Head of Statistics

This temporary post is being advertised at the same time as a C2 permanent Head of Statistics role in Social Security Scotland. We would encourage candidates to apply for one or both roles. The campaigns will be run separately and applications for each role will be sifted and assessed independently. The same panel will assess both campaigns.

Job Title – Head of Statistics

Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should spend a minimum of 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy

Grade – C2

Advert type - Temporary Promotion

Duration - 9 months - Maternity Cover

Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from eligible staff in Bands A – C for this vacancy

Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

The role is based in the Central Analysis Division (CAD), Strategy and Delivery Directorate, DG Exchequer, Strategy and Performance, Scottish Government
CAD is a multi-disciplinary division with analysts from each of the analytical professions and sits within Strategy and Delivery Directorate which operates at the centre of the Scottish Government. CAD provides analysis to the wider Directorate and DG to shape and support how the Scottish Government operates.

The C2 leads the Resilience, Performance and Delivery Unit which comprises three teams of Operational Researchers and Statisticians. The unit takes a leading role in preparedness and data sharing in a crisis; and leads on the development of the three-tiers of the National Performance Framework which includes: National Indicators and public facing reporting, performance monitoring and reporting and delivery assurance of the Programme for Government.

This unit operates at the centre of Scottish Government meaning that the post holder needs to be comfortable leading a team with changing priorities, meeting tight deadlines, regular interactions with Ministers and Cabinet Secretaries and regular reporting to ET and Corporate Board.

Responsibilities

• Launching the new National Outcome and Indicators website and dashboard minimum viable product, maintaining and improving through the year.

• Ensuring the first performance framework reporting to Corporate Board in December 2026, and regular future analysis and reporting, meets user needs and is delivered on time to a high standard. Users include the First Minister, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform and the Minister for Public Finance as well as senior leads within SG.

• Maintaining high quality delivery assurance reporting, ensuring the product continues to meet user needs working with the Delivery division and Delivery Network

• Scoping a longer term National Performance Framework website reporting on all three tiers of the National Performance Framework

• Lead the programme of work to ensure analysts across SG are ready to respond in a crisis, this involves re-establishing the cross SG Data and Analysis for Crisis Group, holding the title of the Data Liaison Officer for SG regarding crisis data and managing the Analytical Pool.

• In a crisis, lead and co-ordinate a cross SG response for analysis alongside the Deputy Director.

• Manage a high performing technical team to respond flexibly to changing Ministerial and organisational priorities.

• Prioritise and plan including the management of resources to deliver an analytical work programme and contribute to wider Directorate and Scottish Government objectives and outcomes.

• Provide statistical leadership within the division as the only C2 statistician, and ensure that professional standards are being met for all analysts in the unit.

• Build and use networks across users, producers and other stakeholders to inform the questions that can be answered by statistics and shape work programmes in accordance with this.

• Lead the work of a unit in line with the aims and objectives of the Scottish Government statistics group, aligning with our strategic priorities for improving statistics.

• Provide clear direction, empowering and motivating staff with a strong focus on continual improvement and championing good statistical practice.

• Oversee the creation of a compelling evidence based story across multiple teams that challenges and influences important decisions throughout the country that affect Scotland’s people.

• Embed a culture of quality, transparency and reproducibility of analysis across teams.

• Overall responsibility for ensuring that statistics and data are communicated and promoted effectively and not misused.

Qualifications
A minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree or a master’s degree or PhD.

Applicants should either:

• Be a member of the Government Statistics Group (GSG), or;
• Demonstrate how their qualifications contain formal training on statistics or data, or; Have a minimum two years experience in a statistics or data related field.
  

Proof of qualifications will be checked at the informal chat stage.

Success Profiles
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on, you should provide evidence of how you meet these in your statement.

Experience

1. Experience of providing direction and creating an empowering culture, including communicating a clear vision and leading people at all levels towards it.
2. Ability to effectively use planning and organisational skills to have strategic oversight of a programme of work.
3. Using professional statistical and data expertise to lead on a programme of high-quality analytical work meeting good statistical practices.
4. Experience with promoting analysis across Government and Agencies in line with cross-cutting priorities, ensuring it has impact and meets the needs of a range of users.
   

Technical / Professional Skills

• Acquiring data and understanding customer needs - (Grade 6)
• Data Analysis - (Grade 6)
• Presenting and disseminating data effectively - (Grade 6)
  

You can find out more about the skills required, here: GSG framework

Behaviours

• Seeing the Big Picture – (Level 4)
• Making Effective Decisions – (Level 4)
• Leadership – (Level 4)
  

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot

Working Pattern
This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 9 months.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. 

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your application online, including your CV and a Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words. Your CV and Supporting Statement should clearly demonstrate how you meet the qualification element (GSG member details or qualification info) and the experience required for the role as outlined in the Success Profile above. Be sure to provide specific examples of work that you’ve done that showcase your relevant experience.

Please note that the post is only open to individuals who have satisfactorily completed their probationary period.

Vacancies close at 11:55 pm on 16th November 2026.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples 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, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

Candidates who are successful at sift stage will be invited to attend an informal chat. The informal chat will further assess the Experience, Technical skills and Behaviours listed in the job advert.

Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to informal chat with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post.

Informal chats are expected to be scheduled for week commencing 23rd or 30th November 2026.

Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

About us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further Information
If you have specific questions about the role, please contact Audrey Macdougall at Audrey.macdougall@gov.scot

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.