Analysis, evidence and research help government make better decisions. Our analysis is vital to delivering improved outcomes for the UK.
Better analysis, better delivery for the UK
The Analysis Function is a cross government network consisting of around 17,000 people involved in the generation and dissemination of analysis across government and beyond.
The function aims to improve the analytical capability of the Civil Service. The mission of the function is to support everyone in government to make informed decisions so that policy and operations can be evidenced and deliver value for money, and improve the lives of the people of the UK.
Our work includes using analytical models to target interventions for influenza and other health issues, as well as collecting and analysing economic data to evaluate government spending decisions.
We’re ambitious: we’re passionate about putting analysis and evidence at the heart of decision-making, because everyone regardless of their professional background knows what good analysis and evidence looks like. We’ll support your professional development through a bespoke learning and development programme to broaden and deepen your skills. You’ll also have the opportunity for mentoring (and to become a mentor yourself) to help you identify your long-term goals within the profession.
The Government Analysis Career Framework
The Analysis Function Career Framework details the range of analytical careers available across government. It provides you with information about the skills and experiences needed for typical roles, and real-life inspirational career stories.
Designed by analysts for analysts, it includes typical analytical role profiles, key skills required along with career pathways and skills levels. There will be a broader and more varied learning and development offer making the most of the collaboration between professions which will help to upskill both analysts and non-analysts. It will support and enable the building of careers across the Function and into leadership.
The benefits of being part of the Analysis Function
Members of the Analysis Function will benefit from a broader and more flexible career offer based on the recognition of common analytical capability and skills.
Learning and development
A variety of analytical learning is currently available within departments and professions. The Analysis Function central team are collaborating across government to make learning widely available to all where possible and have created the Analysis Function Learning Curriculum.
The Analysis Function’s approach to talent management
In April 2019, the Analytical Talent Board signed off the Analysis Function’s first talent strategy which aims to achieve the fourth skills objective set out in the Analysis Function strategy: develop a supply of talent which delivers the Civil Service leadership and diversity objectives.
The talent strategy has five priorities, which are to:
- implement career frameworks and pathways
- develop and promote a learning and development offer
- advertise loans and secondments
- promote Civil Service talent programmes and support those who are on programmes
- understand our talent and our talent pipelines, including Fast Stream and apprenticeships
Analysts belong to specific professions within the Civil Service. As a member of one of the analytical professions you will have access to professional training and development opportunities and join a vibrant, cross-government community dedicated to delivering research, evidence and advice to a consistent, professional standard.
Members of the Analysis Function
Analysis in government is delivered by members of analytical government professions and the wider analytical community.
The government profession groups within the Analysis Function include:
Government Statistician Group (GSG)
Government Digital and Data profession
Government Actuary’s Department
Government Economic Service (GES)
Government Geography Profession
“I really enjoy the fast paced, challenging atmosphere in my department and the flexibility of my job which means I get involved in a lot of topical policy areas. I am definitely looking forward to building my career.”
Davita Patel
Higher Statistical Officer, Statistics profession
The Government Analysis Function site
The best place to find out more about the Analysis Function is our dedicated website
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