GSS Conference committee

The Government Statistical Service (GSS) Policy and Coordination team are the secretariat for the conference, and are responsible for supporting the Chairs and Committee to ensure successful delivery.

Jade Lester

I lead on GSS Community and Engagement within the GSS Policy and Coordination team. Get in touch if there’s anything you’d like built upon, or if you’d like to share your work across the GSS: GSSNet@statistics.gov.uk.

Favourite random statistic

That it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert at something. Whilst it might be considered a myth or a starting point, it’s a good reminder to be patient with ourselves and to practice dedication over motivation.

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

There’s so much I’d love to learn – it’s my favourite thing to do. Outside of work, dog training is a priority – puppy incoming!

Favourite way to spend a weekend

Walking somewhere beautiful (mountains, lakes, beaches, forests) or reading a great book with a good coffee.

Charlie Hunt

I am new to the GSS Policy and Coordination team but have been a civil servant for 2 years now. I have a background in Film Studies and graduated from University of Southampton.

Favourite random statistic

Approximately 20% of all mammal species on Earth are bats.

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I really want to learn British Sign Language.

Favourite way to spend a weekend

Hanging out with my dog, watching films or doing crafts, in particular collage or embroidery.

Eleanor Cuzner within the GSS Policy and Coordination team is an acting consultant, having supported previous GSS conferences.

The GSS Conference Chairs lead the Conference Committee and are responsible for designing and delivering the conference.

Gregor Anicic

I work at the Department for Business and Trade in the Economic and Strategic Analysis Team, and will shortly move over to the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council. I previously worked in Investment Analysis, and in Labour Market Analysis where I worked on the Employment Rights Bill. I studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with quantitative methods), and am currently also studying for my MSc in Economics.

Favourite random statistic

Taking inspiration from Drake’s equation, I estimated that we have about a 0.07% chance of finding the perfect love of our lives.

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I would like to learn French and Spanish to complement the existing languages that I already know.

Favourite way to spend a weekend

Watching random documentaries.

Charlotte Holden

I am based in Leeds and works for Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). 

Favourite random statistic

I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan so I was fascinated to hear that her recent Eras tour was estimated to have boosted the UK economy by nearly £1 billion. 

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I’ve recently brought home a black labrador, called Nell, so I’m focusing on learning how to train her and avoid teaching her any bad habits. 

Favourite way to spend a weekend

I thoroughly enjoy going for long walks in the countryside and finding small, independent bookshops 

The communications workstream plan and create communications for the conference.

Aarthi Hariharan

I am based in London and work as a statistician for the Department of Work and Pensions.  

Favourite random statistic

Birthday Paradox: It only takes 23 people in the same room for there to be a 50% chance two of them share the same birthday. 

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I would love to learn a new language this year 

Favourite way to spend a weekend

Going for a nice walk by the river with friends, followed by a movie night at home.  

Nikhil Shivalingappa

I’m an Assistant Statistician at Social Security Scotland, working on official statistics publications and automating reporting processes for Winter Heating Benefits.

Favourite random statistic

India has over 19,500 spoken languages. I grew up hearing at least six at home!

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I’m currently learning Salsa and Bachata — it’s fun, energetic, and a great way to meet people.

Favourite way to spend a weekend

Exploring new places in Scotland, enjoying a good hike, or relaxing with a gym session and a great meal — followed by a few games of snooker or heading out to a club.

The delegates workstream coordinate attendee tickets and information, and support delegate related arrangements and queries.

Lucy Henshall

I’m a statistician working in Insight & Evaluation of comms and marketing in the Department for Business and Trade. Day to day I work on managing social research surveys to study the effectiveness of DBT services and marketing and trying to make the snazziest Data Visualisations I can.  

Favourite random statistic

I used to be a rodent-disease researcher so: There are approximately 4 rats to every human in the world! 

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

Workwise, I’d love to properly learn Python, personally, I would love to learn to make point lace. 

Favourite way to spend a weekend

Going for Brunch and a dip in the sea and maybe check out an exhibition followed by a cosy craft Sunday.   

Maria Johnson

I am based in Leeds and work for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). 

Favourite random statistic

Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people 

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I would love to learn a language. 

Favourite way to spend a weekend

Relaxing at home watching a movie or reading a book. 

The keynote sessions team arrange the submissions process, sifting, selection and support for keynote speakers.

Amy Jackson

I am based in London and works for the Department of Work and Pensions.

Favourite random statistic

90% of the calorie’s humans consume comes from just 30 plant species  

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I would like to learn gymnastics.

Favourite way to spend a weekend

In a beer garden on a sunny day with good food, with an evening of board games.

Toni Clarke

I work as a statistician for the Cabinet Office Analysis and Insight team generating insights on the size and structure of the Civil Service workforce.

The parallel sessions team organise submissions, sifting, selection, and support for session speakers.

Benjamin Rudling

I’ve been a Civil Servant for almost seven years and work on probation staffing analysis in the Ministry of Justice. I have a background In Geology but became a statistician after completing university. I’ve also worked in the ONS / HMRC and the Cabinet Office. 

Favourite random statistic

Crystal Palace won the FA Cup final with just 21.7% possession! 

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I’d like to learn how to paddleboard. 

Favourite way to spend a weekend

Park Run, rock climbing and watching Crystal Palace win! 

Katherine Pugh

I’ve been working in Statistics for just under two years. I’m excited to be a part of the GSS Committee as its a great way to build new skills and meet new people. 

Favourite random statistic

My favourite random statistic is on average humans share 99.9% of their DNA with each other.

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I’d love to learn how to throw pottery. 

Favourite way to spend a weekend

My favourite way to spend a weekend would be exploring a new place. 

The venues team support with considerations, organisation and set-up for the venue.

Ian Hillis

I am a Senior Executive Officer/Senior Statistical Officer in Ministry of Defense (MOD) and this is the third time I have been on conference committee. I am looking forward to organising the venue for the conference. Outside of work, I follow my rugby team and perform musical theatre (currently rehearsing for Guys and Dolls at time of writing).

Favourite random statistic

Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. How do you measure a year in the life? 

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I would love to learn how to dance Cuban style. 

Favourite way to spend a weekend

Travelling to New York/Paris/Rome 

Robin Muegge

I joined the Civil Service at the end of 2024, after completing my statistics PhD with a focus on spatial and spatio-temporal epidemiology. I’m excited for connecting with other statisticians and analysts across the Civil Service! 

Favourite random statistic

My childhood favourite players (Džeko and Grafite) scored 54 goals in 08/09, making them the Bundesliga’s top scoring striker duo of all time. 

A new skill or activity you’d like to learn

I would like to start playing the piano. 

Favourite way to spend a weekend

Going to a concert, reading, spending time outdoors.