Review of FSA Social Science
Review of FSA Social Science: Annex 4B GSR Technical Framework
Review of FSA Social Science, Annex 4b GSR Technical Framework, Some or no ability.
Research Officers (N=3)
| Research Officers: Technical Skills | Some ability | No ability |
|---|---|---|
| Working knowledge of a range of research methods and an awareness of new innovative methods, including within the data science field. | 1/3 | - |
| Carries out analytical tasks under direction. | 1/3 | - |
| Prepares accurate statistics. | - | 1/3 |
| Designs small scale and less complex research projects for either in-house or commissioned projects; understands how to get things done in the Civil Service | 1/3 | - |
| Helps line manager identify areas for new research. | 1/3 | - |
| Makes use of different sources of information and carries out basic analysis of key data sets by producing frequencies and cross tabulations; interprets the key findings from this. | 1/3 | - |
| Working knowledge of relevant data analysis packages, particularly SPSS and Excel, and qualitative packages. Packages to be determined by the particular role and job content | - | 2/3 |
| Introductory level knowledge of data science techniques | - | 2/3 |
| Accurately interprets data (verbal & numerical) and research papers, for example, makes an accurate interpretation of the key findings from a literature search | 1/3 | - |
| Aware of key departmental procurement procedures | 1/3 | - |
| Working knowledge of legal requirements surrounding research, particularly data protection and the Freedom of Information Act; knows when to seek further support. | 1/3 | - |
| Uses logic to evaluate new ideas and alternatives, for example, critically assesses new hypotheses or new methodologies | 1/3 | - |
| Has knowledge of quality assurance methodologies required for analytical work and understands the context and relevance of quality assurance products, such as the Aqua Book. | - | 2/3 |
| Persuades others to support the research process, for example, industry bodies to release necessary information or policy customers of the value of social research | - | 2/3 |
| Uses the GSR network to increase awareness of cross cutting research possibilities | 1/3 | - |
| Commit time to learning and sharing knowledge with others around approaches to research | 1/3 | - |
Senior Research Officers (N=3)
| Senior Research Officers: Technical Skills | Some ability | No ability |
|---|---|---|
| Uses a range of analytical techniques to carry out in-house analysis & briefing work. | 2/6 | - |
| Up-to-date knowledge of methodological developments including the role of innovative methodologies; applies these methods when and where appropriate; makes use of appropriate new developments from other analytical professions and outside the Civil Service where relevant. | 2/6 | - |
| Incorporates the latest techniques into their work where appropriate, and champions innovation and embraces new ways of working. | 1/6 | - |
| Draws upon a track record of designing medium sized or more complex projects to translate a policy question into a viable research specification or in-house project. | 1/6 | - |
| Clarifies and agrees research objectives and translates broad projects aims into researchable questions, for example, turns policy requirements into well designed research specifications. | 1/6 | - |
| Accurately identifies where there are gaps in the evidence base and makes sound recommendations for how this can be managed | 1/6 | - |
| Weighs up competing sources of data and identifies a clear line to take | 1/6 | - |
| Understands the basics of research planning, including bidding timetables, thinking ahead and liaising with policy divisions. | 1/6 | - |
| Overall an ability to manage independently the entire procurement process for all but the most complex projects, including budgetary requirements. | 1/6 | - |
| Liaises successfully with ethics committees, and other monitoring/ compliance committees, for particular projects. | 1/6 | - |
| Able to stimulate interest in social research and its applications; persuades others such as senior civil servants of the value of social research to the policy process. | 1/6 | - |
| Contributes effectively to research steering groups and advisory boards. | 1/6 | - |
| Demonstrates sufficient technical ‘authority’ by taking the lead in recommending solutions to fill strategic gap. | 2/6 | - |
| Conducts a risk analysis of an evidence base to ensure advice is sound, for example, understands the trade-offs in balancing quality and timing of - project delivery. | 1/6 | - |
Principal Research Officers (N=3)
| Principal Research Officers: Technical Skills | Some ability | No ability |
|---|---|---|
| Promotes multi-disciplinary working; understands what other analysts can contribute (for example, economists, statisticians) and how their own (& own team’s) work fits in | 1/6 | - |
| Shapes customers' expectations and needs by educating them about what social research can achieve | 1/6 | - |
| Is an enthusiastic advocate of social research; can sell an idea or argument | 1/6 | - |
| Raises the level of debate by encouraging greater co-operation and communication between researchers across the department and further afield; provides links between academic and GSR colleagues. | 1/6 | - |
| Encourages, coaches and supports others to adopt the latest social research methods and data science techniques into their work | 2/6 | - |
| Uses the GSR network effectively to actively pursue options for cross cutting research | 3/6 | 1/6 |
| Takes considered risks and assesses and manages the risks; is not deterred by incomplete or inconclusive data. | 1/6 | - |
| Takes the lead on a number of ‘technical’ matters within the wider GSR/ analytical community, for example, this could be methodological or evidence base. | 1/6 | - |
| Takes the lead on a number of ‘technical’ matters within the wider GSR/ analytical community, for example, this could be methodological or evidence base. | 4/6 | - |
| Is proactive in keeping abreast of new methodological and technical developments, how they might be used within department in different policy contexts | 1/6 | - |