What are the responsibilities and job description for the Analysis Manager position at Consumer Scotland?
This post will be based in Edinburgh or Glasgow. We operate a hybrid working approach and staff are expected to spend two days per week in the office.
Job Summary
Consumer Scotland is the statutory body for consumers in Scotland. Established by the Consumer Scotland Act 2020, it formally took on its statutory functions and powers on 1 April 2022. As a Non-Ministerial Organisation Consumer Scotland is independent and accountable to the Scottish Parliament. The staff of Consumer Scotland are civil servants.
Consumer Scotland has the general function of providing consumer advocacy and advice with a view to –
The Analytical Team primarily provides analytical research leadership and support to the policy teams in Energy, Water, Post and General Consumer Markets. The team currently contains a blend of skills including social research, statistics, economics, social science, and intelligence analysis. Our work involves both in-house analysis and supporting the procurement and project management of commissioned projects.
The Analytical Team works in close collaboration with all of Consumer Scotland’s policy teams. The post-holder will primarily be a data / analysis subject matter expert, using their knowledge and expertise to support projects within any of our areas of focus, however will also be expected to build up knowledge in a particular market or markets, using this to support both their own and colleagues’ work.
Job Description
Current projects the team are involved in, include:
The post-holder will have a key role ensuring that Consumer Scotland’s research and analysis work helps achieve better outcomes for consumers. They will be responsible for managing and delivering high quality analysis projects to support policy and advocacy work. There will be a requirement to collaborate effectively with other teams within Consumer Scotland and stakeholder organisations.
This post is a newly created role, created through an uplift in funding within our energy levy, intended to supplement the existing skillset of the team. The current gap is around data science techniques including data visualisation.The post-holder will be expected to help fill this gap, identifying and leading opportunities to support Consumer Scotland work using data science techniques, and including upskilling colleagues. The Analytical Team currently works primarily with R and Stata software in addition to Microsoft Office, and has access to Power BI.
As part of a relatively small team supporting the entire breadth of Consumer Scotland’s activities, the post-holder can expect to work on a wide variety of consumer related issues. The role will involve both undertaking in-house analysis, including work to identify, gain access to and analyse relevant data sets not currently available to Consumer Scotland, and supporting the commissioning and delivery of external research. There will be a need for flexibility and creativity, particularly as the organisation develops its role and functions, and its organisational capacity.
Although the role will primarily involve quantitative analysis and data science methods, the post-holder will also be required to contribute to Consumer Scotland’s broader range of research activity as the need arises. The post-holder may already hold specific skills in other areas, e.g. qualitative research, or will be required to demonstrate willingness and aptitude to learn them.
While it is unlikely that you will have expertise in all of the subject areas that fall within the remit of Consumer Scotland it will be an advantage if you have subject expertise or relevant experience in relation to at least one of these areas. This could include energy markets, water, consumer protection, sustainability and net zero, consumer behaviour or another relevant field. It is envisioned that a significant portion of the work for this role will be to support the energy teams, and therefore experience and knowledge of this market would be particularly relevant.
Supported and directed by the Head of Analysis, the post-holder will:
Role And Key Responsibilities
The post-holder will have a key role ensuring that Consumer Scotland’s research and analysis work helps achieve better outcomes for consumers. They will be responsible for managing and delivering high quality analysis projects to support policy and advocacy work. There will be a requirement to collaborate effectively with other teams within Consumer Scotland and stakeholder organisations.
This post is a newly created role, created through an uplift in funding within our energy levy, intended to supplement the existing skillset of the team. The current gap is around data science techniques including data visualisation.The post-holder will be expected to help fill this gap, identifying and leading opportunities to support Consumer Scotland work using data science techniques, and including upskilling colleagues. The Analytical Team currently works primarily with R and Stata software in addition to Microsoft Office, and has access to Power BI.
As part of a relatively small team supporting the entire breadth of Consumer Scotland’s activities, the post-holder can expect to work on a wide variety of consumer related issues. The role will involve both undertaking in-house analysis, including work to identify, gain access to and analyse relevant data sets not currently available to Consumer Scotland, and supporting the commissioning and delivery of external research. There will be a need for flexibility and creativity, particularly as the organisation develops its role and functions, and its organisational capacity.
Although the role will primarily involve quantitative analysis and data science methods, the post-holder will also be required to contribute to Consumer Scotland’s broader range of research activity as the need arises. The post-holder may already hold specific skills in other areas, e.g. qualitative research, or will be required to demonstrate willingness and aptitude to learn them.
While it is unlikely that you will have expertise in all of the subject areas that fall within the remit of Consumer Scotland it will be an advantage if you have subject expertise or relevant experience in relation to at least one of these areas. This could include energy markets, water, consumer protection, sustainability and net zero, consumer behaviour or another relevant field. It is envisioned that a significant portion of the work for this role will be to support the energy teams, and therefore experience and knowledge of this market would be particularly relevant.
