Head of/Lead Data Scientist
Department of Health and Social Care
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 8th December 2024
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Salary
London £72,602
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Contract type
Loan
Secondment
Length of employment
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Economist
Operational Research
Social Research
Statistics
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About the job
Job summary
In the Department of Health and Social Care, we are proud of our purpose – to enable everyone to live more independent, healthier lives for longer. To achieve this, and create a great place to work, we have four values: we are inclusive, we constantly improve, we challenge, and we are agile. If this sounds like an environment you would like to work in, we would love to hear from you.
The public should expect decisions around their health to be based on the best insights derivable from the data they give to us - that requires data scientists!
DHSC's Data Science hub are raising capability with the ingredients that allow great data science to happen everywhere in DHSC; Skills & Talent, Community & Culture, Leadership, Platform, Tools and Data. We work across the department to deliver innovative data science projects and are making AI work for DHSC with our Advanced Analytics programme.
To achieve this, we:
- Deliver innovative data science products leveraging emerging technologies such as Generative AI.
- Scale, embed and productionise data science applications to maximise impact
- Set strategic direction for data science in DHSC.
- Are a friendly and accessible central resource of technical expertise
- Bring in talented data scientists to DHSC and support them via a vibrant community and L&D offer
- Foster relationships with data scientists across the health and social care sector, government, and industry.
- Act as ambassadors for data science with all our colleagues.
- Implement the government’s Reproducible Analytical Pipelines strategy.
- Collaborate with academia and partners across government and the health sector
Analytical teams across DHSC are embracing modern analytical techniques and putting health data to work improving policy. Our data scientists have demonstrated real-world value through topics as varied as public health, dentistry, adult social care, mental health, NHS performance and more, as well as focussing on how emerging AI tools can increase departmental efficiency. As well our central Data Science Hub, we now need to embed data science leadership across the department to realise the potential the nation's health data for policy making by making data science central to all of our analysis.
Job description
We are seeking a Head of Data Science to bolster our data science leadership. Initially this role will provide paternity cover leading the Data Science Hub and for the Head of Profession role. Longer term, there is a demand for data science leadership across the department and this post will support meeting that need either through continued leadership of the data science hub or a reorganisation of data science leadership roles.
As Head of the Data Science Hub, you will be concerned primarily with capability building, strategy and leadership. You will act as both a technical leader and manage delivery through others as part of a larger team of 15 data scientists and a programme manager. You will take a strategic view in order to enable data science to have impact across the department and the wider health sector. As the leader of data science in DHSC you will be a key advocate in senior for and set the narrative for data science including adoption of AI within the department.
Across DHSC, data science plays a key role in helping policy analysts make best use of health data such as NHS data, primary care data and 3rd party datasets such as web data and ordnance survey for example. We also lead on the internal adoption of AI in DHSC, in close collaboration with colleagues in the Chief Data Officer's Directorate and IT. Longer term this post could pivot to a more focussed portfolio embedding data science into a particular policy domain or sub-set of data science applications such as genAI. This representative of our increasing maturity in data science.
Data Science is always moving and you will continually upskill yourself and your team to stay on top of developments. The team will look to you to set the scope and ambition of the team in pursuing leading - edge developments alongside supporting the wide function of the analytical community in adopting modern data science fundamentals such as Reproducible Analytical Pipelines.
You will sit at the centre of a number of key groups such as internal boards, external collaboration with data science leaders in health, government and academia. You will lead the data science community, creating a dynamic, collaborative and friendly culture.
You will sit within a network of experts within and outside the department facilitating use of data science to generate new insights. You will facilitate understanding and communication between technical experts and policy customers.
When required, we expect the successful candidate to take a flexible approach to which projects they are working on, so that the department can meet its business priorities. On occasion, this may include working outside the immediate team.
Person specification
Role responsibilities
Initially as Head of the Data Science Hub, you will have responsibility for:
- a team of 15 data scientists and a programme manager
- Scoping new work and proposing new analytical directions
- Upskilling and recruitment of data scientists across DHSC
- Technical leadership
- Development of data science capability across the department, broadly defined (supporting platform, tooling and data requirements, skills, community, talent…)
- Representing and advocating for DHSC data science across government and the health & care sector.
