At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead analytical projects that improve local authority assessments and enhance care across England.
- Company: Join CQC, a mission-driven organisation dedicated to improving lives through data and insight.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27+ days of annual leave, training opportunities, and a generous NHS pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping how local authorities are assessed and improving care for thousands.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading analytical work and guiding teams to deliver high-quality insights.
The predicted salary is between 55172 - 61028 £ per year.
Grade A: £55,172 (National) or £61,028 (London – for London office based or homebased workers within the boundary of the M25). There is also an additional homeworking allowance of £600 per annum for those working from home. For part time roles – please note this will be pro rata.
Contracted Hours: Full-time 37 hours per week or Part-time 30 hours per week. Talk to us about flexible working. Contract Type: Fixed term for 12 months to deliver project work within an evolving programme. Location: Homebased. Closing Date: 01 June 2026 at 11.59pm.
Make a difference. Every role at CQC contributes to our mission. If you’re looking for a new role in Data & Insight that gives a true sense of meaning and purpose, then you’ve found it. As a Principal Analyst – Local Authority Assessments, you’ll help turn data into insight that supports fair, effective assessments of local authorities and improves care for people across England.
Picture this: You’re working side‑by‑side with colleagues who care deeply about improving people’s lives. Your insight helps shape how local authorities are assessed, and your work supports better decisions about care for thousands of people.
The role: This is a new role and new team at CQC therefore you will be required to work with senior leaders and stakeholders to establish the team, the analytical approach and ensure delivery of a high-quality analytical service to support delivery of Local Authority assessments. Your insight and leadership will influence what we do and how we do it.
In this role, you’ll:
- Lead analytical planning: Work with senior colleagues to shape and deliver analytical work that supports Local Authority assessments and helps CQC understand key themes and trends.
- Guide teams and quality: Support and lead analysts, ensuring insight is accurate, consistent and useful, and that teams have the tools and methods they need to deliver strong results.
- Strengthen data use across CQC: Promote good data practice, encourage effective use of insight products, and help build a strong data culture across the organisation.
Show us: We will be looking for specific skills, knowledge and experience in your application form:
- Experience leading analytical work: Show us how you have planned, delivered or overseen analytical projects that informed decisions, including working with senior stakeholders.
- Experience guiding and developing others: Tell us how you have supported, coached or led analysts or multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality insight.
- Experience communicating insight clearly: Demonstrate how you have presented complex findings in simple, engaging ways for different audiences, including senior or external groups.
Compliance Note for internal candidates: This is a secondment/fixed term opportunity. Please read the recruitment and selection policy section on secondments. You must discuss your application with your line manager before applying. To progress your application, you’ll need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK. Without valid right to work you won’t be eligible for the role. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Some roles may also be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
Next steps: If you apply, you’ll need to create a profile and complete an online application form. Your application will be completely anonymous. We contact every applicant to let them know the outcome of their application, so you will hear from us whether or not you are shortlisted.
The Benefits:
- Annual leave starting at 27 days per year, rising to 32.5 days with service, plus bank holidays (usually 8 days per year).
- Training and development opportunities.
- Wellbeing initiatives, such as gym discounts and meditation.
- NHS pension scheme, with around 14% employer contribution.
- Discount schemes (including eligibility for a Blue Light card, at a cost of £4.99 and valid for 2 years), reward vouchers, car leasing and more!
Equity for all: We know job descriptions can feel intimidating. Research shows they can cause some people to doubt whether they’re a good fit. This happens more often to people from underrepresented groups (e.g. ethnic minority backgrounds). If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply. Your unique perspective, skills and experience could be exactly what we need. We want every candidate to feel supported and able to do their best. If you need adjustments to our process, we’ll work with you to remove any barriers.
Values and vision: Excellence – being a high‑performing organisation. Caring – treating everyone with dignity and respect. Integrity – doing the right thing. Teamwork – learning from each other to be the best we can. We are a disability confident employer and a carer confident employer.
Principal Analyst (Local Authority Assessment) employer: Care Quality Commission
Contact Detail:
Care Quality Commission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Analyst (Local Authority Assessment)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at CQC. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to data analysis and local authority assessments. We want to see how you can turn complex data into clear insights, so be ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your passion for improving lives through data! In your conversations, highlight how your previous work has made a difference. We love candidates who care about the impact of their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’ll keep you updated on your progress, so you won’t be left in the dark.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Analyst (Local Authority Assessment)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Experience: When filling out your application, make sure to highlight your experience leading analytical work. We want to see how you've planned and delivered projects that made a real impact, especially when working with senior stakeholders.
Communicate Clearly: Your ability to present complex findings in a simple way is key! Use your application to demonstrate how you've communicated insights to different audiences, including senior leaders. Keep it engaging!
Be Yourself: We know job descriptions can be daunting, but don’t let that hold you back! If this role excites you, go for it. Your unique perspective could be just what we need, so let your personality shine through in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s super straightforward, and we’ll keep you updated on your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Care Quality Commission
✨Know Your Data
As a Principal Analyst, you'll be expected to have a solid grasp of data analysis. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've turned data into actionable insights. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to lead analytical work and how it influenced decision-making.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to present complex findings in a way that's easy to understand. Practice explaining your past analytical projects to someone outside your field. This will help you articulate your insights clearly during the interview, especially when addressing senior stakeholders.
✨Show Leadership Skills
This role involves guiding and developing others, so be prepared to share experiences where you've led teams or mentored colleagues. Highlight how you supported analysts in delivering high-quality insights and how you fostered a strong data culture within your previous teams.
✨Engage with the Mission
CQC is all about improving care for people across England. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with them. During the interview, express your passion for using data to make a difference in local authority assessments and how you can contribute to their goals.