Principal Statistical Methodologist

Job Description

Details

Reference number

472658

Salary

£56,861

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

Job grade

Grade 7

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

ONS – Statistical Methods and Research

Type of role

Analytical

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location

The locations for this role are Newport, Titchfield (Fareham), Manchester, London, & Darlington. This role is aligned to ONS hybrid working principles, which are based on attending the office with purpose. The postholder will be expected to contribute to the organisation’s overall 40% office attendance, in line with business and role requirements. The induction process for the role will be conducted in person. Due to workforce controls you can only select Manchester, London, & Darlington if you are an existing ONS employee contracted to that location. If you are not contracted at one of these sites, these options are not available to you. Applicants who select a location they are not eligible for will be removed from the recruitment process and will not be considered for alternative locations. Please refer to attachments for further terms and flexibilities.

About the job

Job summary

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest producer of official statistics, covering a range of key economic, social and demographic topics. These include measuring changes in the value of the UK economy, estimating the size, geographic distribution, and characteristics of the population, and providing indicators of price inflation, employment, earnings, crime, and migration.

Methodology and Quality Directorate (MQD) ensures that analysis carried out by ONS and the analysis community across government is aligned with the Statistics Authority’s strategic vision and relevant quality standards. We aim to improve the rigour and cost effectiveness of regular statistical outputs and the quality of data used for both statistical purposes and more widely in government. We provide advice and guidance on best practice and ensure that new methodologies deliver improved statistics. We seek to exploit technology and emerging methodologies to research and develop innovative solutions to new and existing issues. We provide a forward-looking, efficient, professional, and accessible service to our stakeholders.

Quality and Improvement Division is a key enabler for improving the quality of statistics and data across government. We aim to apply innovative and diagnostic approaches to promote and embed good practice in quality across government, with a focus on communicating the quality of statistics and data. Our work is governed by the Code of Practice for Statistics. The team’s interventions include developing and promoting guidance and case studies, implementing quality strategies, running quality reviews, designing and delivering training courses, seminars and workshops, consultancy and advising and creating supporting collaborative, cross-government networks and the collection and monitoring of the cost (compliance) that falls on businesses and local authorities in responding to GSS surveys. The work is aligned closely with the strategic priorities of the UK Statistics Authority’s Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) and of the National Data Strategy. The division directly supports emerging priorities from the National Statistician.

Methods and Statistical Design Division helps ensure that ONS statistics are unpinned by robust methodology and meet accepted quality standards. The Division aims to improve the rigour and cost-effectiveness of regular statistical outputs, as well as providing advice and guidance on best practice, ensuring new methodologies deliver improved statistics that align with the strategic direction of the office. We seek to exploit technology and emerging methodologies to research and develop innovative solutions to new and existing issues, and provides a forward-looking, efficient, professional, and accessible service to its stakeholders.

Job description

Principal Statistical Methodologists in MQD are responsible for a variety of technical and branch-head roles across a range of specialist subject areas. As examples, areas of expertise which a Grade 7 might lead include, among others: Time Series, Statistical Disclosure Control, Sample Design or Data Linkage. This role will be based in the Integrated Data & Methods Hub and will have initial responsibility for data linkage and assurance, particularly in relation to Census. Each Grade 7 is responsible for organising and delivering a programme of different projects for a variety of stakeholders, working with them to determine their needs, and supporting them pro-actively and often at short-notice with ad hoc requests; sound project management and organisational skills are required in these roles.

Each Grade 7 is responsible for organising and delivering a programme of different projects for a variety of stakeholders, working with them to determine their needs, and supporting them pro-actively and often at short-notice with ad hoc requests; sound project management and organisational skills are required in these roles.

This role sits within our TLFS Methods team where there is a need for a G7 role to provide strategic oversight and assurance across Sample Design and Estimation methods for TLFS. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring a consistent and integrated approach across work areas, supporting the integration of new developments and helping TLFS Method project run smoothly and effectively.

Key Responsibilities:-

• Co-lead the methodological development of TLFS methods, with a particular focus on sample design, estimation, weighting and related methods needed to support high-quality labour market outputs (working closely with another Principal Methodologist and the G7 Project Delivery Manager).
• Provide strategic oversight and methodological assurance across TLFS Methods work areas, ensuring a coherent and integrated approach across sample design, estimation, quality assessment and related methodological developments.
• Lead and coordinate methodological and analytical research projects that support TLFS transition, readiness assessment, quality improvement and delivery of agreed measures of success.
• Work closely with TLFS programme colleagues, Labour Market Division, operational teams and other stakeholders to understand requirements, agree priorities, manage dependencies and ensure methods work is aligned with programme delivery needs.
• Engage with academic experts, external assurance groups and wider methodological specialists to test, challenge and strengthen the proposed methodological approach for TLFS.
• Translate complex methodological issues into clear advice for senior stakeholders, governance forums and non-specialist audiences, including explaining risks, trade-offs, assumptions and implications for outputs.
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance for methodological outputs, ensuring that work is robust, well documented, reproducible and suitable for use in the production of official statistics.
• Support the integration of new methodological developments into TLFS delivery, including identifying where further research, testing or assurance is needed before methods are adopted.
• Lead, support and develop Methodologists and Assistant Methodologists, providing technical coaching, quality assurance and professional development in statistical methods, coding and analytical practice.
• Contribute to the wider leadership of Methodology and Quality Directorate by sharing learning from TLFS, promoting good methodological practice and supporting cross-cutting statistical improvement activity.
• Safeguard the wellbeing of your team and those you manage, creating an inclusive and supportive environment in which people can deliver high-quality work.
• Work to a G6 Senior Principal Methodologist, providing clear advice, escalation and assurance on methodological risks, delivery issues and stakeholder concerns.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Extensive knowledge and practical experience of statistical methods and their application within official statistics, with established expertise in developing, evaluating and delivering sample design, estimation, weighting and related methods. Experience in applying methodological expertise to complex statistical challenges and providing robust methodological assurance for statistical outputs.

