Skip to main content
English Cymraeg
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.

Last updated: 16 August 2023
Last updated: 16 August 2023

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 -