At a Glance
- Tasks: Influence data usage across the UK and support legal and ethical standards.
- Company: Join the UK Statistics Authority, a leader in official statistics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and unique benefits for employees.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public good through data governance.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience with stakeholders required.
The predicted salary is between 35144 - 35144 £ per year.
Looking for a role where you can influence how data is used across the UK? Join us at the heart of Legal and Data Services and make a real impact. This role sits at the heart of the UK Statistics Authority, supporting the delivery of Legal and Data Services (LDS) across the organisation, including the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). The LDS team provides expert advice and hands-on support across a diverse portfolio, including data governance, policy, Freedom of Information (FOI), Data Protection, ethics, accreditation for statistical research, and complaints handling.
Through this work, the team plays a vital role in ensuring the organisation operates within legal frameworks, maintains public trust, and upholds the highest standards of transparency and accountability. The UK Statistics Authority is an independent body operating at arm’s length from government, with a clear statutory mission to promote and safeguard the production and publication of official statistics that serve the public good.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the centre of one of the most dynamic areas of the UK Statistics Authority. Based within the Legal and Data Services (LDS) branch in the Strategy & Policy division, you will play a key role in supporting the National Statistician, Permanent Secretary, senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation. The LDS team is responsible for overseeing how data is accessed, used and shared for research and statistical purposes, ensuring all activity is compliant with relevant legislation.
As a Policy Adviser, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of legal and data governance. You will provide both expert advice and practical support across a wide range of areas, including Freedom of Information (FOI), UK GDPR, data ethics and Digital Economy Act accreditation. The role will see you working collaboratively with teams across the organisation, such as Knowledge and Information Management, Security and Private Office, as well as engaging with external stakeholders including the Government Legal Department, the Statistical Data Ethics Advisory Committee and the Research Accreditation Panel.
You will contribute to shaping and implementing policies and procedures, ensuring statutory compliance, and safeguarding the Authority’s reputation for ethical and lawful data use. This is a fast-paced and varied role, offering the opportunity to work flexibly across the LDS team, responding to evolving priorities and emerging challenges as business needs change.
Responsibilities- Supporting the delivery of responsive and timely secretariat and policy advice services to the chair and members of the UK Statistics Authority Research Accreditation Panel (RAP) in respect of the RAP’s role in supervising the accreditation of research projects, researchers and Trusted Research Environments under the Digital Economy Act 2017.
- Implementing and managing systems to ensure that the research project accreditation process overseen by the RAP is delivered efficiently and effectively, being a key enabler for data access in multiple TREs across the UK.
- Providing advice and guidance on legal and ethical matters, including data sharing, acquisition, and interpretation of legislation and engaging with internal and external stakeholders to promote legal and ethical standards across the organisation.
- Support the Data Protection Officer in fulfilling statutory obligations under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, including compliance activities such as personal data breach management, audits and risk management through review of data protection impact assessments.
- Assisting the Legal and Data Services senior leadership team in drafting papers, and providing advice, support and briefing within the branch’s remit and to the relevant boards, panels and committees.
- Experience working with a range of customers and stakeholders, with the ability to build and maintain strong business relationships, and use influence to achieve outcomes.
- Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills.
- Can analyse information from multiple sources, quickly draw conclusions from information to simplify and communicate issues to non-experts in a clear way.
- Can operate flexibly and at pace, with experience of planning and prioritising your workload to meet tight deadlines.
- Keen eye for detail to ensure a quality service is delivered quickly and effectively and can liaise with stakeholders and take on their feedback to review and improve services.
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Seeing the Big Picture
Alongside your salary of £35,144, UK Statistics Authority contributes £10,181 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. The UK Statistics Authority 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.
Policy Officer employer: TargetJobs UK
The UK Statistics Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of legal and data governance within a dynamic and supportive environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from a collaborative culture that values transparency, ethical practices, and public service, alongside competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact on how data is used across the UK, while enjoying a fulfilling career that prioritises your professional development and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for TargetJobs UK and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with TargetJobs UK, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for TargetJobs UK.
