Government Analysis Function > Government Statistical Service and Statistician Group > GSS governance > GSS committees and groups > GSS Heads of Profession Group > Meet the GSS Heads of Profession (HoPs) > Head of Profession: Jane Naylor

Head of Profession: Jane Naylor

Large version of profile picture for Jane Naylor, the Government Statistical Service (GSS) Head of Profession (HoP) at the Department for International Trade (DIT).

Jane Naylor is the Government Statistical Service (GSS) Head of Profession (HoP) at the Department for International Trade (DIT).

My biggest work-related accomplishment

It’s been great to see the effect the statistical community have had on policy and decision making during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Never in my career have I seen such a craving for trustworthy data and statistics.

If I could only produce one piece of work next year

Over the next year I want to build on the innovative and collaborative work we have seen during the pandemic. This includes using real-time indicators, new and novel data sources, and more traditional statistics and surveys to understand the changes we have seen in trends in trade to support economic recovery.

How I started my career in statistics

Maths was my favourite subject at school, so it was an obvious choice to study it at university. I joined the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as a new graduate and was loved the opportunities it gave me to continue using and developing my technical skills while applying them to real world issues.

The best skills I bring to the job

Some of my best attributes are:

  • the ability to bring people together to produce statistics and analysis that answer important questions
  • a combination of technical expertise and skills to communicate and produce effective results
  • resilience

One thing I wish I knew before I joined the Civil Service

I wish I had known about the range of different roles and different departments you can work in. I’m still discovering new fascinating policy and analytical issues.

The biggest influence on my approach to work

I’m not sure I can pick out one person that has influenced my approach to work. I have learnt so much from different colleagues throughout my career, and I continue to learn!

The biggest misconception people have about my role

People think I know every government statistic.

My favourite weekend activity

I love watching sport. That could be watching my children playing football, cricket, golf, hockey or similar sports, or watching sport on TV and recently even live. I occasionally even take part myself!