91709 - Principal Statistician - Prisons , Analysis Directorate Ministry of Justice

We welcome applications from candidates based across the UK. Candidates will have the option of being based in the Leeds or London HQ offices (with flexible working arrangements available) or your nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office: see this map for more details. Alternative locations may be available and will be discussed and agreed on the completion of background checks. Interviews are likely to take place in November/December 2024 and will be held via MS Teams. We will keep a merit list for a year for those who successfully pass the interview board but who are not offered a post. About the Analysis Directorate We are passionate about improving justice outcomes through innovative research, data and analysis. In the Analysis Directorate, we provide high quality data and analysis helping to ensure strategic, policy, finance, corporate and operational decisions are based on robust evidence. We create a culture in which people are empowered with the data and information to make excellent decisions; using cutting edge tools, techniques and collaboration; putting evidence at the heart of the justice system. We are a multi-disciplinary team of around 650 staff that sits at the heart of the Ministry of Justice providing analytical support across a diverse and exciting agenda. We work in a dynamic and fast-paced context and our skills are in heavy demand across the Ministry of Justice. Our collaborations beyond government are seen as ground-breaking. The Analysis community is made up of analysts and specialists including: Social Researchers, Economists, Operational Researchers, Statisticians, Data Engineers, Data Scientists and other data specialists (such as data strategists, data dissemination, generalists and assurance experts). Why work in the Analysis Directorate? In the Analysis Directorate, we want all our people to feel valued for who they are and for the work they do. We provide a warm, inclusive place to work and offer a wide range of flexibilities and benefits as part of our people offer to reward our staff. What you'll do Principal Statistician (Prisons) - you will be a supportive leader for a team of analysts providing high-quality data, statistics, management information, analysis and subject matter expertise on prisons. You will work closely with colleagues across policy, operations and analysis to provide the data and insight needed for MoJ to make evidence-based decisions, including supporting urgent work around prison capacity and reprioritising at pace in response to Ministerial requirements. You will seek opportunities to further develop the work of the team in alignment with MoJ's Data Strategy and the Code of Practice for Statistics.

Do you have the passion, values, and ability to help us solve the biggest problems of the justice system?, Candidates must be able to show the relevant experience and skills and must meet the criteria for entry: Grade 7 - must meet all of the following:

• You have significant work experience (usually a minimum of four years) evidencing use of data and/or analytical skills. Time spent on an analytical PhD can count towards this.
• You have significant experience of managing projects
• You have experience of leading or managing a team, Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex data and analytical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Confidence in analysing data and presenting it appropriately, including leading others in analytical delivery.
• Experience of leading and developing others, prioritising and delegating tasks in line with organisational objectives.
• Representing your team in discussions with partners, managing partners' expectations, dealing constructively with challenges and where appropriate adapting your work programme as requirements and circumstances change.
• Strong ability to plan, prioritise and lead a portfolio of analytical requests with challenging and competing timelines.
• Building and maintaining a culture of high-quality analysis and continuous improvement
The following experience and skills are desirable:
• Experience with Official Statistics, freedom of information requests and parliamentary questions
• Knowledge of R and GitHub
• Professional knowledge and experience of working with the justice system, ideally prisons.