GOVERNMENT ECONOMICS SERVICE: Fast Stream 2022
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GOVERNMENT ECONOMICS SERVICE: Fast Stream 2022 JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Transcript of GOVERNMENT ECONOMICS SERVICE: Fast Stream 2022
GOVERNMENT ECONOMICS SERVICE: Fast Stream 2022
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Locations: York, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff
Number of positions available: 10
About Cabinet Office:
The Cabinet Office supports the Prime Minister and ensures the effective running of Government. It is also the corporate headquarters for the government,
in partnership with HM Treasury, and it leads on certain critical policy areas. The Cabinet Office is responsible for:
● supporting collective government, helping to ensure the effective development, coordination and implementation of policy
● supporting the National Security Council and the Joint Intelligence Organisation, coordinating the government’s response to crises and managing
the UK’s cyber security
● promoting efficiency and reform across government through innovation, better procurement and project management, and by transforming the
delivery of services
● promoting the release of government data, and making the way government works more transparent
● creating an exceptional Civil Service, improving its capability and effectiveness
Overview of work areas
There is a great degree of variety within the Cabinet Office, thus allowing for superb development opportunities within the department. Areas for work
include, but are not limited to:
● Geospatial Commission - The Geospatial Commission is an expert committee within Cabinet Office, with an overarching objective of unlocking
economic value through better use of geospatial (location) data. With a dynamic, exciting and cutting-edge policy portfolio, staff members in the
Geospatial Commission have a high degree of credibility and responsibility.
● Infrastructure and projects - The team lead on data collating and analysing information from across Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP).
The team collects and analyses one of the largest and most important data sets in government, containing key cost, benefits and schedule
information about the government’s largest projects since 2010. The team strives to be one of the most advanced analytical teams in government
and develops new analytical and visualisation tools to disseminate GMPP data insights in departments and the centre of government for Ministers
and senior officials on a monthly and quarterly basis.
● The Chief Economist’s team - This team supports the Chief Economist, operating as a centre of expertise for Business Cases, Impact Assessments,
and Business Critical Models, and leads work across the Cabinet Office focusing on short-term high-priority projects where there is no dedicated
economic support. This means that the range of projects we cover can vary from understanding how the Government prepares for domestic
disasters with the National Security Secretariat, to estimating the economic impact of moving Civil Service organisations out of London and into
other regions.
Cabinet Office Economist community
The Cabinet Office has a thriving economist community, led by Chief Economist Olly Clifton-Moore. We regularly have an array of well-known analyst guest
speakers, presentations and debates as a part of our regular meetings. The department has a reasonably sized community, with over 60 economists with a
great mix of skills and experience.
Opportunities for Development (rotations, line management, training, S-level promotion opportunities?)
The Cabinet Office prides itself on the development opportunities that it provides to fast streamers in the department, as well as the economist community
more widely. As highlighted above, we have a wide range of seminars (with external speakers), bespoke training sessions and opportunities for line
management where possible.
Assistant Economists (AEs) in the department rotate every 12 months for the first two years (i.e. two posts in total), then will rotate to another government
department for their third posting. This will also include an opportunity to apply for an SEO level promotion at the 18-month mark and an opportunity for a
grade 7 promotion after three years. The diversity of the roles available in the Cabinet Office help ensure that AEs can continue to develop their holistic skill
sets in a thriving and exciting environment.
Qualification details (if different) or further requirements beyond Mainstream advert (essential / desirable) for the role.
None
Security Clearance, Medical requirements, Nationality requirements details etc.
Roles in the Cabinet Office will require security clearance. This will vary depending on the policy area and location, from Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC),
Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV).
Contact point for further details: Olly Clifton-Moore([email protected])
Locations: London, Salford and Birmingham
Number of positions available: 10
About The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy - BEIS is a truly great Department to work in. It has one of the widest remits in
Whitehall and has a key role to play in making markets work well for business, consumers and workers. Our work ensures that the economy grows strongly
in all parts of the country, based on a robust industrial strategy and that the UK has secure energy supplies that are reliable, affordable and clean.
Overview of work area(s) (examples of work) - There are a wide range of opportunities for Assistant Economists. Some of the policy questions AEs will be involved in answering include:
- How will increasing the national minimum wage impact businesses, workers and wider society? - We have an oligopolistic energy market where there are a handful of small energy providers, which often leads to the poorest paying the most for
their energy. What can we do to prevent this inequitable outcome? - What are the routes to achieving Net-Zero carbon by 2050 and what steps need to take place for this to be achieved?
BEIS has one of the largest analytical communities across government, with a vibrant workforce of over 600 analysts including more than 300 economists. Our people understand, analyse and solve some of the greatest challenges we face today.
You will have the opportunity to take part in rotations within department every 12 to 18 months and there is also the possibility of undertaking some line management responsibility. AEs in BEIS can benefit from supported access to a Master’s qualification which is funded and supported with study time built in as a level 7 apprenticeship. BEIS offers a varied L&D programme for AEs, focussed on expanding technical skills and experience.
