Government Analysis Function > Government Statistical Service > Opportunities: GSS community, support and networks > Task and finish groups > Concluded task and finish groups

Concluded task and finish groups

The Government Statistical Service (GSS) has a range of active and completed task and finish groups which contribute to the aims of the GSS vision. This page outlines the outcomes of completed task and finish groups.

Task and finish groups complete set aims within a timeframe. They consist of volunteers across the Government Statistical Service.

Outcomes

Purpose: To develop a strategy for the GSS Community to support engagement and networking opportunities, with clear and regular communications and enhanced visibility of GSS leadership.

Duration: October 2023 to April 2025

Actions

GSS Vision: Capability and Community

Established an aspiration for a vibrant community in the development of the GSS vision, which became the Capability and Community theme within Strength in Numbers. This includes commitments on GSS Community groups, the GSS Conference, and improved visibility of GSS leadership.

GSS community groups

Launched the GSS regional community groups page on the Analysis Function website, promoting local groups and activities.

GSS leadership visibility

  • Introduced the GSS Senior Leaders Blog in the monthly GSS newsletter.
  • Developed the comprehensive Meet the GSS Senior Leaders webpage which provides information about the Heads of Profession across the GSS.

GSS Community events

  • Engagement with the GSS community to shape the vision, including a session at the 2023 GSS Conference and within Departments.
  • Supported the team responsible for delivering the 2024 GSS Conference.
  • Informed the new quarterly GSS Community calls and knowledge sharing sessions.

Next steps

The GSS Policy and Co-ordination team are taking on delivering and maintaining the outputs from the task and finish group. They have developed the GSS Community and Engagement Plan 2025 which builds on this work to:

  • bring the community together more often for regular updates and knowledge sharing
  • improve visibility across the community and celebrate success
  • empower and support the GSS to plan, develop and deliver best practice in alignment with government priorities and needs
  • enable regular networking in-person and online
  • increase the sense of community for statisticians across government

With thanks to: Naeem Abdulhussein (HMRC), Sam Caton (HMRC), Jane Chandler (DESNZ), Simon Clarke (HSE), Steve Ellerd-Elliott (DWP), Sarah Lasher (DCMS), Delphine Robineau (DfE), and John Wilkins (DfT), and Eleanor Cuzner and Jade Lester from the GSS Policy and Coordination team.

Purpose: To identify gaps or specific requirements for under-represented groups in the statistics profession regarding job application and interview support, and to make recommendations to address these.

Actions

Recommended changes to GSS recruitment materials

Reviewed recruitment materials and worked with the GSS Recruitment team to prioritise recommendations. All changes are subject to team capacity.

Gathered feedback from current sifters and interviewers

Gathered feedback from a range of experienced Government Statistician Group (GSG) assessors for statistical officer central campaigns (grade EO to SEO) on:

  • how candidates from different backgrounds have performed in sifts and interviews
  • where there were areas of potential disadvantage
  • what actions could be taken to reduce any barriers for certain candidates

Used existing resources to help with application and interview support

Produced a version of a recent Office for National Statistics blog on a personal experience of the GSS Dissemination Exercise and tips for applicants to be shared across the GSS.

Drafted guidance on reducing the time it takes to onboard people

We created guidance and actions for GSS Heads of Profession (HoPs), Analysis Function, and Departmental Directors of Analysis to help reduce candidate drop-outs and onboard candidates swiftly. This assists with inclusion issues for disadvantaged groups as they will start to be paid sooner.

Commissioned the Diversity and Inclusive group to support

In discussion with the Diversity and Inclusion Group lead and a HoP sponsor, we recommended the following ideas:

  • career presentations from senior statisticians in under-represented groups
  • share existing Civil Service and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) groups with GSS members to improve awareness

Next steps

The GSS Career Framework Steering Group will track progress on the actions from the task and finish group. The Diversity and Inclusion group has been asked to help with the final action.

With thanks to: Adrian Chesson (ONS), Andrew Etherington (ONS), Jessie Evans (DSIT), Ally McAlpine (SG), Maeve McMahon (BDUK), Stephen Oxley (DSIT), Sian Rasdale (FCDO)

 

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