Data Scientist

Lewisham Council; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

LGPS

Flexible working

Season ticket loan

Staff discounts

Supportive networks

Job summary

Lewisham Council is seeking a Data Scientist for the Children and Young People’s Services Strategy and Improvement function. The role involves leading data science projects, using complex datasets, and turning analysis into actionable insights for decision-makers.

You will work with stakeholders to develop reproducible analyses, apply predictive modelling and data visualisation, and communicate findings to senior leaders in a clear way.

Qualifications

• Experience using Python or R to interrogate datasets and build models.
• Ability to translate analysis into clear data stories for decision-makers.
• Experience with data visualisation and stakeholder communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead data science projects using internal and external datasets to generate insight.
• Apply predictive analytics, data modelling, ML, and data visualisation.
• Develop reproducible analyses and communicate findings to senior leaders.

Skills

Python

R

Tools

Power BI

Job description

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

Introduction

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Are you an experienced data professional with strong coding skills in Python or R? Do you have the ability to interrogate complex datasets, develop models and turn analysis into clear, compelling insights for decision‑makers? Are you confident using data science techniques, visualisation tools such as Power BI, and objective analysis to solve complex problems?

We are looking for a Data Scientist to join our Children and Young People’s Services Strategy and Improvement function. This is an exciting opportunity to use data, analytics and evidence to help us better understand need, improve services and support informed decision‑making across the directorate. You will work with a range of stakeholders to explore complex questions, develop reproducible analysis and models, and communicate findings in a way that is accessible, practical and focused on improving outcomes for children, young people and families.

What’s the role?

The Data Scientist will lead data science projects that use complex internal and external datasets to generate insight and support better decision‑making.

They will apply techniques such as predictive analytics, data modelling, machine learning and data visualisation to help solve complex service challenges.

The role will involve developing models, identifying trends and translating analysis into clear data stories for senior leaders and non‑specialist audiences.

Working collaboratively across Children and Young People’s Services, the postholder will help turn evidence into practical action to improve outcomes.

What’s in it for you?

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is curious, analytical and confident working with complex data to solve real‑world problems. You’ll be comfortable using coding and data science techniques to explore patterns, build models and generate insight. Just as importantly, you’ll be able to turn technical analysis into clear, practical messages for different audiences. We’re keen to hear from candidates who can work collaboratively, think creatively and use evidence to support better decisions for children, young people and families.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, but we operate a hybrid approach where you may be able to work from home for up to three days per week, subject to the needs of the business.

Special conditions

• Out of hours working may be occasionally required for this job

Salary

£57,180 - £59,394 per annum (PO5)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities.

If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.

We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact [e-mail]