Government Statistical Service newsletter - October 2021
Welcome to the latest round-up of news and information relevant to all members of the Government Statistical Service (GSS). This month's newsletter has been curated by Ami. As always, we welcome any feedback sent to gssnet@statistics.gov.uk.
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News
We are delighted to be launching the second Analysis in Government Awards to recognise and celebrate the excellent work being done across the government analytical profession.
We welcome nominations which reflect the range of work completed by analysts across government. There are six separate awards which will be presented to individuals/teams from across the Analysis Function:
- Collaboration: This award recognises collaboration between teams, departments, other professions and/or external organisations/researchers to deliver a piece of analysis or analytical project.
- Innovative methods: This award recognises innovation in methods of analysis.
- Communication: This award recognises clear and successful presentation and dissemination of analysis. This could include public facing dissemination as well as the communication of analysis within teams, departments or across professions.
- Impact: This award recognises analysis which has been impactful through use, influenced decision-making and/or has contributed to public debate.
- Inclusion: This award recognises an outstanding contribution in making the Analysis Function a more inclusive function, reflective of the citizens we serve.
- The Sir Ian Diamond excellence award: This award recognises an individual that has displayed excellence in championing, promoting or growing the Analysis Function.
You can find more information about the award categories as well as tips on writing a winning entry on our web page and submit your entries using the nomination form. Entries will close on 12 November, so be quick! Please contact AF.awards@ons.gov.uk for further information.
Now in its 26th year, the theme the event will be exploring is statistical methods in an age of disruption. GSSM26 will be held virtually over two mornings, Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 November 2021.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and Brexit have highlighted the importance of the UK Statistical System to inform on economic and social disruption. Together with major programmes such as Census 2021, National Data Strategy, the Levelling Up and Net Zero agendas and the Integrated Data Programme, methods and research within official statistics and analysis are facing unprecedented challenges for innovation. The symposium will explore what this means for methodology in the GSS.
With keynote speakers including Professor David Spiegelhalter, Sir Ian Diamond, Dr Ben Goldacre and Professor Kamlesh Khunti, this year’s event will include a combination of live presentations, parallel sessions, and networking opportunities. GSSM26 is open to all members of the GSS, other analysts and anyone with an interest in the methods used to produce official statistics.
For more information about GSSM26 please email gssm@ons.gov.uk.
The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) have been considering whether they should amend the Code of Practice to enable more flexibility for producers to release statistics at times other than the standard time of 9.30am, whilst at same time keeping the benefits of consistency and protection against interference. We encourage you to consider the suggestions and to share your views.
The first data science degree apprenticeships for the GSS celebrate success
The GSS Career’s team are delighted to announce that the first cohort of GSS Degree Apprentices have completed the apprenticeships. In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the UK the apprentices’ studied at Cardiff Metropolitan University while undertaking apprenticeships across the GSS in Wales, including at the Welsh Government, Qualification Wales and at the Office for National Statistics. Each of the apprentices is set to graduate with a BSc in Applied Data Science, having gained valuable industry experience, working full time while studying part-time at the university. The cohort, delivered projects at the heart of high profile public sector work including 10 Downing Street and HM Treasury, during their studies.
The GSS Data Science Degree Apprenticeships are fully funded in Wales by the Welsh Government and in England by the apprenticeship levy. They are an alternative to traditional university study as students work full time in relevant employment with select industry partners while studying at university on a part time basis. The apprenticeship offers a great chance to learn data science skills ‘on the job’ and join this ever-growing and vital modern profession. For further information about these apprentices please contact GSS.Careers@ons.gov.uk.
Latest ethics guidance now published
The UK Statistics Authority’s Centre for Applied Data Ethics has released its latest ethics guidance, this time focused on considering public views and engagement in research and statistics projects. The publication of this guidance was accompanied by a blog from Reema Patel of the Ada Lovelace Institute.
The guidance is targeted at researchers and statisticians, both within and outside of government and has been developed in response to user need. It has been published as an open early draft for comment and feedback from the wider user community. As always, they look forward to hearing any feedback that you may have!
Blog
Next slide please!
Ever wondered what it's like to be working on the fast paced Number 10 press conference slides? Read the blog post from Claire and Andy to find out.
New is always better?
Iain Dove discusses How I met your mother, statistics and methodology .
Accessibility empathy for users of spreadsheets
Many of the spreadsheets currently published are inaccessible, in this blog post Hannah Thomas sets a challenge to navigate a spreadsheet without being able to see the data, Why not take on the challenge?
New to the game: statistics, methods, research and me
Ella Williams Davies discusses how her Psychology degree gave her the transferable skills to work on GSS-wide quality guidance.
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Events
Government Operational Research Service (GORS) Diversity and Inclusion mini conference
Following the success of the first diversity event in July to support and promote greater diversity across the GORS community, we have organised another event which will take place 11 to 14 October. The talks are open to all GORS members and the wider analytical community and will cover the areas of gender, disability and intersexuality. The GORS Central Management Unit will circulate all slides after the event.
Sessions:
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Jobs and opportunities
GSS data scientist recruitment campaign
Our current campaign is recruiting for the following roles (please be aware these close on 7 October):
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And finally...
I actually got some ripe tomatoes in the last few weeks, although it's now getting too cold and the unripe ones are beginning to drop off. I'll be sorting out my greenhouse and garden ready for winter shortly.
Have a great month!
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