Apply Now
Details
Reference number
Salary
Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Economist
Social Research
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
We are the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), part of the Department for Business & Trade (Previously the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy). We are here for the purpose of making regulation work to deliver real world impact. Regulation is a powerful Government tool to address market failures, influence behaviour and promote positive action. Crafted and delivered well, regulation can be an enabler of growth, innovation and efficiency.
Since early 2018 we have been building a positive and creative team that enjoys a position of influence and respect within an organisation that continues to grow, most recently with the addition of construction products regulation planned.
Our primary purpose is to protect people and places from product-related harm, ensuring consumers and businesses can buy and sell products with confidence.
Further information can be found on our website here
OPSS Analysis comprises almost 30 analysts working across statistics, data scientists, social researchers, and economists. The team provides analytical support for all the Offices activity, adding value by harnessing our profession-specific expertise. We have a strong commitment to learning and development, maintaining strong links within DBT and HMG, and are not afraid to try new and innovative approaches to deliver our objectives. Many of our projects require a multi-disciplinary approach and so there is close working across all three Grade 6-led teams.
The OPSS Analysis Team is structured by profession: The Economics Team comprises a Grade 6 economist, three Grade 7’s, an HEO, three apprentice economists, an EO analyst and a placement student. OPSS is usually based across three sites: Westminster, Birmingham, and Teddington.
Do you care about the safety of products and want to protect people and places? Can we use your skills, knowledge and experience to enable UK business to thrive? If the answer is yes, then we would like to hear from you!
Job description
This role will provide a dedicated evidence lead for OPSS’ role as a regulator of non-food consumer products (e.g. cosmetics, fireworks, electrical equipment, toys). While the role is available to all analyst professions, many aspects of the role would suit individuals with experience of communicating analysis to non-analysts, research and evidence gathering, quantitative analysis and analysing large datasets.
OPSS recognises that the rise of online marketplaces for the trade of consumer products presents opportunities and well as threats to product safety. OPSS is also conducting a review of our product safety legislation – following the UK’s departure from the EU – so we have a unique opportunity to shape how online marketplaces operate from a policy and regulatory perspective. Your role is a newly-created post which will co-ordinate and lead our evidence and analysis around the online marketplace sector. Once you have identified and collated our existing evidence base, you will identify evidence gaps and lead projects to fill them; alongside accurate dissemination of findings and recommending policy/regulatory courses of action. You will collaborate closely with policy and operational teams, as well as other analytically-minded teams in OPSS.
This role provides dedicated resource to our online marketplace programmes within OPSS, ensuring that OPSS policies and regulatory activity is underpinned by robust evidence and sound economic theory. You will be the analysis lead for the programme, where you will engage in programme meetings and link up across the analysis team to support analytical needs of the programme. At present, you would lead on:
Collating and assessing our existing evidence base on the role of online marketplaces and the supply chains that underpin them.
Identifying evidence gaps and leading projects to fill those gaps. This may involve commissioning research to external contractors, or managing colleagues to deliver the work in-house.
Chair and lead an internal online marketplaces evidence group, bringing together expertise across OPSS, commissioning short pieces of work and sharing emerging findings. You will also report evidential challenges to our internal programme boards as well, and invite scrutiny on your plans.
Provide leadership and support for the Online and Supply Chain Enforcement (OSCE) team to monitor delivery and evaluate programme, coordinating expertise from social researchers and statisticians in the analysis team where necessary.
Provide ad hoc support to emerging product safety incidents, such as our recent interventions with Online Marketplaces.
Task and line management of Fast Stream/Mainstream/Apprentice/Sandwich Student economists based on resourcing and priorities.
Person specification
We would love to hear from you if you:
Have a strong grounding in theoretical microeconomics and have an ability to apply that theory into practical examples.
Know how to build strong relationships with non-analyst colleagues.
Have an ability to manage multiple projects at the same time, managing your own time as well as those of your direct reports.
