Data Analyst

Job Description

To lead the collection, analysis and reporting of data across the Archdiocese's family of Catholic schools and academies, providing timely, accurate and insightful information that supports school improvement, strategic decision-making and statutory obligations.

The postholder line manages the department's data function, championing high standards of data quality, integrity and compliance, and building the confidence of colleagues and school leaders in the information they rely upon.

Key responsibilities

Data analysis & reporting

• Collect, cleanse, analyse and interpret data from a range of sources to identify trends, patterns and areas for attention.
• Produce clear reports, dashboards and visualisations that translate complex data into meaningful insight for varied audiences, including senior leadership, trustees and school leaders.
• Support school improvement and strategic planning by providing robust, evidence-based analysis.

Data management & systems

• Maintain accurate, well-organised datasets and ensure the integrity, security and appropriate use of information held by the department.
• Oversee statutory and periodic data returns, ensuring they are accurate, complete and submitted to deadline.
• Review and improve data-collection and reporting processes, introducing automation and efficiencies where appropriate.
• Ensure all handling of data complies with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Archdiocese's own policies.

Line management

• Line manage, support and develop the department's data staff, setting clear objectives and priorities.
• Manage workloads, allocate tasks and monitor performance, providing regular feedback and supervision.
• Foster a positive, collaborative and professional team culture, and support the wellbeing and development of team members.

Collaboration & stakeholder engagement

• Work closely with colleagues across the Education Department and wider Archdiocese to understand and meet their information needs.
• Build effective working relationships with schools, academy trusts and external partners.
• Respond to data queries and requests promptly, accurately and helpfully.

General

• Keep up to date with relevant developments in data practice, the education sector and data-protection law.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role, as required.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree, or equivalent qualification, in a numerate, data or information-related discipline — or equivalent demonstrable experience
• Evidence of continued professional development

Desirable

• Professional qualification or accreditation in data analysis, statistics or a related field
• Certification in data tools such as Power BI or SQL

Experience

Essential

• Substantial experience of collecting, cleansing, analysing and interpreting large and complex datasets
• Experience of producing clear reports, dashboards and visualisations for a range of audiences
• Experience of line managing, supervising or coordinating the work of others

Desirable

• Experience of working within an education, charitable or not-for-profit setting
• Experience of school performance or pupil data, and of statutory returns such as the School Census

Skills & abilities

Essential

• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with data and reporting tools (for example Power BI, SQL or equivalent)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to present complex data clearly and simply
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a small team, and to manage competing priorities to deadline

Desirable

• Ability to design and automate reporting processes to improve efficiency
  

Knowledge

Essential

• Sound understanding of data protection obligations, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
• Working knowledge of data analysis techniques and data-visualisation good practice

Desirable

• Knowledge of the education sector, including academies, multi-academy trusts and the Ofsted framework
• Awareness of DfE and Catholic Education Service (CES) data requirements

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Respect for, and a willingness to support, the ethos, mission and values of the Catholic Church and of Catholic education
• Discretion, integrity and sound judgement when handling confidential and sensitive information
• A collaborative, professional and solution-focused approach

Other Requirements

Essential

• Willingness to travel across the Archdiocese as the role requires
• Satisfactory references, and any pre-employment checks appropriate to the post
• The right to work in the United Kingdom (see statement below)

Safeguarding

The Archdiocese of Southwark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake the pre-employment checks appropriate to this post.

Right to work & visa sponsorship

Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom. The Archdiocese of Southwark is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role, and candidates must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK before an appointment can be confirmed.

This job description reflects the current requirements of the role. It is not exhaustive and may be reviewed and amended, in consultation with the postholder, to meet the changing needs of the department.