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Data analyst

Find out what a data analyst in government does and the skills you need to do the role at each level.

Last updated 30 May 2025 — See all updates

What a data analyst does

A data analyst collects, organises and studies data to provide business insight.

In this role, you will:

  • apply tools and techniques for data analysis and data visualisation (including the use of business information tools)
  • identify, collect and migrate data to and from a range of systems
  • manage, clean, abstract and aggregate data alongside a range of analytical studies on that data
  • manipulate and link different data sets
  • summarise and present data and conclusions in the most appropriate format for users

Data analyst role levels

There are 4 data analyst role levels, from associate analyst to principal data analyst.

The typical responsibilities and skills for each role level are described in the sections below. You can use this to identify the skills you need to progress in your career, or simply to learn more about each role in the Government Digital and Data profession.

1. Associate data analyst

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • EO (Executive Officer)
  • HEO (Higher Executive Officer)
Skill Description

Applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support the development of statistical and analytical insights and reports under supervision
  • explain the benefits of basic statistical and analytical techniques
  • explain the value of quality assurance and best practices in developing statistical and analytical outputs

Communicating between the technical and non-technical

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain why it's important to communicate technical concepts in non-technical language
  • explain the types of communication that can be used with internal and external stakeholders, and their impact

Data ethics and privacy

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the importance of using data ethics and privacy in your work
  • identify appropriate channels to discuss ethical issues, with support

Data management

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the importance of data governance policies
  • explain how data management tools, procedures and methods relate to a specific project

Data preparation and linkage

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the importance of data models and their uses
  • identify appropriate channels in your organisation to learn about data modelling and quality standards
  • identify data quality issues and provide possible solutions to resolve them
  • prepare and cleanse data under supervision, contributing to making it fit for purpose

Data visualisation

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop and use an appropriate data visualisation under supervision to tell a meaningful story that is relevant to set goals
  • explain the value of sharing a story effectively
  • explain why it's important to develop inclusive, accessible data visualisations that recognise different user needs

Developing code for analysis

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the importance of coding for analysis
  • explain the value of maintaining analytical approach documentation
  • design an analytical approach with support, for example, writing simple code

Project management

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of project management techniques, and an appreciation of how they are applied in the environment

2. Data analyst

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • HEO (Higher Executive Officer)
  • SEO (Senior Executive Officer)
Skill Description

Applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • contribute to the development of statistical and analytical insights and reports
  • apply appropriate statistical and analytical techniques under supervision to answer research questions and organisational needs
  • follow and apply quality assurance standards
  • respond to stakeholder questions about analytical and statistical techniques

Communicating between the technical and non-technical

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • support and host discussions within a multidisciplinary team, with potentially difficult dynamics
  • be an advocate for the team externally
  • manage differing stakeholder perspectives

Data ethics and privacy

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply fundamental principles of data ethics and privacy in your work under supervision
  • share data ethics and privacy risks through appropriate channels

Data management

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • follow organisational data governance, including policies on data access, sharing, dissemination and protection
  • participate in or deliver data management across services or products
  • use appropriate data management tools, procedures and methods with some support

Data preparation and linkage

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support the planning of a data model based on appropriate data sources
  • help ensure new and existing data models and pipelines can be reused or reproduced
  • identify and resolve data quality issues
  • prepare and cleanse data, ensuring it is fit for purpose

Data visualisation

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use the most appropriate data visualisation to tell a focussed story that is relevant to the team's goals
  • develop inclusive, accessible data visualisations that recognise different user needs
  • work with others in a multidisciplinary team to ensure a visualisation provides the information they need

Developing code for analysis

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design the analytical approach and the code needed to address simple research questions
  • explain the importance of testing code
  • review and improve analytical approaches under supervision, including code
  • produce analytical approach documentation that describes the code you wrote

Project management

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply your knowledge and experience of project management methodologies, including tools and techniques
  • adopt those most appropriate for the environment

3. Senior data analyst

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • SEO (Senior Executive Officer)
  • G7 (Grade 7)
Skill Description

Applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead the development of valuable statistical insights and reports
  • identify and apply a range of statistical and analytical techniques and tools, and support others in applying them
  • quality assure statistical techniques and analytical outputs across a team
  • engage with stakeholders and share statistical and analytical techniques to increase understanding and trust

Communicating between the technical and non-technical

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • listen to and interpret the needs of technical and non-technical stakeholders, and manage their expectations
  • manage active and reactive communication
  • support or host difficult discussions within the team or with diverse senior stakeholders

Data ethics and privacy

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with stakeholders to identify and address ethical and privacy concerns
  • demonstrate and communicate how data ethical issues fit into the wider organisational context
  • research developments in data ethics and privacy to improve compliance and processes
  • assess and constructively challenge proposed data ethics policies

Data management

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advocate for effective data governance and data management policies and guidelines within your team and across your organisation
  • monitor and improve data management practices in your team
  • help define, develop and support the use of data management tools, procedures and methods in compliance with data governance policies