Supported and directed by the Head of Analysis, the post-holder will:
Person specification
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
At application stage you will be required to submit a CV and a 500 word Personal Statement. Please ensure your Personal Statement is aligned with the person specification for this role.
At interview we will assess experience and civil service behaviours listed in the advert.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview details will be confirmed nearer the time once the sifting process is complete.
We do not anticipate a second round of interviews but may invite candidates back for a second round should there be a high calibre of candidates.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to Consumer Scotland from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via info@consumer.scot as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
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 and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
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:
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 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.
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.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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 :
Job Summary
Consumer Scotland is the statutory body for consumers in Scotland. Established by the Consumer Scotland Act 2020, it formally took on its statutory functions and powers on 1 April 2022. As a Non-Ministerial Organisation Consumer Scotland is independent and accountable to the Scottish Parliament. The staff of Consumer Scotland are civil servants.
Consumer Scotland has the general function of providing consumer advocacy and advice with a view to –
- reducing harm to consumers in Scotland
- increasing confidence among consumers in Scotland in dealing with businesses that supply goods and services to consumers
- increasing the extent to which consumer matters are taken into account by public authorities in Scotland
- promoting –
- sustainable consumption of natural resources, and
- other environmentally sustainable practices, in relation to the acquisition, use and disposal of goods by consumers in Scotland
- otherwise advancing inclusion, fairness, prosperity and other aspects of wellbeing in Scotland.
The Analytical Team primarily provides analytical research leadership and support to the policy teams in Energy, Water, Post and General Consumer Markets. The team currently contains a blend of skills including social research, statistics, economics, social science, and intelligence analysis. Our work involves both in-house analysis and supporting the procurement and project management of commissioned projects.
The Analytical Team works in close collaboration with all of Consumer Scotland’s policy teams. The post-holder will primarily be a data / analysis subject matter expert, using their knowledge and expertise to support projects within any of our areas of focus, however will also be expected to build up knowledge in a particular market or markets, using this to support both their own and colleagues’ work.
Job Description
Current projects the team are involved in, include:
- Developing a quarterly dashboard to collate and present market monitoring data and emerging consumer issues
- Commissioning and analysing survey research to better understand the experiences of small businesses as consumers
- Secondary analysis of the Living Costs and Food Survey to gather insight into consumer spending patterns
- Analysing consumer advice data to understand the issues being experienced by consumers making purchases in the home energy retrofit market
- Commissioning and analysing an annual tracker survey to understand consumer attitudes to energy affordability and its effects, views of regulated and unregulated energy markets, and perceptions of supplier performance over time
The post-holder will have a key role ensuring that Consumer Scotland’s research and analysis work helps achieve better outcomes for consumers. They will be responsible for managing and delivering high quality analysis projects to support policy and advocacy work. There will be a requirement to collaborate effectively with other teams within Consumer Scotland and stakeholder organisations.
This post is a newly created role, created through an uplift in funding within our energy levy, intended to supplement the existing skillset of the team. The current gap is around data science techniques including data visualisation.The post-holder will be expected to help fill this gap, identifying and leading opportunities to support Consumer Scotland work using data science techniques, and including upskilling colleagues. The Analytical Team currently works primarily with R and Stata software in addition to Microsoft Office, and has access to Power BI.
As part of a relatively small team supporting the entire breadth of Consumer Scotland’s activities, the post-holder can expect to work on a wide variety of consumer related issues. The role will involve both undertaking in-house analysis, including work to identify, gain access to and analyse relevant data sets not currently available to Consumer Scotland, and supporting the commissioning and delivery of external research. There will be a need for flexibility and creativity, particularly as the organisation develops its role and functions, and its organisational capacity.
Although the role will primarily involve quantitative analysis and data science methods, the post-holder will also be required to contribute to Consumer Scotland’s broader range of research activity as the need arises. The post-holder may already hold specific skills in other areas, e.g. qualitative research, or will be required to demonstrate willingness and aptitude to learn them.
While it is unlikely that you will have expertise in all of the subject areas that fall within the remit of Consumer Scotland it will be an advantage if you have subject expertise or relevant experience in relation to at least one of these areas. This could include energy markets, water, consumer protection, sustainability and net zero, consumer behaviour or another relevant field. It is envisioned that a significant portion of the work for this role will be to support the energy teams, and therefore experience and knowledge of this market would be particularly relevant.
Supported and directed by the Head of Analysis, the post-holder will:
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Consumer Scotland to design, plan and deliver analysis that provides a strong evidence base to support policy advocacy. This will involve working on specific projects, as well as supporting business as usual activity. The post holder will be expected to be the analytical expert for these projects.
