Data analyst/Statistical Researcher

Summary

LOOKING FOR A KNOWLEDGEABLE DATA ANALYST/STATISTICAL RESEARCHER TO JOIN THE TEAM

About the Department/Role

Data Services is part of the Central Services of the Church of England, providing statistical information, analysis, research and consultancy. The team works collaboratively with the NCIs, dioceses and parishes collecting and assembling data to support the Church's missional, pastoral and operational activities through high-quality information and analysis. This is used locally, at parish, diocesan and national levels, involving the Team in a wide range of customer contacts and interfaces

The Data Services Team works to promote data collection that is efficient and effective, producing high-quality services and deliverables geared to a varied range of customer needs. Within the Team, the Data and Analysis unit leads on carrying out data collection and analysis and establishing best practice for research and use of data. It acts as the professional centre of excellence to inform and assist operational and development work within the Team, the NCIs, and the wider Church of England.

What you'll be doing
The purpose of this role is to support the mission of the Church of England by ensuring that high quality data are collected, made available, and appropriately used in decision-making at local, regional, and national level. This analyst role also carries an emphasis on supporting the Church of England to achieve net zero carbon by 2030. 50% of the role will support the Net Zero programme by running the Energy Footprint tool, working with Dioceses and Churches to collect energy data, analysing the resulting dataset and reporting to assist with tracking the important progress of this work.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Working with data received from churches, parishes, dioceses, and cathedrals to ensure best possible quality in terms of consistency, timeliness and accuracy, including undertaking an appropriate share of routine validation and processing.
• Analysing data, and preparing reports for publication of statistics relating to church attendance, parish finances, ministry, cathedrals, parish census and deprivation, and other agreed Business as Usual (BAU) deliverables.
• Overseeing the Energy Footprint Tool, including leading on question design, data analysis, and reporting
• Responding to queries regarding the Energy Footprint Tool from diocesan colleagues
• Producing analysis and reports to aid Net Zero decision making
• Working with key stakeholders to review and improve data collection processes and ensuring these are accurately documented, tested and implemented.
• Providing professional expertise and support to colleagues leading other work within the Data Services Team.
• Providing analysis, insight and statistical advice in response to NCIs', Synodical, Parliamentary and official enquiries and working parties, including the drafting of responses and material for publication.
• Assisting, advising and providing professional support for the creation and development of resources that will help churches, parishes and dioceses better understand and engage with their data.
• Helping to organise and contribute to Data Services events and activities, including those for diocesan and NCI colleagues and members of General Synod.

Essential

S kills/Aptitudes:

• Numeracy
• Analytical skills and the ability to check and analyse numerical information appropriately
• Demonstrable ability to use specialist statistical software such as R
• Research skills and knowledge of quantitative research methods demonstrated through professional experience and/or a good degree or equivalent involving a substantial quantitative element
• Understanding customer needs, identifying and delivering solutions, and building customer relationships

Knowledge/Experience:

• Data collection and survey design
• Working with complex data sets, including checking and correcting errors in large datasets, carrying out data analysis, and writing reports
• Using Excel and its statistical functionality to an advanced level
• Providing data, analysis, and interpretation to meet customer requirements
• Ability to explain clearly numerical concepts and findings to expert and non-expert audiences
• Effective oral and written communication of data analysis, methodology, and results
• Knowledge of a range of data analysis techniques and when they should be used

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent attention to detail
• Willingness to learn new software and techniques
• Comfortable working independently and in collaboration
• Ability to follow established processes and contribute to the design of new approaches
• Self-motivated and able to plan and deliver several concurrent tasks to meet deadlines
• Ability to manage working relationships effectively, with people with a wide range of roles and experience
• Flexibility and a capacity to manage change
• Sympathy with the aims and practices of the Church of England

Desirable

Skills/Aptitudes:

• Working with mapping software, such as ArcGIS or MapInfo
• Use of databases, for example Microsoft Access

Knowledge/Experience:

• Knowledge of qualitative research methods
• Knowledge of using internet-based tools to design and deliver surveys
• Knowledge of Church of England structures and ministry as context for work of the Team

About You

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to recruiting disabled people. We offer interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Please refer to the Job Description for more information about the role and person specification.

What we offer

Your Salary

• A salary of £40,572 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

Your Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department's needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.

• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.

• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.