Data preparation and linkage

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • plan the framework of an analytical data model based on appropriate data sources
  • support the implementation of data models using appropriate tools and systems
  • ensure your team understands the importance of data quality and modelling

Data visualisation

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use a range of data visualisations to simplify a complex story
  • adapt a story to the needs of multidisciplinary stakeholders
  • advise and support others in developing inclusive, accessible data visualisations that recognise different user needs
  • suggest improvements to data visualisation processes and standards to increase efficiency and quality

Developing code for analysis

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design and implement the analytical approach, including code, using appropriate standards and tests
  • lead collaboration to review and improve analytical approaches, including shared code
  • guide others in producing analytical approach documentation, identifying improvements

Project management

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • share knowledge and experience of project management methodologies with others, including tools and techniques
  • define those most appropriate for the environment
  • oversee projects within a data analytics team

4. Principal data analyst

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • G7 (Grade 7)
  • G6 (Grade 6)
Skill Description

Applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify opportunities to develop statistical insights and reports that support organisational objectives
  • develop and guide others in a range of statistical and analytical techniques and tools
  • oversee the quality assurance of statistical techniques and analytical outputs, continually improving and innovating practices
  • use statistical and analytical outputs to influence stakeholders across the organisation and beyond

Communicating between the technical and non-technical

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • mediate between people and strengthen relationships, adopting the appropriate communication method with stakeholders at all levels
  • manage stakeholder expectations and moderate difficult discussions about high risk and complex topics, even within constrained timescales
  • speak on behalf of, and represent the community to, large audiences inside and outside the organisation

Data ethics and privacy

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with stakeholders to identify and address ethical and privacy concerns
  • demonstrate and communicate how data ethical issues fit into the wider organisational context
  • research developments in data ethics and privacy to improve compliance and processes
  • assess and constructively challenge proposed data ethics policies

Data management

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • champion and lead data management and governance processes within your team and across your organisation
  • define and lead on the implementation of data management responsibilities
  • define data management tools and develop training requirements to implement data governance processes effectively
  • enable continuous improvement of data management practices and compliance with data governance policies

Data preparation and linkage

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop analytical data models using a deep understanding of data sources
  • ensure data models are implemented using tools and systems that align with modelling standards
  • set data quality standards in the organisation or beyond, and ensure stakeholders understand their importance
  • mentor others in data quality and modelling

Data visualisation

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • translate business requirements into goals for data visualisations
  • set and advocate for new standards and practices in inclusive, accessible data visualisation
  • identify data visualisation capability gaps and implement appropriate training
  • promote the value and adoption of data visualisations across the organisation
  • strategically support stakeholders in understanding and using a story

Developing code for analysis

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • oversee and promote the implementation of coding standards and practices on existing and new analytical outcomes, products and services
  • contribute to coding standards across the organisation
  • ensure reproducibility of code and code documentation across the organisation

Project management

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate knowledge and experience of the application of project management methodologies
  • be a recognised specialist and adviser in project management, including user needs, generation of ideas, methods and tools, and leading or guiding others in best practice
  • oversee projects within a data analytics team

Role Shared skills
Data governance manager

Communicating between the technical and non-technical

Data management

Data ethics and privacy

Data ethicist

Communicating between the technical and non-technical

Data ethics and privacy

Machine learning engineer

Communicating between the technical and non-technical

Data ethics and privacy

Analytics engineer

Communicating between the technical and non-technical

Data architect

Communicating between the technical and non-technical

Updates

Published 7 January 2020

Last updated 30 May 2025

30 May 2025

The data analyst role has been refreshed with updated skills. The role now includes the new skills ‘applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques’, ‘data ethics and privacy’, ‘data preparation and linkage’ and ‘developing code for analysis’, and the updated skill ‘data visualisation’.

These skills have been removed from the role: 'analysis and synthesis (data analyst)’, ‘data modelling, cleansing and enrichment’, ‘data quality assurance, validation and linkage’, ‘IT and mathematics’, ‘logical and creative thinking’ and ‘statistical methods and data analysis’.

28 February 2025

The skill 'communicating between the technical and non-technical' has been updated. The level descriptions were edited to improve clarity and to better meet the definitions for each level.

The skill 'data management' has been updated. The level descriptions were edited to improve clarity and to better meet the definitions for each level.

30 November 2024

The skill 'communication' has been replaced by the skill 'communicating between the technical and the non-technical'. These skills were identical apart from their names.

The 'awareness' level description of the 'data visualisation' skill has been updated to improve clarity and to better meet the definition for this skill level.

31 May 2024

The indicative job grades for the 'associate analyst' role level have been updated from 'HEO' to 'EO and HEO'. This change is based on the latest data on the most common grades for these role levels across government.

30 August 2022

There are updated skill descriptions at practitioner and expert level for 'data management', 'data modelling, cleansing and enrichment' and 'data visualisation'. These skills apply to the senior data analyst and principal data analyst role levels. The ‘analytical and problem-solving skills’ skill has been renamed ‘analysis and synthesis (data analyst)’ to ensure consistency across the DDaT Profession Capability Framework.

7 January 2020

First published.