Methodologist
Office for National StatisticsLondon, England, United Kingdom
Added 21 Aug · still live
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
Ineligible
Going rate
Occupation not currently eligible
This role may not meet Skilled Worker requirements
Our predicted code SOC 8113 is not currently on the eligible-occupation list, so a Skilled Worker visa is unlikely for this exact role. Classifications are algorithmic — check the occupation eligibility rules and confirm with the employer.
About the role
The locations for this role are Newport, Titchfield (Fareham), Manchester, London & Darlington
Due to workforce controls you can only select Manchester, Darlington and London if you are an existing ONS employee contracted to that location. If you are not contracted at one of these sites, these options are not available to you.
Only existing ONS contractual homeworkers can select Homeworking.
Applicants who select a location they are not eligible for will be removed from the recruitment process and will not be considered for alternative locations.
This role is aligned to ONS hybrid working principles, which are based on attending the office with purpose. The postholder will be expected to contribute to the organisation’s overall 40% office attendance, in line with business and role requirements.
Please refer to attachments for further terms and flexibilities.
Job Summary
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest producer of official statistics, covering a range of key economic, social and demographic topics. These include measuring changes in the value of the UK economy, estimating the size, geographic distribution, and characteristics of the population, and providing indicators of price inflation, employment, earnings, crime, and migration. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest producer of official statistics, covering a range of key economic, social and demographic topics. These include measuring changes in the value of the UK economy, estimating the size, geographic distribution, and characteristics of the population, and providing indicators of price inflation, employment, earnings, crime, and migration.
Methodology and Quality Directorate (MQD) ensures that analysis carried out by ONS and the analysis community across government is aligned with the Statistics Authority’s strategic vision and relevant quality standards. We aim to improve the rigour and cost effectiveness of regular statistical outputs and the quality of data used for both statistical purposes and more widely in government. We provide advice and guidance on best practice and ensure that new methodologies deliver improved statistics. We seek to exploit technology and emerging methodologies to research and develop innovative solutions to new and existing issues. We provide a forward-looking, efficient, professional, and accessible service to our stakeholders.
If you want to hear more about ONS, the MQD Directorate or the role then please come along to our webinar on 11th August at 12:30. We'd love to see you!
Job Description
Due to workforce controls you can only select Manchester, Darlington and London if you are an existing ONS employee contracted to that location. If you are not contracted at one of these sites, these options are not available to you.
Only existing ONS contractual homeworkers can select Homeworking.
Applicants who select a location they are not eligible for will be removed from the recruitment process and will not be considered for alternative locations.
This role is aligned to ONS hybrid working principles, which are based on attending the office with purpose. The postholder will be expected to contribute to the organisation’s overall 40% office attendance, in line with business and role requirements.
Please refer to attachments for further terms and flexibilities.
Job Summary
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest producer of official statistics, covering a range of key economic, social and demographic topics. These include measuring changes in the value of the UK economy, estimating the size, geographic distribution, and characteristics of the population, and providing indicators of price inflation, employment, earnings, crime, and migration. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest producer of official statistics, covering a range of key economic, social and demographic topics. These include measuring changes in the value of the UK economy, estimating the size, geographic distribution, and characteristics of the population, and providing indicators of price inflation, employment, earnings, crime, and migration.
Methodology and Quality Directorate (MQD) ensures that analysis carried out by ONS and the analysis community across government is aligned with the Statistics Authority’s strategic vision and relevant quality standards. We aim to improve the rigour and cost effectiveness of regular statistical outputs and the quality of data used for both statistical purposes and more widely in government. We provide advice and guidance on best practice and ensure that new methodologies deliver improved statistics. We seek to exploit technology and emerging methodologies to research and develop innovative solutions to new and existing issues. We provide a forward-looking, efficient, professional, and accessible service to our stakeholders.
If you want to hear more about ONS, the MQD Directorate or the role then please come along to our webinar on 11th August at 12:30. We'd love to see you!
Job Description
Our Methodologists help shape the quality, reliability and impact of statistics across government. They lead research projects, develop innovative methods, and provide expert advice to colleagues, policymakers and external partners.
You'll work alongside specialists across ONS, academia, other government departments and international statistical organisations to solve complex analytical challenges and improve the way statistics are produced and used.
Depending on your skills and experience, you'll primarily work within one methodological specialism while having opportunities to contribute to a wide range of projects that support economic, social and population statistics.
Areas Of Expertise Include:
We are recruiting across three divisions within the Methodology and Quality Directorate:
You'll work alongside specialists across ONS, academia, other government departments and international statistical organisations to solve complex analytical challenges and improve the way statistics are produced and used.
Depending on your skills and experience, you'll primarily work within one methodological specialism while having opportunities to contribute to a wide range of projects that support economic, social and population statistics.