BEIS requires Assistant Economists to have a 2:1 or First Class undergrad degree in a course with 50% + economic content
Our posts are based in London, Salford and Birmingham For further information on working as an Assistant Economist in BEIS, please contact the Analysis Professional Support Team
Locations: Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham
Number of positions available: 2
About DCMS
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) helps to drive growth, enrich lives and promote Britain abroad. We protect and promote our
cultural and artistic heritage and help businesses and communities to grow by investing in innovation and highlighting Britain as a fantastic place to visit.
We help to give the UK a unique advantage on the global stage, striving for economic success.
Overview of work areas
Economists in DCMS work flexibly across a wide variety of tasks in different areas right across the scope of the department. Examples of work include:
● Carrying out cost benefit analysis to ensure value for money of major capital investments such as rolling out fibre broadband, hosting the
Commonwealth Games or providing new youth centres across the UK.
● Helping to design regulation that is fit for a digital future, including understanding the development of new technologies and AI and ensuring that
people are protected from harm online.
● Estimating the impact of the Covid19 pandemic on DCMS sectors and providing economic advice and analysis to inform the policy response.
● Developing new ways of valuing the impact of cultural and heritage assets using economic valuation techniques.
DCMS Economist community
The DCMS Analytical Community is a friendly and welcoming network of around 170 analysts in total, split between the Central Analytical Team and those embedded in each policy directorate. There are around 80 economists in total, working closely alongside other analytical professions such as statisticians, social researchers and operational researchers, as well as directly supporting policy and delivery colleagues.
Opportunities for Development
Every 12 months you will rotate to a new role within the department, meaning you can experience the diverse and exciting policy areas in DCMS – from 5G rollout one year to sports participation policy the next. Alongside the Fast Stream leadership training programme there is also a dedicated analytical training budget and opportunities to visit and learn from our many arms length bodies such as the national museums or Visit Britain. Security Clearance
If successful, candidates will need to undergo Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) clearance, and may require Security Check (SC) clearance to work in some roles. Further Location details
This role will be based in any one of DCMS's regional hubs. Hubs are currently based in London and Manchester, with further regional hubs set to be
established in the near future. The hub locations are listed above. Not all hub locations yet have confirmed office space - successful applicants will be
expected to work remotely until this becomes available. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will have the flexibility to work remotely, with the
anticipation that they attend a hub location 2-3 times per week in accordance with the needs of the team. Occasional travel to other hubs may be required.
Contact point for further details
Please email [email protected] with any queries about the roles, or the department.
Locations: Leeds and London
Number of positions available: 4
About the Department of Health and Social Care:
Working for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is an excellent opportunity to work on issues that are important to all of us and make a real difference to the lives of over 50 million people. Whether it’s preventing pandemics, tackling childhood obesity, funding social care or helping the NHS to use taxpayers’ money wisely - we are working to help people live longer, healthier lives.
We are a Ministerial Department, supported by 15 arm’s length bodies and several other agencies and public bodies. The department employs over
3,000 staff working in locations across the country, with its bases in London and Leeds. Our analytical community consists of a mix of economists;
statisticians; operational researchers, social researchers; and data scientists. There are around 320 members of the analytical community. You will
typically be working in a multi-disciplinary analytical team, co-located with a policy directorate. These include workforce, public health, social care,
NHS, medicines and pharmacy and the Chief Scientific Adviser’s Group.
Overview of work area(s):
The health and care agenda is frequently in the spotlight and requires high quality research, analysis and evaluation to inform debate. The analytical community is focused on making the best use of evidence and data to generate insights and inform key decisions. We value our staff and work hard to create an inclusive environment that encourages people to collaborate and produce great outcomes for the public and the future. We can offer interesting GES Fast Stream roles with opportunities to progress your career. You will also be supported by a culture of excellent people management and a strong focus on learning and development.
Economics is important across the department and is fundamental to policy-making in health and social care:
• Impact assessment and evaluation of policies and interventions
• Structuring incentives across a complex health and care system to improve outcomes for society
• Allocating resources across the system to address need and deliver value for money
• Determining the role of prevention and public health relative to more reactive services
• Understanding the drivers of NHS and social care productivity and developing policies to influence these
• Understanding workforce issues
• Assessing and addressing challenges such as demographic change, growing demand and technological change
DHSC Analytical community:
The Department has a diverse and engaged analytical community. There are a range of regular events for all analysts, and also some profession-
specific groups you can join. Your own team is also likely to have regular team meetings and informal team catch-ups over Skype and Teams which
you will be invited to. We offer, community meetings chaired by the Director of Analysis, Scientific Seminars, randomised 121 coffee break networking
(Netwoffee), a range of staff networks and regular junior analyst social events.
Each profession has a grade manager for analysts under G7 level, who you can talk to about profession-specific issues such as career progression and learning and development. Opportunities for Development
The department internally rotates its fast stream analysts annually in a preference led rotation process. Depending on the role, there can be
opportunities to manage others. The analytical training offer is significant and is supported by a dedicated analytical training budget.
Qualification details
N/A
Security Clearance, Medical requirements, Nationality requirements details etc.
