Deputy Director – Data as Statistics and Head of Profession for Statistics

Data as Statistics is DWP’s central statistical function, responsible for delivering the Department’s programme of Official Statistics and statistical services. Our purpose is to deliver statistics that are trustworthy, high quality and deliver value, supporting evidence-based decision-making and public accountability. 

Data as Statistics is about taking and creating data, adding value through analysis and insight, and delivering statistics that tell the story of the welfare system and inform decisions at every level.

We work across:

• The Department’s core welfare system statistics
• Surveys and income analysis
• Performance measurement and benefit reviews that underpin reporting on Fraud and Error

Looking ahead to Data as Statistics 2030, we are reshaping how we deliver this work - focusing on prioritisation, modern platforms, administrative data, and redesigned performance measurement aligned with a more digital benefit system.

Through this, we ensure statistics are used correctly, transparently and with impact supporting accountability to Ministers, Parliament and the public.

Our structure and community

Data as Statistics is a multidisciplinary function of around 260, bringing together people from across analytical professions and operational delivery roles.

This role combines two senior responsibilities:

Deputy Director Data as Statistics, with accountability for delivery, transformation, people and resources

• Leading the Data as Statistics function, with full accountability for delivery, transformation, people and resources 
• Setting the strategic direction for the function, including delivery of the Data as Statistics 2030 vision 
• Leading a large, complex and high-performing multidisciplinary workforce 
• Driving prioritisation and transformation of the statistical portfolio, including greater use of administrative data, modern platforms and reproducible analytical pipelines 
• Acting as Senior Responsible Owner for key statistical services and programmes 
• Managing significant budgets and resources to deliver value for money 
• Providing visible, authentic and inclusive leadership for senior teams

Head of Profession for Statistics, providing professional leadership for statisticians across DWP and acting as the Department’s senior statistical authority

• Acting as DWP’s senior professional authority on statistics, ensuring compliance with the Code of Practice for Statistics 
• Setting and owning the vision for statistics across the Department, including the Statistical Work Programme 
• Championing the appropriate and intelligent use of statistics with Ministers, Special Advisers, Private Office and senior leaders 
• Managing strategic relationships with the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR), the Government Statistical Service (GSS) and other departments 
• Providing professional leadership to around 300 statisticians across DWP, building capability, inclusion and engagement 
• Owning and managing risks relating to the use of statistics in both internal decision-making and the public domain 
• Representing DWP in cross‑government statistical leadership forums 

You will work closely with the Deputy Head of Profession for Statistics to strengthen capability, support statisticians across the Department, and maintain a vibrant, inclusive and high-performing professional community
 

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their knowledge, experience and skills against the following essential criteria:  

• Senior leadership of statistics or analysis at scale, with a strong and consistent focus on trustworthiness, quality and value, including accountability for high-profile outputs in a complex organisation
• Professional authority and credibility in applying and championing the Code of Practice for Statistics, including ensuring appropriate and intelligent use of statistics in decision-making
• Experience of leading large, multidisciplinary analytical teams, setting clear strategic direction and delivering outcomes through others in complex, high‑scrutiny environments
• Experience operating in politically sensitive and highly visible policy areas, providing balanced, authoritative advice while maintaining professional independence
• Strong system leadership across an analytical community, working across professions (e.g. statistics, economics, social research, operational research) to build capability, foster collaboration and maximise impact

Desirable criteria

• Experience leading large statistical production or survey programmes
• Experience transforming analytical production through the use of administrative data, modern data platforms or reproducible analytical pipelines

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Membership of the Government Statistician Group (GSG) or have the required qualifications and experience, aligned to the Government Statistician Group competency framework, to become a member of this profession.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing