Job Description - The Government Statistical Service (GSS ...



Job DescriptionPost DetailsPost Title: Senior Information AnalystBand: 7Profession: Information Management Professional Group: Information Analysis and StatisticsPost SummaryThis post will assist in the provision of information and data for commissioners, analysts and clinicians in health and social care. The Senior Information Analyst will analyse and collect data and produce specific information that assist the Government, the public sector and other care providers in delivering and improving health and social care services and shaping policy. The Senior Information Analyst will also inform external customers about NHS healthcare activity and local authority adult social care and public health activity. This information is used by a wide variety of customers (including DH, NHS, external) to monitor trends, shape future policy and plan resource requirements. The post holder will be an experienced analyst and will be involved in prioritisation, definition and interpretation of customers’ requirements, expert analysis, user support, team working skills and system design and development opportunities.The Senior Information Analyst will support their Manager by managing a large component of the section. They will have a lead role in delivering statistical services and undertaking the development of health information analyses, which support internal and external customers of NHS Digital.Key Areas of ResponsibilityResponsibility for Communication and RelationshipsThe Senior Information Analyst will take a key role in explaining complexities regarding the processing and dissemination of data and will take a proactive role in promoting key principles and standards that apply to data analysis. They will communicate across all levels of the organisation, and will also take the lead in communication with stakeholders, such as those working in policy or academic areas. In order to accomplish this, the post holder will:Act as a key contact point to provide and interpret sensitive, complex and/or technical information through the use of appropriate communication techniques to technical and non-technical customers in a format they can understand. This will include large groups (of 20 or more) such as steering groups or professional interest groups. Produce written material, such as parliamentary questions, internal reports and publications, including explanation of technical terms to ensure correct understanding. Develop effective working relationships with colleagues, data suppliers and customers through negotiations and re-assurance including at stakeholder group meetings. Foster good working relations within the team, encouraging good communication between staff members.Contact customers /data suppliers to deal with issues associated with the provision/supply of data e.g. .deliver bad news to customers when necessary, negotiate timescales for delivery.Participate in the establishment and review of appropriate documentation such as service level agreements (SLAs) between the customers and third party software providers to ensure that delivery of agreed SLA standards is maintained. Responsibility for Analysis and JudgementThe Senior Information Analyst will oversee the preparation and delivery of analytical solutions, often including the publication of Official Statistics and National statistics. This involves the organisation of a team in order to ensure delivery in line with relevant guidance such as the UK Statistics Authority Code of Practice and information governance guidelines. Often the post holder will be required to evaluate multiple methods in order to produce solutions which best fit the needs of the customer. The Senior Information Analyst will: Be a domain expert and understand what information is available to address a specific problem, as well as being able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each data source and how they can enhance the team’s outputs.Gather the requirements of the customer, making clarifications where necessary in order to ensure the end product fully meets their needs. This could involve understanding of relevant policy context and pressures, as well as establishing time scales and resources required. Identify the appropriate analytical method from a range of complex options to meet user requirements. The post holder will evaluate factors such as the accuracy of the data, the speed by which it is needed and the resources required as well as considering the most appropriate variables to use and any shortcomings of the source data.Collate data from multiple sources, with an awareness of data available within own and other departments as well as external to the organisation (such as the ONS, other government departments and the private sector), and the comparability of these sources.Be able to interpret complex analysis and reconcile conflicting information to reach a conclusion, such as the investigation of data quality issues and their impact on calculated data, or determining the most appropriate method to calculate waiting times according to the purpose of the analysis.React and adapt to novel situations for which there is no established solution, and apply expert knowledge of the data and techniques available to devise a solution, e.g. to devise measures to evaluate the effectiveness of health policy.Evaluate the accuracy and integrity of data sources and advise users of the data accordingly.Help to define and apply best practice in the production and presentation of data across own area of responsibility and review analytical solutions and publication materials produced by assignment reports to ensure appropriate standards are met. This includes compliance with GSS guidance and the UK Statistics Authority Code of Practice.Identify opportunities for the linkage of datasets and determine the appropriate method to achieve this linkage.Responsibility for Planning and OrganisationIn order to deliver analytical products and services, the Senior Information Analyst makes work plans with reference to other areas and the impact plans may have on them, as well as allowing for flexibility in order to adapt to rapid changes in requirements or priorities. Often these plans must accommodate competing demands, policy drivers and tight timescales. The post holder must be able to react quickly, deploying resources responsively and be able to make decisions on the most appropriate course of action. To achieve this the post holder will:Manage their own day-to-day activities and that of their team, e.g. production of complex statistical bulletins Plan work