N/A
Further Location details (if relevant)
The Department of Health and Social Care currently operates primarily on a working from home basis in line with government guidance but we are
starting to encourage a return to the office.
Contact point for further details: [email protected]
Department for international Trade
Locations: London and Darlington
Number of positions available: 10
About the Department for International Trade
The Department for International Trade (DIT) secures UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment. We are one of the few
international economic departments in Whitehall. We work across government and its extensive overseas networks to help UK businesses win valuable deals. Our
responsibilities are to:
• help businesses export
• drive inward and outward investment
• negotiate market access and trade deals
• champion free trade
We do this by employing our newly independent trade negotiating capacities and bringing a new Government focus on the way businesses access international markets to:
• secure world-class free trade agreements and reduce market access barriers, ensuring that consumers and businesses can benefit from both
• deliver economic growth to all the nations and regions of the UK through attracting and retaining inward investment
• support UK business to take full advantage of trade opportunities, including those arising from delivering free trade agreements, facilitating UK exports
• champion the rules-based international trading system and operate the UK’s new trading system, including protecting UK businesses from unfair trade practices
We do this in a working environment that is expert, enterprising, engaged and inclusive.
Overview of work
The roles are in different analyst teams that are responsible for developing the evidence base and analysis to support the full range of DIT’s responsibilities,
including analysis in support of trade policy and trade negotiations to trade and investment promotion and business planning. Assistant Economists may
have the opportunity to lead on some projects and contribute on others. You can be expected to work with staff across the UK and our international
network to:
• Develop the evidence base for analysis of DIT policy positions and outcomes, to deliver on our mission
• Use high-quality evidence to support decision-making for effective DIT policy and delivery in a timely fashion
• Communicate analysis with impact, building effective working relationships with senior policy colleagues, other analytical professions and relevant
stakeholders both across Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) as well as externally
DIT Economist community
• With around 230 analysts in DIT, you will be joining a growing community of analysts that work closely across disciplines in this exciting area of
policy.
Opportunities for Development (rotations, line management, training, S-level promotion opportunities?)
• You will have the opportunity to rotate to a new role within the department every 12 months, to gain experience across a range of policy and
analytical areas, in line with the development programme under the Fast Stream (including promotion to S-level after 2 years and opportunity to
spend one of your rotations in another department). There are also opportunities to manage placement students and receive in-depth analytical
training as you progress in your role.
Qualification details (if different) or further requirements beyond Main Stream advert (essential / desirable) for the role.
Security Clearance, Medical requirements, Nationality requirements details etc.
• Because most roles potentially require work on sensitive topics, including analysis in support of live trade negotiations, a higher level of security clearance is required
(SC).
Further Location details (if relevant)
Contact point for further details
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Locations: Wolverhampton, Darlington, London Salary: £28,000 Number of positions available: 13 Security clearance: CTC required – you must have been living in the UK continuously for the last three years to obtain CTC clearance. About the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) DLUHC aims to help create great places to live and work right across the country and to back communities to come together and thrive. We strive to:
▪ Ensure people throughout the country have access to affordable and high-quality housing; ▪ Provide opportunities for all parts of the country to thrive economically; ▪ Build integrated communities; and ▪ Support effective local government.
Assistant Economist (AE) roles AEs in DLUHC work in a number of exciting and varied policy areas where they apply economic theories and principles to a range of high priority public policy issues. Examples of work include providing:
▪ Economic analysis supporting the Levelling Up agenda and local economic growth ▪ Economic advice on the housing market, planning policy and key policies such as Right to Buy; ▪ Economic analysis on building safety interventions and departmental climate change policies; ▪ Economic analysis on local public service reform, local government funding and sustainability and public sector efficiency; and ▪ Economic analysis on homelessness and the high profile Troubled Families programme.
DLUHC Economist Community There is a large and vibrant economist community in DLUHC. There are opportunities for AEs and all analysts to take part in regular in-house economist debates, attend seminars with a range of different external speakers, an annual DLUHC economist away day and various social events. Learning and development opportunities There are a range of learning and development opportunities for AEs in DLUHC, both with respect to technical, economics-focussed learning as well as significant support for wider development. In addition, AEs can expect to benefit from being rotated after around 12-18 months in post. For fast-stream AEs, DLUHC, the Department for Transport and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs operates a rotations programme. For non-fast-
stream AEs, there are opportunities to rotate within DLUHC itself. DLUHC also currently offers a generous Master’s Bursary Programme. During the course of the year there may also be opportunities for AEs to line or task manage placement students. For further information on working as an Assistant Economist in DLUHC, please contact the Head of Profession for Economics in DLUHC – Stephen Smith on [email protected] “If you are keen to apply your economic skills to a range of exciting and challenging policy issues, are interested in taking an evidenced-based approach to help influence policy design and enjoy working as part of a team then we would be delighted to receive an application from you”.
Stephen Aldridge, Director of Analysis at DLUHC
Locations: London, Birmingham, Leeds
Number of positions available: 14
About DfT
The UK’s transport system is used by most of the population every day, whether travelling to and from work, school, shops, hospitals, or just meeting friends and family. Transport is key to growing and levelling up the economy, reducing environmental impacts and increasing the UK’s global impact.
The Department for Transport is investing to make journeys better: simpler, faster and more reliable. Our policies and regulations support jobs, enable business growth, and bring our country closer together.
The role of Economists
Our analysis gives ministers fresh ideas about big, complex issues and deep insight into policy options. We analyse the wide ranging economic impacts of transport schemes. We assess the social and environmental benefits and costs, to get a full picture of the impact of a scheme.
We look ahead at key trends in society, such as population growth or the number of trips people take, to forecast how demand for transport will change in the future.
Working in DfT
Our roles offer the chance to put your academic knowledge and skills into practice and gain experience in government economics, in an organisation that genuinely values sound analytical thinking. There are opportunities to apply economics expertise to live policy issues, use econometrics, develop cutting-edge appraisal guidance, use economics to support the development of transport schemes and comparison of options, and more.
The roles offer high levels of responsibility, with the chance to manage your own projects. Experienced Assistant Economists often get the chance to manage a summer student. Work can be a mix of fast paced analysis and longer term projects which aim to build on our evidence base, providing an ideal opportunity to develop the key analytical skills required for promotion.
You’ll move between posts once a year, to help build your skills and exposure to a range of economist roles. This includes the chance to work in partner departments – Defra and MHCLG.
For further information contact Kirstie Burgin [email protected]
“I enjoy applying my degree skills to real-world scenarios. Plus I’ve expanded my knowledge to new areas like carbon emissions”
Department for Work and Pensions
Locations: London, Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester Number of positions available: 4
About Department for Work and Pensions
The Department for Work and Pensions is the government’s largest public service department with the biggest annual budget,
touching every citizen in the country at some point in their lives. We have a wide-ranging set of objectives, including supporting
people to enter into, and progress in, work, and ensuring financial security for current and future pensioners
Overview of work areas
DWP Economists not only focus on theoretical frameworks but more importantly apply our economics knowledge to real-world problems. We analyse data, build models, and trial the latest thinking in economic and behavioural theory, to ensure high-quality evidence is at the forefront of future policy decisions and as part of implementation and evaluation of any changes. Particular challenges facing DWP economists now include: • How can we assess what barriers prevent people with disabilities and/or health conditions from moving into and progressing in
work, and which interventions are most effective at addressing these barriers? • How can we create a fair and affordable welfare system which improves the life chances of children and of adults? • How can we maximise the opportunities whilst minimising the risks for the UK labour market from EU Exit? • How can we ensure a decent income for people of pension age and promote saving for retirement?
Department for Work and Pensions Economist Community
As a DWP economist, you’ll be part of a thriving economist community with a huge array of economic activities regularly taking place. This ranges from economist debates, economic events exploring the theoretical economics behind our policies, seminars on the latest econometric thinking, annual economist conferences, socials/networking opportunities across all our locations, regularly
presentation/seminar series (and loads more!). This is supplemented with accessible support from Grade Managers and Chief Economist along with opportunities for mentors/buddies to help you get the most out of your time as an AE in the department.
Opportunities for Development
You will have the opportunity to take part in rotations within department every 12 months. There are also line management opportunities of placement students/apprentices, software training, technical/professional skill support as you progress in your role. With the biggest analytical community across Whitehall and as one of the latest government departments, there are a huge range of opportunities to work with other analytical professions (including Statisticians, Social Researchers and Operational Researchers), policymakers, and operational colleagues to enhance your development.
Contact point for further details
For further information on working as an Fast Stream Assistant Economist in DWP, please contact the grade manager – Richard Mosley on [email protected]
Location: Multi-location (London, Cardiff, Birmingham, York or Belfast)/ Home-based
Number of positions available: 1
About FSA
The FSA is a non-ministerial department of over 1300 people with a big vision – to drive change in the food system so that it delivers “food we can trust”.
Our primary goal is to continue to protect public health and consumers’ wider interest in food. As we have now exited the EU, the FSA faces a significant
period of change and activity. For a small organisation, the FSA punches well above its weight. As well as providing flexibility and an environment that
champions a great work/life balance, the Agency offers a rare professional opportunity to really experiment and invest in innovative and novel research.
This is particularly true in the area of economic and social research.
The Analytics Unit is seen as an integral part of the FSA, having direct influence in helping to justify and build the case for why the Agency exists. The work we do supports all key areas of the business including the spending review, the conducting of impact assessments and leading on innovative research. It comes with its share of challenges, too. We need to be able to convey complex and sensitive topics and findings to policy customers. How we communicate is important in getting across the right message. By running training sessions and organising seminars to raise the profile of the team we promote the work we do and ensure there is a better understanding of the work of economists. The team itself is diverse, with staff from a wide range of different backgrounds, both personally and professionally. The team has a real ‘esprit de corps’, and our mutual understanding supports every ounce of our work. We have a fairly relaxed approach while at the same time exhibiting a professional approach to our work. We are a friendly team and value social interaction – even in a virtual setting. We are proud of our strong track record in developing staff to progress their careers. We encourage and expect our staff to undertake training and development and offer outstanding career opportunities within the FSA and wider Civil Service network.
What we do
▪ Ops Transformation Programme: working closely with internal and external stakeholders to build the programmes’ business case; building a cost-
benefit analysis to assist policymakers in their decision-making; providing feedback in the programmes’ risk assessment matrix;
▪ Field ops: working closely with vets and policy colleagues to help them collect useful data from the sites they are visiting, as well as we analyse this
data in order to provide meaningful outcomes that will influence the way inspections are taking place, e.g. remote audits
▪ Achieving Business Compliance: developing analytical models using survey data to evaluate policy changes on food standards; building the economic
case to support the five-model business case for the programme; providing analysis for regulatory impact assessments e.g. on Local Authorities’
recruitment process
▪ Assessing the burden of food safety risks: developing a Cost-of-Illness models to assess the cost to society related to foodborne diseases, food
hypersensitivities and chemical contaminants. We are also developing innovative models to estimate the cost of food crime and value of trust in the
food system.
▪ Providing analytical support to EU transition: estimating the cost of food spoilage and value depreciation which is caused by regulatory checks at
the border
▪ Providing analysis for Regulatory Impact Assessments and Post Implementation Reviews.
▪ Providing ad-hoc intelligence, such as economic briefings on the agri-food market and developments in the sector with implications for public
health.
The Role
The post holder will provide economic advice to senior policy colleagues, and support and advice on policy development, economic appraisal and evaluation, guided by priorities within the strategic plan and early identification of emerging issues. The post will involve supporting allergen, risk analysis and cross-cutting programme work and briefing and liaising with senior leaders. Role responsibilities include:
▪ Provision of general economic advice on appraisal and evaluation; working closely with policy and other teams (covering analysis to support risk assessment decisions; impact assessments and other areas requiring economic advice);
▪ Line management responsibility of a Sandwich Student.
▪ Producing economic reports and briefs on bespoke and emerging issues; packaged and presented effectively for end users.
▪ Promotion of economics more generally into policy and strategy development.
▪ Developing effective working relations with a variety of stakeholders, including other analysts, policy leads, scientists and stakeholders in industry and central and local government.
▪ Keeping abreast of developments outside FSA in the economics of food safety and food regulation. Provide economic advice on appraisal and evaluation; working closely with policy and other teams supporting risk assessment decisions and impact assessments.
▪ Manage and deliver research projects, from scoping through to methodology and preparing research specifications, including managing and developing contractor/ supplier relationships.
Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups: ▪ UK nationals ▪ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK ▪ nationals of the Republic of Ireland ▪ nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union
Settlement Scheme (EUSS) ▪ relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service ▪ relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service ▪ certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Further information on nationality requirements
Contact point for applicants
Job contact:
Name: Nicholas Daniel
Email: [email protected]
Locations: London (Croydon, Stratford & Westminster), Manchester and Liverpool
Number of positions available: 11
About HMRC
• Are you looking for an organisation where economic analysis makes a real difference? An organisation that cares about the wellbeing of its diverse
workforce. An employer who offers personal development, progression opportunities and outstanding training? Well, look no further HMRC can
offer this and much more. The tax system affects the lives of over 30 million people across the UK in countless ways. HMRC collects over £630
billion to fund public services, influencing almost every aspect of the UK economy.
Assistant Economist (AE) roles
• There are many exciting roles for Assistant Economists. You will have the opportunity to undertake cutting edge economic analysis and influence
policy that affects the daily lives of millions of people and businesses in the UK. You will ensure economics is at the heart of policy decisions, making
use of the latest data at HMRCs disposal, to build economic models, provide quality advice, influence key topic areas.
Some of the topic areas that Assistant Economists influence through their work include:
• How should the government support the labour market during Covid-19?
• How should the tax system change to reflect the growth of the gig economy?
• How do you forecast tax receipts and how does that feed into the fiscal picture for the UK?
• How can you use behavioural economics to encourage people to pay their tax?
• How can we use HMRC’s data to understand the effect of the tax system on the “levelling up” agenda?
• How could we improve how the tax system addresses our environmental objectives?
HMRC Economist Community
• You will have the support of a diverse and vibrant community of over 100 economists in HMRC, including a very active Assistant Economist group
and a strong Economics in the North network. As part of the over 450 strong analytical community within HMRC, you will have the opportunity to
work in diverse cross-disciplinary teams with statisticians, social researchers and operational researchers.
Learning and development opportunities
• We place great emphasis on professional development, including a tailored course in post-graduate tax economics with leading academics,
frequent seminars, conferences, and workshops. There is substantial support including bespoke training courses to help you develop your
professional, communication, analytical and management skills; as well as coaching and guidance from experienced professionals. After 12 months
in your first post, you will be given the opportunity to change roles and shape your career into areas that interest you.
Security Clearance
• Security vetting clearance is dependent on work area and location
• For most located outside of London you are required to pass Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
• For some located at some London sites you are required to pass Counter Terrorist Check (CTC).
• Some highly sensitive work areas require Security Check (SC).
• Security clearance is dependent on location and work area whichever requires the higher clearance. Locations: You will be asked to provide a preference for which city you would like to be based in.
From 2022 there may be a small number of roles available in Newcastle and Leeds
For further information on working as an Assistant Economist in HMRC, please contact the grade manager – Matt Jennings on
“In HMRC there is a real opportunity to use analysis to have an impact. Tax depends on analysis, so our work is central to the decisions that affect millions of
people.”
Locations: Westminster, Croydon, Sheffield.
Number of positions available: 15
About: The Home Office is responsible for leading work to keep the country safe from those who seek to do it harm. The department’s vision is for a United
Kingdom that is secure and prosperous, where citizens, residents and visitors are safe and feel safe to go about their lawful business.
Overview of work areas: There are a wide range of roles available covering a range of policy areas such as migration, crime and policing, serious and
organised crime and counter terrorism.
Economist community: You will join a community of over 100 economists and over 300 analysts from different professions.
Opportunities for Development: You will have the opportunity to rotate between roles including migration, crime, security, cross cutting and strategic
functions as well as roles in the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Defence. SEO promotion opportunities and some line management opportunities are
available to manage economists on placement. As part of the community you will have accesses to a wide range of internal training courses and knowledge
sharing to support your development.
Vetting requirement details - You will need to meet the Security Clearance (SC) requirements. 5 years of UK residency is required, in which time you
cannot have been abroad for more than 3 months at any given time.
Contact point for further details: Peter Robson (Deputy Head of Profession for Economics) – [email protected]
Locations: London, Bristol and Porton Down (Wiltshire)
Number of positions available: 7
About MOD
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is responsible for protecting the people of the United Kingdom, territories, values and interests at home and
overseas, through strong armed forces and in partnership with allies, to ensure our security, support our national interests and safeguard our
prosperity.
Our activities encompass those of many other individual departments of State. We are one of the largest landowners in the UK; our footprint
reaches to all parts of the country, and a number of overseas territories. We provide housing to Service Personnel and their families; we are
one of the largest employers of apprentices, we have our own justice and medical services, and we procure large quantities of foreign
currencies and fuels.
Overview of work areas
That broad range of activity is reflected in the wide variety of opportunities available to economists in MOD. Economists within MOD are employed across the department’s Analysis Function, in commercial teams, Defence Intelligence and in cost assurance. Often working in cross-disciplinary teams, economists operate at the heart of the department’s decision making.
Areas of work include:
• General Economics provides analysis, briefing, assessments, advice and forecasts of economic matters to help MOD policy-making, including industrial policy, personnel policy, fuels prices and foreign exchange rate advice.
• The Appraisal team reviews and scrutinises Business Cases and Investment Appraisals on all major items of expenditures (e.g. new weapons systems, accommodation and IT projects).
• The Evaluation team is a multi-disciplinary team responsible for designing and delivering high quality evaluations for key stakeholders, endorsing evaluation plans and supporting the delivery of evaluation through provision of advice on application of HMT Magenta Book methods.
• Defence Intelligence - analyses the macro-economic position and prospects, and defence spending internationally.
• National Shipbuilding Office – providing cross-government analysis in support of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
• People Programme – economists embedded in the analysis team are leading on the assessment of options for the Future Accommodation Model which impacts on the terms and conditions of service for all Service Personnel.
• The Analysis and Insights Team is a multi-disciplinary team that delivers key pieces of cross-cutting bespoke analytical work.
• Financial Analysis supports the annual budget cycle (ABC), including analysis to: inform decisions on the appropriate level of realism/over-programming, cost growth, in year savings exercises; and provision of the in-year financial management information pack.
• Defence Science and Technology (Dstl) supporting the Dstl Lead Economist in demonstrating value for money from the science and technology programme and provision of commercial advice.
• Cost Assurance and Analysis Services is responsible for undertaking independent Financial and Estimating scrutiny and analysis of evidence underpinning Business Cases.
MOD Economist community
There are currently around 30 economists in the MOD, and we regularly meet for our lunchtime lecture series of external speakers, CPD
sessions, economists’ meetings and the assistant economists operate an active social calendar.
Opportunities for Development
We offer and extensive induction programme for Assistant Economists including the MOD Fast Stream induction course at the Defence Academy.
A variety of Continuous Professional Development opportunities are available to develop both technical skills and knowledge and leadership and management behaviours. MOD actively participates in the GES Masters’ Apprenticeship Programme.
Assistant Economists will rotate posts at roughly 12-month intervals and will include one post in another department. MOD currently operates post-rotation clusters with Home Office, Ministry of Justice and the Office of National Statistics. The cluster opens a broad range of roles across departments to provide opportunities for development and experience.
Security Clearance
All Ministry of Defence posts require Security Clearance. Some posts are ‘Reserved’ posts for which additional nationality constraints apply. Posts in Defence Intelligence require Enhanced Developed Vetting – a high level of security clearance, which individuals can apply for once in their first post.
Further Location details
Whilst every effort will be made to meet geographic preferences, posts will not always be available in all locations.
Contact point for further details
John Ogilvie (Chief Economist) Tel: 020 7218 4538 e-mail: [email protected]
David Disney (Cluster Manager) Tel: 02078070459 email: [email protected]
Number of positions available: 4
Locations: London (Westminster and Canary Wharf), Leeds About the Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
• The MoJ has responsibility for all parts of the justice system – the criminal, civil and family courts, the tribunal system, legal services, legal aid, prisons and youth offender institutions and probation services. We work to protect the public, reduce reoffending, support victims, to provide a more effective, transparent and responsive criminal justice system and to help people their settle legal disputes promptly, fairly and efficiently.
Assistant Economist (AE) roles
• Analysis produced by Assistant Economists in the MoJ informs decision made by ministers and senior leaders on a range of policy, strategic, financial and operational issues, such as:
• What are the impacts on the wider justice system, including the prisons and the probation service, of changing the structure of criminal sentencing and from introducing new laws?
• How will developing macroeconomic factors and/or events affect the cost of delivering the department’s frontline services?
• How might changes to the state benefit system affect the number of people that make contributions to the Legal Aid Fund when they need to use legal services provided by the state?
‘As an economist in the MoJ your analysis will inform solutions to some of the largest and far reaching challenges currently faced by society, whilst developing your skills as an economist and analytical leader’ – Alex Wilks, Chief Economist
MoJ Economist Community
• There are currently around 45 economists working in the MoJ. There are opportunities to take part in regular in-house economic debates and seminars, further develop your skills and knowledge via taking part in GES training courses and seminars and for learning more about the justice system from visits to courts and prisons.
Learning and development opportunities • Economists in the MoJ work in close collaboration with analysts from the other professions and with policy, finance and
operational colleagues from all parts of the department. You will also have the opportunity to take part in role rotations within the department and across the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office every 12 to 18 months. There will also be opportunities to line manage placement students or apprentices, to undertake software training, and promotion opportunities as you progress in your role.
Locations: Economists in the MoJ are mainly based at Canary Warf in London although there are opportunities to work at our Westminster offices overlooking St James Park. We also have an increasing number of staff based in Leeds. Flexible working is encouraged and you should expect to work from home for at least two days a week. For further information on working as an Assistant Economist in the MoJ, please contact the grade manager – Kim Bishop [email protected] - or the Chief Economist Alex Wilks [email protected].
Office for Budget Responsibility
Locations: London (14T, 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9AJ)
Number of positions available: 1
About the Office for Budget Responsibility: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) was established by the Chancellor in May 2010 to provide
independent assessments of the economy, public finances, and fiscal sustainability. We provide independent forecasts of the economy and public finances
to inform the Government's fiscal policy decisions, examine the impact of the Government's policy decisions on the public finances, and assess the
prospects for achieving the Government's fiscal targets and welfare cap. We publish reports on long-term fiscal sustainability, fiscal risks, and trends in
welfare spending, and run a wider work programme of research and analysis into economic and fiscal issues.
The OBR is comprised of the Budget Responsibility Committee (BRC) – Richard Hughes, Professor Sir Charlie Bean, and Andy King – who are currently
supported by around 40 civil servants, including economists, public finance analysts, and business support staff.
As we are a small team with a flat structure, all roles offer direct exposure to senior staff and the opportunities to manage relationships with stakeholders
across government and to project manage work programmes. You would get the chance to work flexibly across a range of high-profile issues, responding to
policy developments and other demands. At times, this would involve working with experts to analyse technical issues, such as changes to tax or spending
policy. A role here also provides a great opportunity to develop your ability to communicate your insights concisely to non-experts – for instance, by
authoring sections of published reports.
Overview of work area(s): The OBR is made up of a collection of smaller teams covering economic analysis and modelling, receipts, expenditure, risks and
sustainability, policy costings and devolved tax and spending. The post holder would have the opportunity to join one of these teams and work
collaboratively to deliver forecasts and a wider programme of research and analysis.
All roles are moulded to suit the post holder, but core responsibilities are likely to include:
• Leading on parts of the economic or fiscal forecast and providing analysis directly to the Budget Responsibility Committee.
• Leading on relevant analytical work. For example, this might include: analysing trends in the labour market or wider economy; assessing the fiscal
risks posed by policy or other changes; or scrutinising revenue and spending information provided by departments.
• Authoring sections of publications, concisely communicating technical issues to non-experts.
• Representing the OBR effectively at meetings with external organisations, presenting material clearly to help the Budget Responsibility Committee
reach judgments.
• Contributing to the OBR’s wider analytical programme and ad hoc publications.
OBR Economist community
This is a unique opportunity to work in an important institution which plays a central role in the UK’s economic and fiscal policy framework. You will be joining a small team of analysts and economists that work closely across disciplines in this exciting area of policy. There are also line management opportunities of placement students and apprenticeships. We organise regular social events and professional training events.