Display initiative in solving problems through cutting-edge and innovative analytical techniques.
Are prepared to invest time and energy in their professional development.
Have technical skills and proficiency with specialist software, including Python and R.
Have experience in managing research projects effectively, delivering impactful and timely analysis to policy issues.
We are looking for candidates with the experience that matches the responsibilities listed previously.
We are keen to promote diversity, and we are not realistically expecting any applicant to have experience of every responsibility. You should apply if you think you have experience related to the majority of the role responsibilities and the skills and experience criteria, and we will support you to fill gaps in experience.
Please visit our Careers website at https://opss-careers.co.uk/ for further information.
Qualifications
Government Statistician Group:
A first or second class honours degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills
or
a higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics (this is not a definitive list)
OR
Have worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development (via a log book) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (level five)
Government Social Research
Relevant Qualification Route: Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
OR
Professional Experience route: Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years social research practice experience.. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
Government Operational Research:
You must possess a 2:1 or higher numerate degree, or a 2:2 with relevant work experience or postgraduate qualification.
Highly numerate degrees include: Astrophysics, Data Science, Decision Science, Econometrics, Engineering, Mathematics, Operational Research, Physics and Statistics.
Other numerate degrees, such as Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Finance, Geography, IT, Management, Management Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Sciences and Systems Science, may be accepted if 50% or more of the modules are considered highly numerate.
Government Economics Service:
Requirements are a 2:1 in economics or related subject with min 50% economics content.
Memberships
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- one of the technical skills relating to the membership your application is being processed against.Further details included in the below selection process.
Benefits
£14,461 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities
Please refer to the attached candidate pack for further information on our benefits.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception.
Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.
To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:
- A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
- A Personal Statement of up to 1000 words, explaining how you consider your personal skills, include an example of technical skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential criteria.
It is likely that the sift will take place 1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews 3-5 weeks after the closing date though this is subject to change.
In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the Personal Statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Applicants who want to apply to be a member of the GSG will be required to do an online GSS statistical test.
Once you have submitted your application and the application has closed, you will be emailed during standard working hours inviting you to complete the GSS online multiple choice test. This is a timed test and must be completed within 48 hours for you to be considered for the next stage of the process. You are encouraged to try the test attached to the advert before attempting the real test. Please ensure you inform us ahead of the test if you require any reasonable adjustments to be considered.
Applicants who want to apply to the GSR will be required to undertake a 45 minute online written knowledge test. This test will be supervised and conducted online over MS Teams and involve you responding to a range of exam questions to test your technical knowledge of social research and statistical methods.
Please note: If you are already a member of the GSG, GES, GSR or GORS, you are exempt from sitting these tests. To prevent your application being rejected please email resourcing@businessandtrade.gov.uk as soon as you submit an application to notify us, please include the campaign number in the email title and your membership number. Once confirmed you will be moved onto the next stage by our recruitment team.
At interview you will be assessed on the following technical skills relating to the membership your application is being processed against –
- Government Social Research: Technical skills, analysis & interpretation Click Here
- Government Statistician Group: Presenting and disseminating data effectively Click Here
- Government Operational Research Service: Knowledge and application of Operational Research skills and techniques Click Here
- Government Economics Service: Application of economics knowledge Click Here
As part of your interview, you will be asked to deliver a short oral presentation, details will be provided prior to your interview.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment:
Complete the Assistance required section on the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.
Alternatively contact the Government Recruitment Service at DBTrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Candidate Support
You may want to join a virtual Candidate Support Session. These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview.
Please see attached Candidate Pack for further information on: Diversity and Inclusion; Benefits; Learning and Development; Working Patterns and what we deliver as a department.
Further Information:
- A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.
- Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
- The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
- New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
- Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty. Any applicant who has details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
- A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
- Terms and Conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
- Please note the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : OPSS.Recruitment@beis.gov.uk
- Email : OPSS.Recruitment@beis.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dbtrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DBT by email: Resourcing@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission/Complaints