and make adjustments as required by prioritising own work and that of other team members, with regard to conflicting priorities, to deliver responses to enquiries and to carry out day to day workload e.g. publicationsPlan and adjust a broad range of work-schedules and project plans to meet customer requirements.Responsibility for Policy and Service Improvement & Development NHS Digital operates in line with the UK Statistics Authority Code of Practice and the Senior Information Analyst acts in line with this standard, as well as contributing to the development and adherence to internal policies regarding the production and dissemination of statistics. They will provide expert advice on issues such as appropriate methods, presentation and statistical disclosure control. The post holder will: Follow and promote awareness of relevant legislation regarding the handling of data, such as the Freedom of Information Act, UK Statistics Authority guidance and the Data Protection Act, ensuring that outputs are delivered in line with these policies.Share best practice in the production of analysis across the organisation, and actively seek out and implement processes and techniques that have been successfully used elsewhere in the business or externally where appropriate.Identify gaps in existing procedures and policies, suggesting and implementing improvement or modification to improve security, accuracy and efficiency of analytical output in own work area.Responsibility for Financial and Other Physical Resources The Senior Information Analyst is not a budget holder, but will contribute to determining resource requirements in future planning. They will:Be responsible for safe use of office equipment, e.g. printers, computers, reprographics, teleconferencing etc.Be responsible for making best use of resources, e.g. limiting printing and travel costs. Be responsible for monitoring and signing off time sheets.Responsibility for Human Resources The Senior Information Analyst is responsible for staff involved in the collection, analysis and presentation of data, ensuring that work streams are adequately resourced in order to meet objectives. In order to accomplish this, the post holder will:Be responsible for assignment management of staff including setting clear objectives, monitoring progress and reviewing development needs as part of the assignment review process.Identify training requirements to ensure staff members are fully trained in competencies required for their role; this may include some coaching of staff.Participate in the recruitment of staff, as required by the Information Analysis & Statistics Professional Group.Responsibility for Information ResourcesIn order to effectively deliver analytical products the Senior Information Analyst understands and is responsible for information systems which collect, store, process or disseminate data. To do this the role holder works closely with colleagues across the organisation to define requirements, to be involved in developments and to ensure the smooth day to day running of the systems. To accomplish this the post holder will:Contribute to the day-to-day operation and maintenance of one or more information systems, such as a data collection system or regular monthly publication cycle, ensuring quality thresholds and deadlines are met.Understand how data are collected and processed to meet analytical needs, including an appreciation of the various teams and functions involved in this process and the impact each has on the ongoing running and maintenance of the system.Gather requirements from stakeholders, suppliers and end users to design developments to systems in order to better meet analytical needs, e.g. the introduction of new validations during data processing. These requirements will be clearly articulated user stories and specifications, with clearly defined considerations, parameters and outputs.Develop new additions to analytical processes or adapt existing ones using corporate tools such as T-SQL or SAS to ensure they are fit for purpose.Review developments of peers and direct reports to ensure they are sufficiently competent to meet the demands of their roles.Carry out User Acceptance Testing of systems, including the development of test scripts and documentation, ensuring that new developments meet the user requirements specified.Ensure the security of data within systems in own work area, keeping up to date on current information governance guidance and legislation and ensuring it is applied appropriately, escalating any concerns to senior staff as required.Ensure good statistical practice is adhered to in their own work, with reference to the UK Statistics Authority and wider government guidelines.Responsibility for Audit, Research and DevelopmentThe Senior Information Analyst ensures continuous improvement in the production of analytical products, including regular reviews of completed work and consultation with users. The post holder will keep abreast of new developments in best practice in the wider field of government statistics and will identify areas which can be improved. They will implement peer review practices and audit outputs against corporate objectives. To aid in this they will:Regularly audit the quality of data using established mechanisms to assess the quality of each data collection, query data with customers and develop ways of validating data received for the first time.Participate in projects to develop new collections or surveys and seek approval for their implementation.Lead on and contribute to reviews and lessons learned activities after completion of phases of work such as publications. Ensure continued professional development for self and others, including development of statistical knowledge and techniques.Freedom to ActThe Senior Information Analyst is expected to work independently, directing staff in their everyday work. They will follow organisational policy in their work, and ensure that their direct reports also work to these guidelines. The post holder will:Have autonomy to make decisions concerning escalation of data quality incidents with regard to established processes, e.g. advise data suppliers on appropriate action where data submissions fail validation checks.Work independently and as a team leader with the ability to make informed decisions as necessary, within professional and organisational policies.Create, control and coordinate the documentation that provides guidance to data suppliers and advice on the use of information. This includes definitions of required data, information about relevant processes and validations, contact points for