Navigating a career in statistics: reflections from senior leaders
Since 2024, I have enjoyed being the sponsor for a Government Statistical Service (GSS) Fast Stream cohort. It’s been great to hear about the new skills they’ve gained and the experiences they are embracing to set them up for their future careers.
In talking to them it’s clear they are ambitious, and rightly so! However, they also highlighted a lack of awareness of statisticians in senior roles in government. With this in mind, I recently spoke to colleagues in senior roles who had been government statisticians early in their careers, to find out more about their journeys and what advice they had for the latest recruits.
Before sharing more on this, I can’t pass over the pathway of one of the most well-known and influential individuals in the creation of the GSS. Harold Wilson, while best known as Prime Minister, was also Director of Economics and Statistics in the Ministry of Fuel and Power, and a Royal Statistical Society (RSS) Fellow. In fact, he was president of the RSS between 1972 and 1973. The GSS was formed while Harold Wilson was Prime Minister, in response to recommendations made by Claus Moser as Director of the Central Statistical Office.
Since then, we have seen statisticians rise to permanent secretary – whether as National Statistician (John Pullinger) or leading a ministerial department (Robert Devereux, Department for Transport and Department for Work and Pensions). The experiences of these individuals and our current senior colleagues show that being a statistician provides an excellent basis for a future career in a range of roles across the Civil Service.
The statisticians included in this blog have gone on to senior roles in a range of areas, including policy, programme management, analytical leadership and data focused positions. They universally felt their background as a statistician was helping them to succeed.
What are the benefits of a statistical background?
The analytical approach to problem solving is seen as valuable irrespective of the role.
“I have found being a statistician a huge advantage – it involves a culture of innovation, automation, and thinking of the end-to-end delivery model to see where data collection, reporting, metrics and insight fit in.”
Ian Knowles, Director of Analysis, Department for Education
“I am in a policy role and have analysts to support me, but my statistics background comes in handy all the time.”
David Fry, Director, Office of Manpower Economics
What do you enjoy most in your role?
The breadth is huge, including collaboration, innovation, and learning from colleagues. However, the benefit that came across most strongly – and with most passion – is the opportunity to have an impact and improve citizen’s lives.
“My favourite part is seeing innovative new analysis coming together to really help influence policy or operational choices.”
Jane Whittaker, Director of Analysis, HM Revenue and Customs
“By far the most rewarding aspect is the thought that every time we can provide the data, insight and evidence into policy development and decision making, we are helping to ensure a better future for the next generation.”
Ian Knowles, Director of Analysis, Department for Education
“Using data, evidence, evaluation and digital developments to help make an impact on the health and wellbeing of the people of Wales.”
Iain Bell, Director of Public Health Data Knowledge and Research, Public Health Wales
Cyfarwyddwr Data, Gwybodaeth ac Ymychwil Iechyd Cyhoeddus, Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru
What has had the biggest influence on your career?
Many factors had influenced the careers of these statisticians, but two areas were highlighted as having made the biggest difference.
First, the influence of people they had worked with and looked up to. These key people had given them confidence, pushed them to do better or think in new ways, and provided inspiration and support.
Second, the roles they had taken on. Often, moving to gain experience outside of statistical roles or taking unexpected opportunities helped them to stretch and learn more about how to produce and use statistics more effectively.
“There are so many people who have inspired me to keep learning and developing.”
Iain Bell, Director of Public Health Data Knowledge and Research, Public Health Wales
Cyfarwyddwr Data, Gwybodaeth ac Ymychwil Iechyd Cyhoeddus, Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru
“The biggest impact on my success at a senior level, including becoming a director, came from temporary moves I made away from formal analytical roles and into jobs in operational delivery and finance parts of HMRC.
I learnt so much in these different roles, particularly about opportunities for data and analysis to improve both operational decision making and strategic direction setting.”
Jane Whittaker, Director of Analysis, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
“Having a passion for what I do. I’ve always found my work interesting and exciting.”
Jen Woolford, Director of Public Policy Analysis, Office for National Statistics
What is your advice for early career government statisticians?
Needless to say, they all had really helpful suggestions, no doubt informed by their own career paths and experiences.
“Keep asking who needs this and does this meet that need? Understand the golden thread between your work and the benefit to society. If you don’t know the answer to that, ask again and again until you understand it.”
Ruth Studley, Director of Population Transformation, Office for National Statistics
“Firstly, work on policies and in jobs you find interesting. You will then find your work enjoyable, which will in turn motivate you to do a great job. Secondly, take up the opportunities that come your way in the Civil Service.”
Alex Jones, Director of Insights and Research, Ofsted
“Take every opportunity – if someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you are not sure you can do it, say yes and learn how to do it later!”
Lucy Vickers, Chief Statistician, Department of Health and Social Care
This blog can only scratch the surface of this important topic, but I hope it gives some insight and inspiration for people setting out on their own career paths and wondering what their futures might look like.
Information about how to progress your career is available in the Analysis Function Career Framework and Government Statistician Group Career Framework. There are also a range of career stories available on the Analysis Function website.
Mary Gregory, Director of Population Statistics, Office for National Statistics