Data Analyst/Statistical Researcher

Church of England; Islington; On-site; GBP 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A religious organization is seeking an Analyst to support the mission by ensuring high-quality data for decision-making. Responsibilities include overseeing the Energy Footprint Tool, analyzing data, and preparing reports. Candidates should have strong analytical skills, experience with statistical software, and excellent communication skills. A competitive salary and diverse benefits are offered.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Health and wellbeing benefits

Enhanced family friendly benefits

Qualifications

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to explain numerical concepts clearly.
• Experience in working with complex data sets.

Responsibilities

• Ensure data quality and consistency from churches and dioceses.
• Prepare reports on church attendance and finances.
• Oversee the Energy Footprint Tool and data analysis.

Skills

Analytical skills

Statistical software (R)

Research skills

Data collection and survey design

Advanced use of Excel

Communication skills

Data analysis techniques

Education

Degree in a relevant field with substantial quantitative element

Tools

Excel

Statistical software (R)

Mapping software (e.g., ArcGIS)

Databases (e.g., Microsoft Access)

Job description

Overview

The purpose of this role is to support the mission of the Church of England by ensuring that high quality data are collected, made available, and appropriately used in decision-making at local, regional, and national level. The analyst role also carries an emphasis on supporting the Church of England to achieve net zero carbon by 2030. Approximately 50% of the role will support the Net Zero programme by running the Energy Footprint tool, working with Dioceses and Churches to collect energy data, analysing the resulting dataset and reporting to assist with tracking progress.

Responsibilities

• Work with data received from churches, parishes, dioceses, and cathedrals to ensure quality in terms of consistency, timeliness and accuracy, including undertaking routine validation and processing.
• Analyse data and prepare reports for publication of statistics relating to church attendance, parish finances, ministry, cathedrals, parish census and deprivation, and other agreed Business as Usual (BAU) deliverables.
• Oversee the Energy Footprint Tool, including leading on question design, data analysis, and reporting.
• Respond to queries regarding the Energy Footprint Tool from diocesan colleagues.
• Produce analysis and reports to aid Net Zero decision making.
• Work with key stakeholders to review and improve data collection processes and ensure these are accurately documented, tested and implemented.
• Provide professional expertise and support to colleagues leading other work within the Data Services Team.
• Provide analysis, insight and statistical advice in response to NCIs, Synodical, Parliamentary and official enquiries and working parties, including the drafting of responses and material for publication.
• Assist, advise and provide professional support for the creation and development of resources that help churches, parishes and dioceses better understand and engage with their data.
• Help organise and contribute to Data Services events and activities, including those for diocesan and NCI colleagues and members of General Synod.
• Contribute to clear communication of data concepts and outcomes to diverse audiences.

Qualifications & Skills

• Numeracy: Analytical skills and the ability to check and analyse numerical information appropriately.
• Demonstrable ability to use specialist statistical software such as R.
• Research skills and knowledge of quantitative research methods demonstrated through professional experience and/or a degree or equivalent with substantial quantitative element.
• Understanding customer needs, identifying and delivering solutions, and building customer relationships.
• Data collection and survey design.
• Working with complex data sets, including checking and correcting errors, carrying out data analysis, and writing reports.
• Advanced use of Excel for statistical functionality and data analysis.
• Ability to explain numerical concepts clearly to expert and non-expert audiences.
• Effective oral and written communication of data analysis, methodology, and results.
• Knowledge of a range of data analysis techniques and when to apply them.

• Personal Attributes: Excellent attention to detail; willingness to learn new software and techniques; comfortable working independently and in collaboration; able to follow established processes and contribute to new approaches; self-motivated with ability to plan and deliver several concurrent tasks; able to manage working relationships with people across roles and experience; flexibility and capacity to manage change; sympathy with the aims and practices of the Church of England.

• Desirable Skills/Aptitudes: Experience with mapping software (e.g., ArcGIS or MapInfo); use of databases (e.g., Microsoft Access); knowledge of qualitative research methods; knowledge of internet-based tools for designing and delivering surveys; knowledge of Church of England structures and ministry as context for the work of the Team.

Equality, Diversity & Benefits

The Church of England is for everyone and we reflect the diversity of the community we serve across the country. We welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people and particularly encourage applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to recruiting disabled people. We offer interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Salary & Benefits

A salary of £40,572 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if part-time).
• Flexibility for flexible working arrangements on a case-by-case basis to support work-life balance.
• Family Friendly Programme benefits including enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave; structured induction and development opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing benefits including Medicash, dental, optical, and therapy reimbursements; access to virtual GP and private prescription service;
• Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Programme; access to Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one.
• Eyecare voucher eligibility; opportunities to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club and various staff networks.