• A strong track record of leading methodological and analytical research and development, delivering complex programmes of work to a high standard and driving methodological innovation. Experience of leading and developing analytical teams through coaching, mentoring, training and quality assurance.

• Excellent communication, engagement and influencing skills, with experience of providing statistical advice and consultancy to a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, operational delivery teams, academics and external experts. Able to build effective relationships, communicate complex methodological issues clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and influence decisions through evidence-based recommendations.

• Strong statistical computing and reproducible analytical skills, with substantial experience of programming in R and/or Python and applying these skills to methodological research and production. Demonstrates good practice in code development, including code review, version control using Git, and the application of Reproducible Analytical Pipelines (RAP) principles to produce robust, efficient and transparent analytical solutions.

Qualifications

A 2:1 degree in a mathematical or statistical discipline, or other subject with substantial statistical content. Demonstrable experience and in-depth understanding of sample design and estimation methods is essential for this role By exception, a different qualification may be acceptable if accompanied by equivalent knowledge gained through experience.

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Developing Self and Others
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Acquiring Data
• Analysis
• Dissemination

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,861, Office for National Statistics contributes £16,472 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides .

The Office for National Statistics is part of the Civil Service, and as such we share a number of key benefits with other departments, whilst also having our own unique offerings to support our valued colleagues across the organisation.

Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that our careers site will give you a great insight into the benefits and facilities available to our colleagues, and our fantastic working culture.

Inclusion & Accessibility

At ONS we are always looking to attract the very best people from the widest possible talent pool, and we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer. As a Disability Confident Leader we’re committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, please contact the recruitment team in the first instance.

If you would like an accessible version of any of the attachments or recruitment documents below or linked to in this advert, please contact the recruitment team who will be happy to assist.

ONS are committed to flexible ways of working that support a healthy work-life balance. ONS has already considered how this job could be right sized for applicants working flexibly and we are happy to explore options with you about working part time, in a job share or flexibly, in line with our hybrid working policies.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Security Clearance

For ONS the requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for 3 consecutive years immediately prior to applying and the department will consider eligibility by exception on a case-by-case basis. You will be asked to provide information regarding your UK residency during your application, and failure to provide this will result in your application being rejected.

If you are unsure that you meet the eligibility above, please read the information available on Gov.uk on this link, or contact the recruitment email on the advert before applying to discuss, as failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected and any offer of employment being withdrawn.

At the point of SC application, you will need to provide or give access to the following evidence:

• Departmental or company records (personnel files, staff reports, sick leave reports and security records)
• UK criminal records covering both spent and unspent criminal records
• Your credit and financial history with a credit reference agency
• Security Services records

For full guidance in relation to the use of AI through the recruitment process, please read A candidate’s guide to artificial intelligence (AI) in recruitment

Please note that all campaigns may be subject to withdrawal at any stage if the internal resource position changes.

Application Process

Number of Stages: 3 stage process

Stage 1: Pre- Sift for location eligibility

Stage 2: Application

Stage 3: Interview

Stage 2 – Application The assessment process at the application stage will be based on your work history, skills, experience, CV, and personal statement. It is important that your application is tailored to highlight the skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to the role.

A personal statement is required at application stage, the maximum wordcount allowed is 1000, which should not be exceeded. You should provide evidence for each essential skill criterion listed in the person specification. As these criteria are scored, it is advisable to give clear examples for each one, including the impact of your actions, ideally utilising the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Please note that Success Profiles Behaviour examples are not required at this stage of the application process.

When a high volume of applications are received, the sift pass mark may be adjusted. Candidates will be invited to interview based on their merit order, with those achieving the highest scores being prioritised. Applicants who score below the adjusted pass mark but still pass will be placed on hold and may be invited to interview at a later date.

Stage 3 – Interview If invited to interview, you will be assessed using techniques aligned with the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, covering all behaviours listed in the job advert and any required technical skills.

A 5 min presentation will be required at interview on a Technical element.

Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.

A reserve list may be held for a period up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made.

The Sift will be conducted from w/c 01/09/2026 Interviews will be conducted from w/c 07/09/2026

For the full terms and conditions of the post, please see attachment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check . See our vetting charter .

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Leone Wardman
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission