Job Description

We're looking for an analytical leader who enjoys turning complex data into meaningful insight that supports better decisions across Estyn. You'll bring strong technical capability, a careful and methodical approach to data quality, and a collaborative mindset that helps others understand and use evidence with confidence.

This role is ideal for someone who values clarity, rigour, and innovation, particularly in how data is managed, analysed, and communicated. If you're motivated by public service and keen to shape high-quality statistical work that has real impact, we'd be pleased to hear from you.

By joining us, you'll become part of a forward-thinking and evolving organisation, one that's committed to learning, improvement, and the development of its people. You'll also gain access to opportunities across the wider Civil Service, giving you room to grow and shape your career.

You will lead Estyn's statistical function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, timely, and insightful data analysis that supports strategic objectives and inspection programmes. You will oversee the collection, analysis, and presentation of data through tools such as SQL and Power BI, ensuring outputs are robust, accessible, and aligned with the needs of internal and external stakeholders. You will provide trusted statistical evidence that informs our decision-making, enhances the impact of research and inspection work, and drives continuous improvement in analytical practice across the organisation.

Key tasks include

:

Lead on data extraction, transformation, and quality assurance processes using SQL and other analytical coding techniques. o Work proactively with the Welsh Government, Medr and other data suppliers and users to identify and access relevant datasets, ensuring ethical use and compliance with governance standards. Collaborate with the Senior Research Officer to ensure statistical evidence complements qualitative findings and supports mixed-methods studies. Promote and embed robust data management practices across the team. o Lead complex statistical analysis to meet stakeholder needs, applying appropriate methods and coding practices in SQL where necessary. Develop reproducible and transparent analytical processes with strong quality assurance and version control. Evaluate opportunities to use AI and machine learning techniques to improve efficiency and insight within statistical production. Design and deliver interactive dashboards and data visualisations using Power BI, and other tools where appropriate, to communicate insights effectively. Present analysis in clear and engaging ways, tailoring outputs to diverse audiences and maximising impact. Provide expert advice on statistical interpretation to stakeholders, ensuring outputs inform decision-making. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Welsh Government, inspection staff, and other partners, ensuring analytical work is user-driven and aligned to policy priorities. Translate complex analytical requirements into tangible projects that meet stakeholder needs in a timely manner. Proactively seek feedback to ensure outputs remain relevant and accessible. o Line manage and mentor junior statisticians, fostering a culture of professional development and high analytical standards. Champion innovation in statistical methods, visualisation, and dissemination, including exploring the role of AI in supporting Estyn's work. o Contribute to the wider Government Statistical Service (GSS) and Analysis Function community, sharing best practice and learning. Manage and monitor allocated budgets, ensuring effective financial control, transparency, and value for money in the use of public funds. Contribute to financial planning and provide assurance that resources are deployed efficiently to achieve organisational priorities

It is essential that you have:

Strong experience in SQL for data manipulation, extraction, and transformation o Knowledge of data ethics, GDPR, and secure handling of sensitive data Proven track record of delivering interactive dashboards and visualisations in Power BI Experience of applying a wide range of statistical techniques and coding practices to deliver reproducible, high-quality analysis Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate analytical requirements into clear, actionable outputs Proven ability to communicate complex statistical concepts clearly and accessibly to non-technical audiences Awareness of AI and machine learning techniques, and an understanding of their potential application to improve analytical processes Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills An undergraduate degree in a numerate discipline (e.g. statistics, mathematics, economics, social science with statistics, or data science).

It is desirable that you have:

Experience of working with large administrative datasets and/or education-related data within the public sector. Familiarity with statistical programming languages. Ability to work through the medium of Welsh.

Key behaviours

Communicating and influencing Changing and improving Delivering at pace Making effective decisions Managing a quality service
The Competency framework for the Government Statistician Group (GSG) defines the standards of professional expertise (technical skills and using and promoting social research) required for Statistical Officers. Further information and example of these behaviours are detailed in the Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours at Grade SEO.

In addition to a good work/life balance, job satisfaction, a supporting culture, ongoing learning and development opportunities and professional development, you can also expect other benefits, including the following:

Competitive salary and incremental points meaning that you will normally reach the maximum of the pay scale within two/three years of joining us.

Generous holiday entitlement - 41 days away from work each year (made up of 31 days of annual leave, plus 10 public/privilege holidays (pro-rated for those who work part-time).

Flexible working - We operate a flexi-time system, giving you the freedom to shape your working day in a way that suits you and meets business needs.

Excellent pension - When you join Estyn, you'll automatically become part of the Civil Service Pension scheme, one of the most valuable pension schemes in the UK. We invest in your future by contributing

28.97%

of your salary which equates to

13,318

helping you build a strong and secure pension for later in life.

Support for your wellbeing - We provide an hour of wellbeing time per week (pro-rated) for staff. We also provide an employee assistance programme, free annual health checks, seasonal flu jabs, a free eye care scheme and access to Health Insurance Plans through Civil Service Healthcare.

Support for your family life - generous family friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption leave.

Tax-free savings - Access to a cycle to work scheme.

Special offers and discounts - Access to a range of discounts and exclusive offers through the Civil Service Social Club - Sports and Leisure, the Civil Service Motoring Association, the Civil Service Insurance Society and the Charity for Civil Servants.

Enquiries:

If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Rhidian Dafydd

on rhidian.dafydd@estyn.gov.uk.

Apply online:

To apply for the role please visit -

JobBoard (estynpeoplehr.cymru)

.

Closing date: 10:00am on 5 January 2026

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,974.00-54,430.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Flexitime Free parking Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cardiff CF24 5JW