After people, data is our second most valuable asset. The Data cluster leads the Home Office in the appropriate use of data and analytics to deliver joined-up, intelligent services that unlock the value from data and in turn drive an intelligence-led, evidence-based approach to decision-making, policy and operations.

The Data cluster supports public-facing services used by millions, as well as diverse critical business areas including UK Visas & Immigration, Border Force, Her Majesty’s Passport Office and policing. We work with some of the largest and most varied national and international datasets to help make our communities safer and improve the public’s customer experience of interacting with the Home Office.

If you are eager to learn, have a passion for data, an innovative mindset and are good at analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, the Data cluster could be a good fit for you.

What you could be doing

There are three roles in the Data cluster:

Data Analysts

You will collect, manipulate, and analyse data, providing business insight and briefing audiences in ways that make complex information easy to understand. You will work across a broad range of areas (e.g., Business Intelligence, Data Assurance and Quality), applying tools and techniques for data analysis and data visualisation.

Data Engineers

You will focus on the design and implementation of data flows to ensure that services are resilient, scalable and future proof. You will also promote data governance and analyse problems, looking for underlying causes and developing solutions.

Data Scientists

You will use data to identify and solve complex business problems that various government departments are facing. You will use your technical ability to apply techniques and knowledge from a number of data science specialisms, such as scientific and computer science disciplines, drawing on other technical and ethical standards from across government and industry.

The benefits of working in the Data Cluster in the Home Office

As well as the benefits generally available to Home Office staff and members of the Digital, Data and Technology Profession, there are number of benefits specific to working in the Data Cluster.

One of the newer clusters within the DDaT Profession, the Data cluster has been growing to meet business need. There are a variety of roles on offer and numerous progression opportunities for staff.

There is ample opportunity for ‘on the job’ learning. The Data Cluster have excellent relationships with providers such as Microsoft and AWS, who offer certifications on data topics. We also promote various cross-Government events such as the annual UK Government Data Science Festival.

The Data cluster has recently launched specialised role-based training catalogues for each of the main data roles to aid staff in their continuous professional development and upskilling. In addition to the role-based training, we have created a ‘shared learning resource’ offering training to Data staff on transferrable skills. These skills, such as presenting technical findings, managing stakeholders and leadership, are just as important in the Data cluster, as both internal and external communication are essential across data roles.