The Wider Analytical Community
At the OBR, there will be plenty of opportunities for working autonomously and building up relationships with key external stakeholders. The opportunity to
attend OBR press conferences, forecast challenge meetings and external presentations, as well as a wide range of seminars and training sessions hosted by
HM Treasury as well as from institutions like the IFS and Bank of England.
Opportunities for Development (rotations, line management, training, S-level promotion opportunities?): The OBR is a small team with a flat structure, so
all staff are exposed to a range of opportunities for development and learning within a close-knit and collaborative environment. There is the potential for
the post-holder to rotate across teams in the OBR (dependent on the availability of posts at the time. There is also the potential for line or matrix
management of placement students and apprentices. The OBR offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, including internal ‘summer
schools’ covering a range of economic and fiscal forecasting techniques and related subjects; external training; and opportunities to attend a range of
meetings, events and conferences both within and outside the civil service.
Qualification details (if different) or further requirements beyond Main Stream advert (essential / desirable) for the role: Essential: Undergraduate
degree in economics
Security Clearance, Medical requirements, Nationality requirements details etc.: Individuals appointed to the OBR will be subject to satisfactory
references, Civil Service Nationality rules and National Security Vetting. To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out applicants will normally need to
have lived in the UK for at least 3 out of the past 5 years. A lack of UK residency in itself is not always a bar to security clearance but the Department will
need to consider eligibility on a case by case basis using all information that can be obtained following a successful application.
Contact point for further details: Sandra Powell, Finance and Business Manager, [email protected] / Laura Gardiner, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Locations: Pan Wales
Number of positions available: 3
About Welsh Government: The Welsh Government is responsible for policy across a wide range of areas including: education, health, local government,
transport, planning, economic development, social services, culture, Welsh language, environment, agriculture / rural affairs and certain elements of
taxation.
The role of the Welsh Government is to make decisions on matters regarding these areas for Wales as a whole, develop policies and implement them and
propose Welsh laws (Assembly Bills).
Overview of work area(s) (examples of work): To support policy development in the policy areas outlined above and implement the Welsh Government’s
Programme for government 2021 to 2026 (https://gov.wales/programme-government), a number of outstanding opportunities are available to join the UK
Government Economic Service and work for the Welsh Government. Successful applicants will use their skills and knowledge as professional economists to
improve the lives of people living in Wales, working to formulate, implement, and evaluate government policy.
The posts could potentially cover several of the policy areas set out above. For example, there may be opportunities to contribute to Environment,
Agriculture and Rural Development policies. In these policy areas, there is a need for economic advice spanning a range of topics including the economic
aspects of natural capital and biodiversity, environmental valuations methods, and appraisal of interventions to support environmental quality
improvements. Economic analysis is also needed to help inform the replacement of previous EU funding programmes. More broadly, economic advice has
a key role to play shaping rural and development type interventions addressing spatial inequalities.
Additional resource could also be deployed in the development of economic policy where particular challenges are evident as we recover from the
pandemic. One urgent task is to ensure that that the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission (
https://gov.wales/economic-resilience-and-reconstruction-mission) is underpinned by robust evidence and analysis. Economic expertise is also needed in
analysing and providing advice on EU exit economic impacts and Decarbonisation. Posts in economic policy will also feed into other relevant commitments,
strategies and initiatives, such as the formulation of the Innovation Strategy.
The above are just examples of policy areas where more economics input would provide value added to policy makers. The examples should not prevent
applications from economists who are in a position to contribute or are interested in contributing to any of the longer list of policy areas set out earlier.
Welsh Government Economist community: The Welsh Government employs approximately 20 economists at various levels of seniority. A central
economics team led by the Chief Economist is at the centre of Welsh Government with a remit to provide advice across all policy areas. This team accounts
for half of the economist body. The other economist posts are embedded with policy departments reporting to policy officials while the Chief Economist
acts as their head of profession.
Opportunities for Development: The economist roles at Welsh Government will allow successful applicants to build economic expertise within different
policy areas of the Welsh Government, as well as developing a range of analytical and policy development skills which can be deployed in future roles.
Other potential opportunities may include collaborating with other devolved administrations, attending and presenting at economic forums, seminars and
events both internal to the Welsh Government and externally.
Successful candidates will have access to a range of training and support to help develop economics knowledge and skills. These include training in how to
assess business cases put forward by departments that involve public expenditure. Opportunities to undertake training on how to complete regulatory
impact assessments necessary before any new legislation can be passed by the Welsh Government will be available. In addition, there will be access to the
comprehensive suite of appropriate courses available through the civil service including IT Training, developing presentation skills, refresher micro and
macro economic courses.
Successful candidates will be expected to rotate to a different post in the Welsh Government after the first two years of joining, to facilitate career
development and enhance skills.
Qualification details (if different) or further requirements beyond Main Stream advert (essential / desirable) for the role. Same
Security Clearance, Medical requirements, Nationality requirements details etc. Standard GES
Further Location details (if relevant): While posts are pan Wales, periodic attendance at meetings, seminars, workshops and ‘away days’ in specific
locations will be required.
Contact point for further details: Jarlath Costello, Head of Economic Appraisal – [email protected].