- Lead on the procurement and management of externally commissioned research and analysis, ensuring that work is delivered to a high standard and contributes to Consumer Scotland’s evidence base.
- Lead on the identification of, and work to obtain access to, relevant datasets, including those held by stakeholders, following all required governance and data protection processes.
- Clean, link and analyse multiple datasets such as the Scottish Household Survey, data from consumer advice organisations, technical data) to provide rigorous insight into a wide variety of consumer-related issues.
- Lead on the production of dashboards, presentations, blogs and reports to communicate the results of analysis internally and externally in an intuitive and accessible way.
Role And Key Responsibilities
The post-holder will have a key role ensuring that Consumer Scotland’s research and analysis work helps achieve better outcomes for consumers. They will be responsible for managing and delivering high quality analysis projects to support policy and advocacy work. There will be a requirement to collaborate effectively with other teams within Consumer Scotland and stakeholder organisations.
This post is a newly created role, created through an uplift in funding within our energy levy, intended to supplement the existing skillset of the team. The current gap is around data science techniques including data visualisation.The post-holder will be expected to help fill this gap, identifying and leading opportunities to support Consumer Scotland work using data science techniques, and including upskilling colleagues. The Analytical Team currently works primarily with R and Stata software in addition to Microsoft Office, and has access to Power BI.
As part of a relatively small team supporting the entire breadth of Consumer Scotland’s activities, the post-holder can expect to work on a wide variety of consumer related issues. The role will involve both undertaking in-house analysis, including work to identify, gain access to and analyse relevant data sets not currently available to Consumer Scotland, and supporting the commissioning and delivery of external research. There will be a need for flexibility and creativity, particularly as the organisation develops its role and functions, and its organisational capacity.
Although the role will primarily involve quantitative analysis and data science methods, the post-holder will also be required to contribute to Consumer Scotland’s broader range of research activity as the need arises. The post-holder may already hold specific skills in other areas, e.g. qualitative research, or will be required to demonstrate willingness and aptitude to learn them.
While it is unlikely that you will have expertise in all of the subject areas that fall within the remit of Consumer Scotland it will be an advantage if you have subject expertise or relevant experience in relation to at least one of these areas. This could include energy markets, water, consumer protection, sustainability and net zero, consumer behaviour or another relevant field. It is envisioned that a significant portion of the work for this role will be to support the energy teams, and therefore experience and knowledge of this market would be particularly relevant.
Supported and directed by the Head of Analysis, the post-holder will:
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Consumer Scotland to design, plan and deliver analysis that provides a strong evidence base to support policy advocacy. This will involve working on specific projects, as well as supporting business as usual activity. The post holder will be expected to be the analytical expert for these projects.
- Lead on the procurement and management of externally commissioned research and analysis, ensuring that work is delivered to a high standard and contributes to Consumer Scotland’s evidence base.
- Lead on the identification of, and work to obtain access to, relevant datasets, including those held by stakeholders, following all required governance and data protection processes.
- Clean, link and analyse multiple datasets such as the Scottish Household Survey, data from consumer advice organisations, technical data) to provide rigorous insight into a wide variety of consumer-related issues.
- Lead on the production of dashboards, presentations, blogs and reports to communicate the results of analysis internally and externally in an intuitive and accessible way.
Person specification
- Proven data science and statistical skills, and experience and ability to lead on designing and delivering robust quantitative analysis and the production of high quality data dashboards and visualisation, to inform the development of public policy. Willingness to use other analytical or research methodologies for projects if required
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to summarise and write up analysis and communicate findings in a clear and accessible style for a non-specialist audience. Cutting through complexity to bring clear, relevant and intelligible findings
- Strong interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to proactively develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues
- Excellent resilience, planning and organisational skills with a proven ability to prioritise and plan activity when working on a number of different projects simultaneously
- Expert knowledge of consumer issues in at least one of the policy areas covered by Consumer Scotland. This could include energy markets, water, consumer protection, sustainability and net zero, consumer behaviour or another relevant field.
- Expert knowledge of consumer issues in energy markets
- Experience of developing data sharing agreements and processes, ideally with external organisations
- Additional experience in other research methodologies whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods
- Previous experience working within the consumer landscape
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 25-30 days holidays
- 11.5 days public and privilege holidays
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
At application stage you will be required to submit a CV and a 500 word Personal Statement. Please ensure your Personal Statement is aligned with the person specification for this role.
At interview we will assess experience and civil service behaviours listed in the advert.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview details will be confirmed nearer the time once the sifting process is complete.
We do not anticipate a second round of interviews but may invite candidates back for a second round should there be a high calibre of candidates.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to Consumer Scotland from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via info@consumer.scot as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
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 and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
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 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.
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.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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 : Eleanor Mullan
- Email : Eleanor.Mullan@consumer.scot
- Email : Catriona.Kirk@consumer.scot
Salary : $45,894