enquiries, timetables for data collection and dissemination, answering queries and other related information.Manage their own workload(s) and those of the team within agreed timescales and objectives. Responsibility for Health, Safety and SecurityAll NHS Digital employees have a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions and to co-operate with the organisation in adhering to statutory and departmental safety regulations. The Senior Information Analyst ensures projects and releases adhere to the security and information governance standards and requirements, as defined by NHS Digital.Responsibility for Equality, Diversity and RightsNHS Digital is committed to being an organisation which is pro-diversity and anti-discriminatory. All staff members have a responsibility to treat all colleagues and stakeholders with respect and to ensure that the work environment is secure, mutually supportive and free from harassment and discrimination. All employees must be aware of their obligations to abide by the spirit and nature of relevant organisation policies.The Senior Information Analyst will maintain an up to date knowledge of the parameters of legislation and the organisation’s policies and procedures related to equality and diversity.Responsibility for QualityThe Senior Information Analyst:Supports the quality assurance demands of the business area both internally and externally. Quality assures provided services whenever appropriate.Provides focussed knowledge transfer in service change methods as part of project work to a variety of stakeholders. Flexibility This job description is not exhaustive and may change as the post or the needs of the service develop. Such changes will be subject to consultation between the post holder and their Assignment Manager and, if necessary, further job matching or evaluation. Additional Information: Effort and Working Conditions Emotional EffortYesNoExamplesGiving unwelcome news to customers or staff√Occasional, e.g. not being able to supply information at a particular timeDealing with difficult situations√Occasional, e.g. having to negotiate revised dates for providing information or publication datesProviding counselling or coaching to staff√Coach staff on the use of software, data sets and organisational policiesCommunicating life changing events√Dealing with people with challenging behaviour√Other√Management of staff, including performance management or disciplinary proceduresPhysical EffortYesNoExamplesWorking in unpleasant physical conditions√Lifting weights or equipment with or without mechanical aids√Making repetitive movements √Operation of computer hardwareFine manipulation of objects√Standing/sitting with limited scope for movement for long periods√OtherMental EffortYesNoExamplesCarry out formal training or assessments √Occasionally for example training new staff on the use of IT software, compliance with data quality validation checksAnalyse statistics√Prepare summary reports for statistical publications Operate equipment√Operate computer and softwareGive evidence in a formal hearing or tribunal √Attend meetings (describe role)√Attend and contribute to team meetings, assist with external meetings, present key findings of reportsPrepare detailed reports√Prepare statistical bulletins, detailed tabulation reports or guidance materialCheck documents√Check reports for internal consistency and against previous publications for changes in trendCarry out calculations√Calculate summary statistics to describe data Carry out fault finding√Investigate reasons for differences in data over timeOther√Frequent requirement to concentrate where work pattern is unpredicted.Working ConditionsYesNoExamplesExcessive temperatures or noise√Use of VDU more or less continuously√Analysis of datasets using IT software, production of tabulations, data quality checks. Driving/being driven in normal situations√Exposure to aggressive verbal behaviour where there is little/no support√OtherLikely to require some travel e.g. to London. Public transport can be used.Person Specification Post Title: Senior Information Analyst Essential – at recruitment, those needed by the post holder to meet the requirements of the job description to a satisfactory level.Desirable - Extra factors that can be used to choose between candidates who meet the essential criteriaQualificationsEducation to a Master’s degree level in a numerate discipline, or an equivalent level of knowledgeKnowledgeStrong analytical and requirements gathering skills.Be able to understand and interpret results from complex or novel analysis, apply the results to the given problem and suggest conclusions to be drawn.Able to present and explain results of analysis via written and verbal communication.Good working knowledge and experience of databases including database interrogation tools.Good working knowledge of spreadsheets, with experience of making use of their wider functionality, e.g. formulae.Understanding of a wide range of data quality issues and the application of the appropriate data validation techniques.Experience of working in the public sector.Able to exhibit knowledge of relevant legislation when working with public data.Experience of using a statistical package, e.g. SAS, SPSS.Knowledge of using two or more of these statistical techniques; analysis of variance, multiple regression, other multivariate techniques, stochastic processes, time series analysis, generalised linear model, hypothesis testing or index numbers.Knowledge of the techniques used for planning and executing testing throughout the software lifecycleSkills & ExperienceExperience of identifying and managing areas where there are shared and conflicting agendas.Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to choose content and style to suit the audience, including large groups.Able to work within a team under guidance from senior colleagues, able to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team, able to work across teams.Able to communicate effectively with both external and internal customers and colleagues to understand the work required and present or explain work completed.Ability to manage a small team and prioritise own and staff’s work in line with organisational priorities.Experience of leading on a range of projects, including the allocation of work to other staff, to deliver quality outcomes to deadline and identifying risks.Experience with using record level data.Other Occasional travel throughout the UK, as required by the job.Occasional overnight stays throughout the UK, as required by the job. ................
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