Areas Of Expertise Include:
- Analysis and modelling
- Bayesian methods
- Data linkage
- Editing and imputation
- Machine learning
- Qualitative research
- Questionnaire design
- Quality measurement
- Sampling and estimation
- Statistical disclosure control
- Time series analysis
We are recruiting across three divisions within the Methodology and Quality Directorate:
- Quality and Improvement Division
- Improves the quality of statistics and data across government by developing guidance, delivering quality reviews, providing consultancy and building capability through training and cross-government collaboration.
- Methods and Statistical Design Division
- Ensures ONS statistics are underpinned by robust methodology and high-quality statistical design. The division develops innovative solutions, improves existing methods and helps deliver efficient, trusted statistics.
- Methods and Analysis Capability Division
- Supports analytical capability across government by developing technical training, driving innovation in analytical methods and working across the Analysis Function and Government Statistical Service (GSS) to improve statistical standards and collaboration.
What you'll do as an SEO Methodologist
SEO Methodologists typically have experience leading statistical or survey research and may manage or mentor more junior methodologists.
You'll:
We're interested in candidates with strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills who enjoy solving problems, working with data and improving the way evidence is produced and used.
Whether your background is in statistics, social research, data science, economics, behavioural science or another analytical discipline, you'll have the opportunity to develop your expertise while working on projects that influence decisions across government.
As an SEO, you'll receive ongoing professional development and support, while being trusted to work independently and apply your expertise to complex methodological challenges.
Our Methodologists help shape the quality, reliability and impact of statistics across government. They lead research projects, develop innovative methods, and provide expert advice to colleagues, policymakers and external partners.
You'll work alongside specialists across ONS, academia, other government departments and international statistical organisations to solve complex analytical challenges and improve the way statistics are produced and used.
Depending on your skills and experience, you'll primarily work within one methodological specialism while having opportunities to contribute to a wide range of projects that support economic, social and population statistics.
You'll:
SEO Methodologists typically have experience leading statistical or survey research and may manage or mentor more junior methodologists.
You'll:
- Lead or contribute to methodological research projects
- Apply appropriate analytical and research methods to solve real-world problems
- Develop and improve survey or statistical methodologies
- Communicate findings through reports, presentations and stakeholder engagement
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and customers
- Coach and support colleagues, sharing knowledge and expertise
- Manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs independently
- Contribute to strategic methodological initiatives across ONS
We're interested in candidates with strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills who enjoy solving problems, working with data and improving the way evidence is produced and used.
Whether your background is in statistics, social research, data science, economics, behavioural science or another analytical discipline, you'll have the opportunity to develop your expertise while working on projects that influence decisions across government.
As an SEO, you'll receive ongoing professional development and support, while being trusted to work independently and apply your expertise to complex methodological challenges.
Our Methodologists help shape the quality, reliability and impact of statistics across government. They lead research projects, develop innovative methods, and provide expert advice to colleagues, policymakers and external partners.
You'll work alongside specialists across ONS, academia, other government departments and international statistical organisations to solve complex analytical challenges and improve the way statistics are produced and used.
Depending on your skills and experience, you'll primarily work within one methodological specialism while having opportunities to contribute to a wide range of projects that support economic, social and population statistics.
You'll:
- Lead or contribute to methodological research projects
- Apply appropriate analytical and research methods to solve real-world problems
- Develop and improve survey or statistical methodologies
- Communicate findings through reports, presentations and stakeholder engagement
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and customers
- Coach and support colleagues, sharing knowledge and expertise
- Manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs independently
- Contribute to strategic methodological initiatives across ONS
We're interested in candidates with strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills who enjoy solving problems, working with data and improving the way evidence is produced and used.
Whether your background is in statistics, social research, data science, economics, behavioural science or another analytical discipline, you'll have the opportunity to develop your expertise while working on projects that influence decisions across government.
As an SEO, you'll receive ongoing professional development and support, while being trusted to work independently and apply your expertise to complex methodological challenges.
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
For SEO-level Methodologist posts, we require our staff to have the following,
- a mathematical and statistical awareness of a broad range of topics, especially in methods related to the production and development of official statistics, as well as a more in-depth understanding of particular areas.
- a track record of applying knowledge, skills and experience to good effect in a range of projects, establishing a proven approach to investigating methodological issues and being innovative in developing solutions.
- experience of guiding, developing and coaching other analysts and quality assuring their work in order to lead a team effectively.
Essential
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or post-graduate degree (conditional offers may be made for predicted grades) in a mathematical, statistical, or data science discipline, or other subject with substantial statistical or quantitative analytical content .
OR
Clearly demonstrated equivalent experience, knowledge or qualifications may also be considered.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
- Working Together
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Acquiring Data
- Data Analysis
- Presenting and disseminating data effectively
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 5400 valued colleagues across the business.
Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that the benefits pack attached (bottom of page) 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 member of the Business Disability Forum and 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.
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, Experience and Technical skills.
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.
