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: Jason Bradbury

Head of Profession: Jason Bradbury

Large version of profile picture for Jason Bradbury, the Government Statistical Service (GSS) Head of Profession (HoP) at the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted).

Jason Bradbury is the Government Statistical Service (GSS) Head of Profession (HoP) at the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted).

My biggest work-related accomplishment

Over the last year I have led a really challenging, but rewarding piece of work with colleagues at:

  • the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual)
  • Ofsted
  • the Department for Eductaion (DfE)
  • the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
  • the Office for National Statistics (ONS)

This work involved creating a linked dataset called ‘GRADE’, which stands for ‘GRading and Admissions, Data for England’. This creates a rich source of information through which to understand the long-term effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on life choices and outcomes.

If I could only produce one piece of work next year

A really good risk assessment of the providers Ofsted inspects and regulate. If we get the right, we most effectively safeguard children and learners and give them the best chance through the education system.

How I started my career in statistics

I answered a Fast Stream advert in the Guardian many years ago and wanted to use my degree in Maths and Science.

The best skills I bring to the job

One of my best attributes is an understanding of what can be done with data and the ability to translate technical issues into language our users will understand. It’s not easy, but communications is probably the biggest skill or challenge for statisticians. Another of the most important skills I bring to my job is the ability to ensure we provide the right statistics in the right way to a high standard of quality.

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

I wish I had known that you really need to manage your own career. It’s good to move departments, but you have to look for the right opportunities.

The biggest influence on my approach to work

So many people have influenced my approach to work. But it was a joy to work directly for Jil Matheson when she was the National Statistician. She would really get us to concentrate on how to get from the idea to the plan. That’s really stuck with me. I always ask myself ‘how are we really going to do this?’.

In my spare time

I’m a bit of a golfer, and I love walking the fairways on a bright sunny day.

My dream career as a child

I wanted to be an officer in the Royal Navy, but sadly I had epilepsy as a child and was unable to pass the medical.

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