Why coming together still matters: reflections from a morning of engagement in Leeds

In June, more than 50 colleagues from across the Government Statistical Service (GSS) came together in Leeds for a morning of learning, discussion and networking. We were joined by people from different organisations, different professions and different cities, all with one thing in common – a desire to connect with others who care about using statistics and evidence to improve decisions.

The event took place at Quarry House in Leeds and was organised by the GSS Policy and Coordination team. It brought together local analysts, regional networks and Statistics Heads of Profession from across government. The programme included presentations, a careers panel, and plenty of time for networking and conversation.

More than just a meeting

In a world of Teams calls, it is easy to think that meeting in person is no longer important. Online meetings help us work across organisations and locations every day. They are efficient, flexible and often the right choice.

But there is something special about being in the same room as other people. And, as I looked around the room, I was reminded why events like this matter so much.

Before the event had even officially started, colleagues were introducing themselves, sharing experiences and finding connections. Some discovered they had worked on similar topics for years but had never met. Others were surprised to find large analytical communities working just a few streets away.

These conversations are difficult to plan for, but they are often the most valuable part of any event.

Showcasing great work

The morning began with presentations from locally based colleagues, Chris Cannell, from ONS Local North West, talking about his role supporting local leaders and organisations make better use of data, statistics and analysis for decision-making; and Leonardo Gada, a senior mathematical modeller in UKHSA, with a fascinating presentation on his epidemiological analysis of historical smallpox data in collaboration with the University of Manchester.

One of the strengths of the Analysis Function is the diversity of work we do. Analysts support decisions on health, education, transport, welfare, the economy and much more. Yet we do not always get the opportunity to hear about work outside our own teams.

Events like this help us learn from one another. They help spread ideas, good practice and innovation. They also remind us that although we work in different organisations, we are often trying to solve similar problems.

Careers are rarely a straight line

A highlight of the morning was the HoP panel discussion called ‘Journeys in the GSS: careers and networks’. The session focused on career development, professional growth and the role that connections and networks play in helping people progress.

One message came through clearly: there is no single route to success.

Each of the panel members had taken different routes into and through the GSS. Some had moved between professions. Others had worked in several departments or regions. Different experiences had helped them build new skills and discover opportunities they might never have planned for.

For people early in their careers, this was an important reminder that it is okay not to have every step mapped out. Careers are often shaped by curiosity, conversations and opportunities that appear when you least expect them.

The power of networks

If there was one theme that linked every discussion, it was the value of networks.

Most of us can think of a moment when a conversation helped us solve a problem, gave us confidence or opened a new opportunity. Sometimes it is a colleague who shares advice. Sometimes it is someone who introduces us to a new area of work. Sometimes it is simply meeting people who understand the challenges you face.

Professional networks make this possible, while regional networks create opportunities for people build relationships close to where they live and work, while still feeling connected to the wider Analysis Function.

The Leeds event showed just how powerful those connections can be.

A case study in regional engagement

Leeds was the perfect place to host the event. The city is home to large analytical communities across government, including colleagues from several departments and public bodies. Bringing people together in the region created opportunities for local collaboration that might not otherwise happen.

It also demonstrated an important point: talent exists across the whole country.

Too often, national networks can feel centred around a single location. By taking events into regions and building local communities, we make it easier for a wider range of people to participate, contribute and lead. The enthusiasm in the room showed there is real appetite for this approach.

Looking ahead

The success of the morning was not measured by the presentations or even the panel discussion. It was measured by the conversations that continued afterwards.

As people exchanged contact details, discussed future collaborations and made plans to stay in touch, it was clear that new connections had been formed. Those relationships may lead to future partnerships, career opportunities, shared learning or simply a friendly face when someone needs advice. Whatever form they take, they strengthen our profession.

The event in Leeds was a simple reminder that while data, statistics and analysis are at the heart of what we do, people are at the heart of how we do it. Bringing people together creates energy, ideas and opportunities that are hard to replicate in any other way.

So if you see an invitation to a local network event, community session or engagement day, consider saying yes. You never know where a conversation might lead!