Unlock your potential: Ten learning and development resources for government analysts
The Analysis Function Capability Team is at the forefront of learning and development (L&D) resources and advice for all government analysts. We asked what L&D they would most recommend to government analysts looking to make a positive impact by developing their skills and career. Here is what they recommended, in no particular order…
1. Career Journeys: there is no “one size fits all”
There are a variety of way in which careers develop, and building breadth of experience is equally as important in advancing your career.
Links:
- Career stories – Government Analysis Function
- Gov UK Blogs: Growing as a data leader through a temporary promotion
2. Try a puzzle or brainteaser
Games and puzzles are a great way to practice logical thinking skills or coding – especially when we have limited time to dedicate to training or need some inspiration.
Links:
3. Understand your current (and future) role profile
The Analysis Function role profiles give guidance for analysts and aspiring analysts to help progress their careers. The role profiles contain guidance about the role summary, typical responsibilities, core skills and career paths.
Understanding our role profiles, or those which we aspire to do, can help us identify our current strengths or skills gaps and provide a basis for personal development plans.
Link: Analysis Function: Role profiles and career pathways
4. Join a network
Engaging with others can lead to opportunities to learn new skills, think about our work in different ways, create a network and ask for support.
Link: Analysis Function: Connect with analysts in your area and across government
5. Use the Technical Learning Curriculum
Formal training for analysts across government is available through the Analysis Function Technical Learning Curriculum. This includes a learning model and various resources to complete formal training.
Link: Analysis Function: Technical Learning Curriculum
6. Enhance your leadership skills
Resources are available for analytical leaders and those who manage analytical teams through the Analysis Function website.
Link: Analysis Function: Leadership and analysis
7. Make use of service manuals and design systems
Service manuals and design systems provide guidance and components for use in digital content. Analysts can use these to inform their designs and produce accessible and consistent content.
Producing visually appealing and accessible content can improve our reach to users and their understanding of our analytical work.
Links:
- ONS Service Manual: Data visualisation guidance
- ONS Service Manual: Content style guide
- Gov Service Manual: Writing for user interfaces
- Gov Service Manual: Designing good questions
8. Attend conferences and events
Attending events through your profession or department is a great opportunity for learning, networking and group discussions. Events are also available via the Analysis Function events page.
Links:
9. Open Learn courses
Free resources from the Open University including courses, articles and videos.
An opportunity to develop new skills and wider understanding to benefit our teams and ourselves.
Links:
10. Join the Data Ethics and Society Reading Group
This reading group offers a chance to step back from day-to-day work and engage more deeply with the ethical challenges of data-driven technologies (including AI), supported by thought-provoking books and the perspectives of colleagues across the public sector.
Staying informed about changes in data ethics and engaging with a diverse group on the topic could support us in making better decisions in our analytical work.
Link: Gov UK: Data, Ethics, and Society: Join the Conversation in 2025
The Analysis Function Capability Team