all need to find the time to engage, because it’s […]

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