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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vital government projects using your statistical skills and make a real difference.
- Company: Join the Government Statistical Service, a top graduate employer in the UK.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary, enjoy flexible hours, and develop your professional skills.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a high-profile role that influences policy decisions.
- Qualifications: Studying a numerate degree with a predicted grade of 2:2 or above.
- Other info: Network with fellow students and professionals while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
About the role
Are you studying a numerate degree and seeking a summer placement? Are you interested in pursuing a career in statistics? Are you excited by a challenge that will put your statistical skills to the test? If the answer is yes, we have an exciting opportunity for you in the Government Statistical Service. You could be spending your university summer placement in one of our departments across the UK, working at the heart of government, in roles that really make a difference.
Responsibilities
- Supporting the transport network and infrastructure to keep the UK on the move.
- Safeguarding our natural environment to sustain a thriving rural economy.
- Supporting immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, fire, counter‑terrorism and police. This role is high profile and you may receive requests from Ministers and other senior officials.
- Working with existing team members focusing on research work which will form part of larger projects.
- Being exposed to multiple arms of government such as central policy, delivery of frontline services, finance and long‑term strategy.
- Working with a variety of professionals including analysts, policy, delivery and IT specialists.
- Working in a government environment which promotes a healthy work‑life balance and encourages learning and development.
- Joining a community of placement students and networking across the GSS.
The summer placement will be for a continuous period of up to 3 months, between June – August 2026.
Person specification
These placements are an opportunity for you to put into practice the techniques you have learnt during your studies within a working environment. You will work with others, including Data Scientists, to learn new techniques and understand how the work across the GSS influences and shapes policy decision making. You will have the opportunity to learn the skills required for professional life whilst working for the GSS which has been ranked as one of the top 100 graduate employers in the country.
Qualifications:
- Currently studying for a highly numerate degree (e.g. mathematics, engineering, chemistry, physics) and expected to achieve a 2:2 or above.
- Open to those returning to their Undergraduate Degree following their placement.
- Please do not apply if you are in your final year.
- Provide details of:
- The degree you are studying.
- Your current year of study.
- Your expected graduation year.
- Predicted grade.
Behaviours
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
- Presenting and Disseminating Data
- Data Analysis
Benefits
- Contribute to society with a unique chance to work on a breadth of projects and issues that make a real difference for the public good.
- Challenge and stretch yourself to develop your career and reach your full potential.
- Have opportunities to maintain your Continuous Professional Development (CPD) through a statistical learning and development programme.
- Earn a competitive salary.
- Flexible working hours.
Inclusion & Accessibility
The Government Statistical Service is a community for all civil servants working in the collection, production and communication of official statistics. We take the well‑being of employees seriously and we consider everyone, in whatever department or location in the country, to be part of a diverse and inclusive GSS family. Inclusion & Accessibility: We’re always looking to attract the very best people from the widest possible talent pool, and we are proud to be an inclusive, equal‑opportunity employer. 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.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard 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), 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.
Contact
GSS.Recruitment@ons.gov.uk
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GSS Summer Student Placements 2026 employer: Government Statistical Service
Contact Detail:
Government Statistical Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land GSS Summer Student Placements 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past interns in the Government Statistical Service. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out during your placement.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your statistical knowledge and current events related to government policies. We want to see that you're not just a number cruncher but also someone who understands the bigger picture!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Highlight any group projects or collaborations from your studies. The GSS values working together, so make sure you demonstrate how you can contribute to a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the GSS community.
We think you need these skills to ace GSS Summer Student Placements 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your statistical skills and any relevant coursework in your application. We want to see how your studies align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing what you’ve learned!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to the specific role. Mention how your interests and experiences relate to the Government Statistical Service and the impact you hope to make during your placement.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy and user-friendly, so why not?
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Statistical Service
✨Know Your Stats
Brush up on your statistical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in your studies. Be prepared to give examples of projects or assignments where you used data analysis techniques, as this will show your practical understanding.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Think about how your skills can contribute to supporting the transport network or safeguarding the environment. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to share experiences where you've worked effectively in a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve influenced outcomes positively in group settings.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the GSS and the specific departments you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can make a real difference during your placement.