This is an entry-level role with structured training and support. You do not need previous experience in official statistics, economics, or survey data collection. Our training and New Entrant Support Teams (NEST) will help you learn the foundations of the role. Colleagues and line managers will help you develop survey knowledge through training, coaching, feedback, and day-to-day support, before settling you into your new team.

Due to the nature of the role, you will be required to provide service cover on a rota basis until 5pm. This opportunity is offered on a full time or part-time basis with a minimum of 30 hours per week. The advertised salary is FTE and will be pro-rated for part-time colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage survey responses across multiple businesses, balancing response, validation, clearance and data quality priorities.
• Review survey responses and identify missing, unusual or inconsistent figures.
• Investigate changes in data, using information from businesses, previous returns, guidance and other relevant evidence.
• Contact businesses by telephone, email and written correspondence to obtain information, clarify responses and resolve queries.
• Make evidence-based decisions within established guidance, seeking advice or escalating more complex issues where appropriate.
• Record decisions, your actions and supporting evidence clearly and accurately on ONS systems.
• Plan and prioritise your work to support team quality, response and timely outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, sharing knowledge and asking for support when needed.
• Take responsibility for your learning and development, building knowledge of your survey subject and the wider statistical production process.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Comfort working with numbers and information, including noticing when something is missing, unusual or does not make sense.
• The ability to solve problems, investigate information, and reach a conclusion using available evidence.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including asking questions, explaining information and adapting your approach to another person.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and maintain the quality and accuracy of your work.
• The ability to work independently while also checking in, sharing information and learning with colleagues.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £25,501, Office for National Statistics contributes £7,387 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

The Office for National Statistics is part of the Civil Service, and as such we share a number of key benefits with other departments, whilst also having our own unique offerings to support our valued colleagues across the organisation.

Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that our careers site will give you a great insight into the benefits and facilities available to our colleagues, and our fantastic working culture.

Inclusion & Accessibility

At ONS we are always looking to attract the very best people from the widest possible talent pool, and we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer. As a Disability Confident Leader we’re committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, please contact the recruitment team in the first instance.

If you would like an accessible version of any of the attachments or recruitment documents below or linked to in this advert, please contact the recruitment team who will be happy to assist.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Security Clearance

For ONS the requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for 3 consecutive years immediately prior to applying and the department will consider eligibility by exception on a case-by-case basis. You will be asked to provide information regarding your UK residency during your application, and failure to provide this will result in your application being rejected.

At the point of SC application, you will need to provide or give access to the following evidence:

• Departmental or company records (personnel files, staff reports, sick leave reports and security records)
• UK criminal records covering both spent and unspent criminal records
• Your credit and financial history with a credit reference agency
• Security Services records

Visa Sponsorship

ONS is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK when employment commences. If you are currently in the UK on a time-limited visa, it must have at least 18 months remaining at the point of application.

Right To Work And Nationality Requirements

To work at ONS, applicants must meet the Civil Service nationality requirements, satisfy UK right to work requirements and, where applicable, meet the relevant security clearance requirements.

If you are unsure whether you meet the appropriate right to work or security clearance eligibility criteria, please refer to the guidance on Gov.uk or contact the recruitment email provided in the advert before applying. Failure to meet these requirements will result in your application being rejected and employment offers being withdrawn.

Assessment Process

Number of Stages: 3

Stage 1: Civil Service Numerical Test

Stage 2: Application

Stage 3: Interview

Stage 1: Online Civil Service Numerical Test.

Upon submission of Part 1 your application form you will be sent an invitation to complete Civil Service Numerical online tests.

There will be full instructions on how to complete each test including an opportunity to practice before undertaking the actual test. These tests are not time limited