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- Tasks: Lead data research to inform social work decisions and improve services across Scotland.
- Company: Join the National Social Work Agency, shaping social work policy and practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Use your analytical skills to influence social work policies that affect thousands of lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational research and strong data analysis skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration with key stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced analyst looking for an opportunity where you can apply a variety of Operational Research techniques to help inform decision-makers? Government Operational Research Service (GORS) Principal Analysts working in the Scottish Government family (including the new National Social Work Agency) apply problem solving, modelling, and data analysis to real world challenges. They combine this with consultancy skills and formal techniques for stakeholder engagement, and in so doing help government departments make evidence-based decisions that impact hundreds of thousands of people.
The Scottish National Social Work Agency (NSWA) is an Executive Agency with responsibility for advising Ministers and policy teams with an interest in all aspects of social work policy and practice, including adults, children, and justice social work. Additionally, the Scottish NSWA provides cross governmental policy input in areas including health and social care, mental health, children and families, prisons and all aspects of public protection.
This role is situated in the Professional Learning and Workforce Unit of the new Executive Agency in Scotland, The National Social Work Agency. Reporting to the Unit Head, the Principal Operational Researcher will lead the data research team, with line management responsibility for one statistician. The team’s focus will be to drive the delivery of a relevant data and evidence set to inform the National Chief Social Work Adviser’s annual report to Ministers, regarding the state of the social work workforce and the state of social work services in Scotland.
The team will work across the agency for this purpose, providing relevant support to the Improvement and Implementation Unit and also the Strategic Policy Unit, as well as working closely with colleagues in the Professional Learning and Workforce Unit (and relevant partners) on the development of tools and projects which provide reliable and robust workforce data.
Responsibilities- Instilling professionalism and integrity in all aspects of analytical work.
- Delivering GORS best practice ensuring that work is appropriately quality assured.
- Convincing senior officials of the implications of analytical evidence in a wide context.
- Supporting GORS recruitment, including induction of high-quality Operational Research professionals in the GORS community.
- Supporting progressive professional development, including time to explore the newest techniques and technologies.
- Lead on providing analytical and statistical scrutiny to a wide range of activity across the NSWA, supporting and advising NSWA colleagues on the analysis and use of data in their work.
- Take the lead on opportunities to source and analyse appropriate data sources relevant to the NSWA.
- Direct the production and development of a core data set/dashboard for the NSWA which can be used to demonstrate the issues affecting social work and which can evolve to support the Agency’s objectives, inform the National Chief Social Worker Adviser Annual Report and drive improvements across the sector.
- Lead on the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the NSWA and an appropriate methodology for its corporate performance framework covering KPIs, objectives and outcomes, including the implementation of appropriate methodologies for gathering reliable performance information.
- Head up the production of the National Chief Social Work Adviser’s Annual Report on the state of social work services and the social work workforce, using appropriate available data to inform its development and liaising with NSWA colleagues on its content.
- Contribute to leadership of the NSWA, working with the Chief Social Work Adviser, Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser and Senior Leadership Team to deliver the strategic priorities of the NSWA.
- Develop dashboard of data to give overview of how social work services are performing/issues identified.
- Sourcing and working with available data from external bodies, such as the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) and Local Authorities (LAs) to inform dashboard.
- Work with colleagues to identify data requirements for Chief Social Work Adviser Annual Report.
- Support for NSWA colleagues to interpret external data and reports re implications for social work.
- Aid workforce planning colleagues to interpret/source data and evidence on workforce planning.
- Assist education colleagues with analysis of student data in respect of future workforce numbers.
- Support for development of corporate KPIs for NSWA, monitoring of progress.
- Provide evidence and data analysis informing improvement activity as it develops.
- Support for Professional Social Work Advisers (PSWAs) and the Improvement and Implementation Unit with evidence and data interpretation regarding social work trends and emerging issues.
Principal Operational Research Analyst - National Social Work Agency employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Operational Research Analyst - National Social Work Agency
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the National Social Work Agency on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role like the Principal Operational Research Analyst.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your Operational Research techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in real-world scenarios, especially in social work contexts. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your consultancy skills! Think about how you can effectively communicate complex data insights to non-analysts. Practice explaining your past projects in a way that highlights your ability to influence decision-making.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the NSWA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Operational Research Analyst - National Social Work Agency
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with Operational Research techniques. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, emphasise your problem-solving and data analysis abilities. We’re looking for someone who can convince decision-makers with evidence-based insights, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Engage with Stakeholders: Don’t forget to mention your experience in stakeholder engagement! We value consultancy skills, so if you’ve worked closely with teams or presented findings to senior officials, let us know how you made an impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Operational Research Techniques
Make sure you brush up on the various Operational Research techniques relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these methods in past projects, especially in a government or social work context. This will show your depth of knowledge and practical experience.
✨Understand the Agency's Objectives
Familiarise yourself with the National Social Work Agency's goals and current challenges. Being able to articulate how your skills can directly contribute to their mission will set you apart. Think about specific examples where your analytical work has led to impactful decisions.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Since the role involves convincing senior officials of analytical evidence implications, practice articulating your findings clearly and persuasively. Prepare for potential questions about how you would engage with stakeholders and present complex data in an understandable way.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Analyst, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor others and drive quality assurance in analytical work.