Overview
Data as Statistics is the Department for Work and Pensions’ central statistical function, responsible for delivering the Department’s programme of Official Statistics and statistical services. Our purpose is to deliver trustworthy, high‑quality statistics that support evidence‑based decision‑making and public accountability, informing decisions at every level of the welfare system.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Data as Statistics function with full accountability for delivery, transformation, people and resources.
- Set the strategic direction for the function, including delivery of the Data as Statistics 2030 vision.
- Lead a large, multidisciplinary, high‑performing workforce.
- Drive prioritisation and transformation of the statistical portfolio, including greater use of administrative data, modern platforms and reproducible analytical pipelines.
- Act as Senior Responsible Owner for key statistical services and programmes.
- Manage significant budgets and resources to deliver value for money.
- Provide visible, authentic and inclusive leadership for senior teams.
- Act as the Department’s senior professional authority on statistics, ensuring compliance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.
- Set and own the vision for statistics across the Department, including the Statistical Work Programme.
- Champion the appropriate and intelligent use of statistics with Ministers, Special Advisers, Private Office and senior leaders.
- Manage strategic relationships with the Office for Statistics Regulation, the Government Statistical Service and other departments.
- Provide professional leadership to around 300 statisticians across DWP, building capability, inclusion and engagement.
- Own and manage risks relating to the use of statistics in both internal decision‑making and the public domain.
- Represent DWP in cross‑government statistical leadership forums.
Person Specification – Essential Criteria
- Senior leadership of statistics or analysis at scale, with a strong and consistent focus on trustworthiness, quality and value, including accountability for high‑profile outputs in a complex organisation.
- Professional authority and credibility in applying and championing the Code of Practice for Statistics, ensuring appropriate and intelligent use of statistics in decision‑making.
- Experience of leading large, multidisciplinary analytical teams, setting clear strategic direction and delivering outcomes through others in complex, high‑scrutiny environments.
- Experience operating in politically sensitive and highly visible policy areas, providing balanced, authoritative advice while maintaining professional independence.
- Strong system leadership across an analytical community, working across professions (e.g. statistics, economics, social research, operational research) to build capability, foster collaboration and maximise impact.
Person Specification – Desirable Criteria
- Experience leading large statistical production or survey programmes.
- Experience transforming analytical production through the use of administrative data, modern data platforms or reproducible analytical pipelines.
Eligibility Criteria
- Membership of the Government Statistician Group (GSG) or have the required qualifications and experience, aligned to the GSG competency framework, to become a member of this profession.
Behaviours
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