- Adoption of the government's RAP strategy
Key skills and experience required for the role
Our standards are aligned to the Data Science Capability Framework. You will need to demonstrate that you can:
- set direction
- build capability
- oversee resourcing, budgeting, professionalism and outputs and products
- support and enable future IT developments
- understand and use a wide range of data science techniques, tools and technologies
- lead on ethics
- communicate and present data science and data ethics effectively to ministers and - senior leaders
- champion the role of data science in supporting organisational priorities, and in collaborative working across professions
- represent the department on data science matters
You must be an accredited member of the GSS/DDaT or GORS profession.
Memberships
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Developing Self and Others
- Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Use and application of professional analytical skills to real issues or problems
- Communicating analysis with impact
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Your normal place of work will be your contractual primary workplace, usually either London or Leeds. Within DHSC we offer non-contractual hybrid working. The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time spent in the office, enabling in person interaction and collaboration, and enhancing team working, learning, and support.
You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas and some travel may be required across the DHSC estate.
Opportunities for some working from home may be available; other flexible working options may be discussed with the hiring manager in line with individual circumstances and business need.
There are a limited number of DHSC colleagues who have existing agreed homeworking contracts resulting from Our Future Estate Programme 2023-2024. Colleagues covered by these arrangements are eligible to apply for this role whilst continuing their agreed existing home working arrangement. Occasional travel to DHSC offices or other locations may still be required according to business need. Travel and subsistence will be provided in line with the pre-agreed homeworker arrangements
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Applications will be sifted W/C: 9th December 2024
Interview date: W/C 6th January 2025
Interview location: Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.
Further details and interview slots will be released to candidates who are successful at sift.
Applications will be sifted on CV, Statement of Suitability, Behaviours
An initial sift based on the CV and personal statement may be held if a large number of applications are received. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Please use your CV to set out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role. These can be found in the ‘key skills and experience required for the role’ section of the advert.
Please use your personal statement to outline how you meet the key skills and experience required for the role as set out in the job advert.
At interview candidates will be assessed on behaviours, presentation and technical skills
Candidates will be asked to give a presentation which will assess the technical skill, application of analytical skills to real issues or problems. The presentation question will be issued to candidates with the release of the sift scores.
Candidates will be asked 2 additional technical skills questions which will assess application of analytical skills to real issues or problems, and communicating analysis with impact. Please use the framework links below depending on your analytical profession.
To find out more about working in the department please visit our page on the Civil Service Careers Website https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/departments/working-for-the-department-of-health-social-care/
and to find out more information on how to apply visit the Civil Service Careers Website https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/how-to-apply/
Applicants who are appointable but were not successful in appointment to this vacancy, may be held on a reserve list for up to 12 months, and contacted if similar vacancies become available.
Please be aware that some travel may be required across the DHSC estate.
Please note that applicants will require BPSS
Memberships required for the role will be checked and verified by the vacancy holder as part of the onboarding process. You may also be asked to provide evidence that any qualifications obtained overseas are equivalent to those advertised.
This role is being advertised on a permanent basis. If preferable, Loan or Secondment options will also be available for existing Civil Servants (Loan) and applicants from accredited NDPBs or any other employer (Secondment). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
Terms and Conditions
Candidates should note that DHSC’s Terms and Conditions of employment changed from 1 October 2013. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful.
New Entrants to the Civil Service
New entrants appointed in grades AA to G6 will receive DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions:
- Annual Leave: 25 days on entry rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff
- Privilege Leave: 1 day - for the King’s birthday
- Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
- Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): one month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months’ full pay and five months’ half pay
- Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allow staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
- Probation: 6 month probation period
Existing Civil Service staff transferring from another Government department, on either level transfer or promotion
All staff moving to DHSC will transfer onto DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions (as outlined above).
Existing DHSC staff, appointed on promotion
If DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions are already held, the employee will retain those terms and conditions. If DHSC’s pre-modernised terms and conditions are held, the employee will transfer onto DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions (as outlined above).
Further Information
Any move to DHSC from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via dhscrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Analyst Recruitment Team
- Email : Analystrecruitment@dhsc.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dhscrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/