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.
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, Experience and Technical skills.
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:
ONS are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants are expected to hold a valid right to work in the UK when employment commences. If you are applying on a time-limited visa, this will need to be valid for at least 18 months at point of application.
To work at the ONS, candidates must meet both UK right to work and security clearance requirements (where applicable).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.
Application Process
Number of Stages: 4 stage process
A pre-sift will be conducted on location and eligibility criteria set out in the advert. Ineligible candidates will be removed from the selection process and will not proceed to the application stage.
Stage 2 – Application
The assessment process at the application stage will be based on your CV, experience and personal statement. It is important that your application is tailored to highlight the skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to the role.
A personal statement is required at application stage, the maximum wordcount allowed is 1250, which should not be exceeded. You should provide evidence for each essential skill criterion listed in the person specification. As these criteria are scored, it is advisable to give clear examples for each one, including the impact of your actions, ideally utilising the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Please note that Success Profiles Behaviour examples are not required at this stage of the application process.
In instances where a high number of applications are received, the sift pass mark may be adjusted, and candidates will be invited to interview based on merit order, i.e., those with the highest scores.
Stage 3: Interview Stage 1:Technical Presentation
- 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
ONS are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants are expected to hold a valid right to work in the UK when employment commences. If you are applying on a time-limited visa, this will need to be valid for at least 18 months at point of application.
To work at the ONS, candidates must meet both UK right to work and security clearance requirements (where applicable).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.
Application Process
Number of Stages: 4 stage process
- Stage 1: Eligibility pre-sift
- Stage 2: Application
- Stage 3: Interview Stage 1:Technical Presentation
- Stage 4: Interview Stage 2: In-person Interview at either ONS Newport or Titchfield.
A pre-sift will be conducted on location and eligibility criteria set out in the advert. Ineligible candidates will be removed from the selection process and will not proceed to the application stage.
Stage 2 – Application
The assessment process at the application stage will be based on your CV, experience and personal statement. It is important that your application is tailored to highlight the skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to the role.
A personal statement is required at application stage, the maximum wordcount allowed is 1250, which should not be exceeded. You should provide evidence for each essential skill criterion listed in the person specification. As these criteria are scored, it is advisable to give clear examples for each one, including the impact of your actions, ideally utilising the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Please note that Success Profiles Behaviour examples are not required at this stage of the application process.
In instances where a high number of applications are received, the sift pass mark may be adjusted, and candidates will be invited to interview based on merit order, i.e., those with the highest scores.
Stage 3: Interview Stage 1:Technical Presentation
If your application is successful at sift you will be invited to undertake a virtual technical exercise. You will be required to provide a presentation at this assessment stage. The presentation topic will be emailed to candidates who have passed the initial online application stage, 1 week prior to interview. This presentation will assess candidates against the Technical Skills;
If you are successful at stage 3, you will be invited to interview, where you will be assessed using techniques aligned with the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, covering all behaviours listed in the job advert and any required technical skills.
Our main locations are Newport (South Wales), Titchfield and Darlington.
A reserve list may be held for a period up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made.
Interviews will be held at Government Buildings, Cardiff Road, Newport South Wales, NP10 8XG or Segensworth Road, Titchfield, Fareham, Hampshire,PO15 5RR
Important Dates:
Dates may be subject to change.
Please note that all campaigns may be subject to withdrawal at any stage if the internal resource position changes.
For the full terms and conditions of the post, please see attachment.
Technical Skills will be assessed against GSS Technical Framework
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- Acquiring Data
- Analysis of Data
- Presenting and Disseminating Data
If you are successful at stage 3, you will be invited to interview, where you will be assessed using techniques aligned with the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, covering all behaviours listed in the job advert and any required technical skills.
Our main locations are Newport (South Wales), Titchfield and Darlington.
A reserve list may be held for a period up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made.
Interviews will be held at Government Buildings, Cardiff Road, Newport South Wales, NP10 8XG or Segensworth Road, Titchfield, Fareham, Hampshire,PO15 5RR
Important Dates:
- The Sift will be conducted from 26th August
- Stage 1 Interviews will be conducted from 14th of September
- Stage 2 Interviews will be conducted from 12th October
Dates may be subject to change.
Please note that all campaigns may be subject to withdrawal at any stage if the internal resource position changes.
For the full terms and conditions of the post, please see attachment.
Technical Skills will be assessed against GSS Technical Framework
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : MDQ Resource
- Email : mqd.resource@ons.gov.uk
- Email : ONS.Analytical.Resourcing@ons.gov.uk
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact recruitment.complaints@ons.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Office for National Statistics, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 8113 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~16k in sampleP25 £29kP75 £43k
£24kmedian £34k£43k
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Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Office for National Statistics holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
Skilled Worker roles must clear both the general salary threshold and the occupation-specific going rate. See our occupation eligibility guide for the current figures.