Would you like to ensure that statistics serve the public good?
The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) is seeking an experienced SEO analyst to work on embedding the new Code of Practice for Statistics across the UK Statistical System. This is an opportunity to join a friendly, experienced and dynamic team in an organisation that promotes work-life balance, flexible working and self-development.
About this opportunity
Job grade
Available to current SEOs (or equivalent grades), working in the Government Statistical Service (GSS)
Contract type
Loan
Start date and duration
OSR envisages the loan will run for one year, from April 2026. However, there is flexibility in start date and term.
Location
OSR operates a flexible hybrid working model, with colleagues linked to one of our contractual locations. The locations offered for this role are Newport, Edinburgh, Titchfield, Darlington and Manchester.
The Office for Statistics Regulation
OSR is the regulatory arm of the UK Statistics Authority. OSR is independent from government ministers and from producers of statistics. Our role is to enhance public confidence in statistics, so that statistics fulfil their potential to serve the public good.
Central to OSR’s work is upholding the principles of the Code of Practice for Statistics. Our focus is on official statistics, but we encourage wider adoption of the principles of the Code – Trustworthiness, Quality and Value (TQV) – to uphold appropriate use of statistics in public debate and support public confidence in statistics. You can find out more about careers at OSR on our website.
The role
This is an exciting time to work in OSR, as we promote the new edition of Code! We are seeking an experienced and motivated analyst to join our Policy and Standards Function, which maintains the Code. The Function leads on promoting and supporting interpretation, adoption and embedding of the Code across a wide range of stakeholders. In this role you will build strong relationships with stakeholders inside and outside government, developing effective communication skills.
Responsibilities
- You will support producers of statistics within government, to embed the Code in their work. To do this, you will develop and promote targeted resources and events that drive the statistical system towards stronger compliance with the Code.
- You will champion the voluntary application of the Code among organisations working with data and producing statistics that are not official statistics. This will involve providing guidance to producers of statistics across different sectors, helping them interpret and apply the Code in their work, and promoting TQV across the statistical system and beyond.
- You will work closely with colleagues in our Policy and Standards Group, statistics regulators and others within OSR, to deliver our ambitious regulatory programme.
Skills and experience
We welcome applications from candidates that have:
- Experience of statistical production within government
- Familiarity with the Code of Practice for Statistics, and the principles of Trustworthiness, Quality, and Value
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to design and deliver training or presentations.
- Confidence in engaging with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to manage projects independently and collaboratively.
How to apply
Please submit a statement (500 words maximum), using the Word document provided, that sets out your suitability for the role, based on the skills and experience required and the role responsibilities, your current grade and organisation, by 31 January 2026.
You must have line manager approval before submitting your application. All applications should be sent to regulation@statistics.gov.uk marked “FAO Penny Babb”.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a chat with OSR about how you feel you meet the requirements for the role.