Statistical Assistants

Administrative & Executive Support

Level 3358 of 1200 points

Job description

Statistical Assistants

Job purpose

To compile, code, compute and verify data according to statistical formulas, and to present the results as reports, charts and graphs, so that statistical studies and published data rest on complete and accurate figures.

Skills

Applied knowledge of statistics and arithmetic — statistical formulas, actuarial computation and the selection of appropriate tests — together with the computer skills to carry the work out, including statistical and spreadsheet software, database maintenance and some programming. Command of written English for reports and published material, and a working grasp of the source records used, such as production, sales, quality-control and test records, time sheets and survey returns. A bachelor's degree is the norm, with a minority holding a master's or part-completed higher study, plus several years of related experience and on-the-job training.
Explains what the figures mean and how they may be used, to colleagues and to external clients, discussing data presentation requirements and agreeing how findings will be shown. Contributes to a work group, and may coach and guide less experienced colleagues in method and coding practice. May interview survey respondents and record their answers.
Checks source data for completeness and accuracy, identifies and sets aside unusable returns, traces and corrects coding and entry errors, and chooses statistical tests suited to the data. Interprets analytical findings for a written account. Problems are largely methodological within established procedures, with guidance and precedent available and more complex questions referred to the statisticians or actuaries the work supports.
Sets the order of its own work across compilation, computation, reporting and publication tasks, holding to deadlines under recurrent time pressure, and organises paperwork such as survey forms and reports for distribution or analysis. May coordinate others contributing to a data collection or publication.
Screen-based work with sustained keyboard and calculator use and repeated hand movements in data entry and coding, together with the handling of paper survey forms and printed records.

Responsibilities

No line management. Coordinates the contributions of others to data collection and publication work, and coaches colleagues in coding and computation practice.
Holds no budget and commits no spending. Compiles statistics from sales, production and other business records that inform management reporting, and may perform actuarial computations, but takes no decisions on money.
Ordinary care of a workstation, statistical software and the databases and paper survey material in the postholder's keeping.
Owns the accuracy of the datasets compiled: enters, codes, files and updates data, maintains the databases, and produces the reports, charts and graphs describing the findings. Errors in verification or coding carry through into analysis and publication and bear on colleagues' work and organisational results. The content and structure of the datasets and the analytical questions are set by others.

Effort required

Sustained concentration on detailed numerical work, where exactness is essential: computation, verification of source data, coding and cross-checking, alongside a repeating cycle of the same tasks. Decisions are made regularly on data quality and method, with judgement exercised on incomplete or defective returns.
Regular contact by e-mail, telephone and in person with colleagues and clients over data requirements and findings, requiring patience in explaining technical material to non-specialists. No exposure to distress, hostility or conflict is evidenced.
Predominantly seated at a workstation for extended periods, with repetitive keyboard and mouse movements. No lifting or exertion.

Working conditions

An indoor, environmentally controlled office with no physical hazard, noise exposure or travel demand recorded. Work is done alongside a work group, with some direct dealing with external clients.
Schedules are regular and established, with a standard full-time week typical and a substantial proportion of incumbents working longer; irregular and seasonal working is rare and no shift or on-call cover is required. Time pressure recurs around analysis and publication deadlines. Considerable freedom is exercised over how the work is done and in what order, within methods and priorities set by the statisticians and managers supported.

Skills

40% · 197 points▾

KnowledgeLevel 4 of 8
72 of 144 points
Factual and theoretical knowledge in broad contexts within a field of work. The job requires a range of thinking and practical knowledge to find solutions to specific problems in the job or study area.
Interpersonal and communication skillsLevel 3 of 5
58 of 96 points
Effective communication and interpersonal relationships. The job holder is required to adapt communication to different audiences and foster trust, cooperation and positive working relationships.
Problem-solving skillsLevel 2 of 5
38 of 96 points
Standard problems. The job involves solving problems with defined alternatives. Some judgement is needed, but help is usually available.
Planning and organisational skillsLevel 2 of 5
29 of 72 points
Basic organisational skills required. The job involves planning and organising one's own work within set deadlines. Some input into scheduling and prioritisation of tasks.
Physical skillsLevel 0 of 5
0 of 72 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any particular physical skills (although there is likely to be some physical activity).

Responsibility

35% · 87 points▾

PeopleLevel 1 of 5
29 of 144 points
Very limited. Not required to supervise or perform a caregiving role. The job may involve providing basic guidance to or orientation for others, such as helping new colleagues settle in.
Goods and equipmentLevel 0 of 5
0 of 84 points
Not applicable. The job does not involve any responsibility for goods or equipment.
InformationLevel 3 of 5
58 of 96 points
Moderate responsibility for information. The job involves managing information to ensure it is accurate, of high quality and secure. The job holder may make decisions about the handling of sensitive data.
Financial resourcesLevel 0 of 5
0 of 96 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any responsibility for financial resources.

Effort

15% · 50 points▾

Mental effortLevel 3 of 5
36 of 60 points
High level of mental effort. The job involves frequent concentration on complex tasks that require considerable mental effort, such as interpreting complex data.
Psychosocial and emotional effortLevel 1 of 5
14 of 72 points
Minimal psychosocial and emotional effort. There is little to no need to manage emotional responses. The job involves minimal exposure to emotionally demanding situations.
Physical effortLevel 0 of 5
0 of 48 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any physical effort.

Working Conditions

10% · 24 points▾

Environment (physical, psychological or emotional)Level 1 of 5
17 of 84 points
Minimal exposure to hazards or stress. The job involves little or no exposure to physical hazards (e.g. chemicals, moving equipment, noise) and minimal emotional or psychological risks (e.g. occasional routine tasks with no emotional burden). There is minor exposure to dust, dirt, fumes, noise, waste, poor lighting, etc.
Organisational environmentLevel 1 of 5
7 of 36 points
Minimal organisational demands. The job requires standard working hours with no night shifts or irregular schedules. There is little or no need for travel or digital connectivity beyond typical working hours.