INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION
Information Analysts (Permanent) – 5 Posts
Band 5 £21,388- £27,901
Based at Gyle Square, Edinburgh
Public Health and Intelligence (PHI), NHS National Service Scotland provides strong public sector health
insight and support for Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and wider sectors by bringing together public
health expertise, statisticians, epidemiologists and information and knowledge service experts.
As part of PHI Information Service Division (ISD) collects, validates, interprets and disseminates information on
health, health and social care in Scotland, providing support and advice to the Scottish Government, NHS
boards, social care organisations, and to a variety of professional bodies and researchers. Check out our
website at www.show.scot.nhs.uk and www.isdscotland.org .
We are looking to recruit a number of posts within our National Information and Intelligence Service and other
services within ISD. All candidates should be numerate graduates (or equivalent) with knowledge of health
information and experience of data analysis and the use of statistical tools; be enthusiastic and motivated
individuals, team players with an inquisitive mind and a strong interest in how data can be used to inform and
support the NHS Scotland.
Our benefits package includes final salary pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance policies,
occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits.
For an informal discussion, please contact Michael Sibley Tel: 0131 275 7066
For an application pack please complete the online application form on the SHOW website www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk. Ref
G20077
Closing date for completed applications is noon on 28th January 2014.
Please note that only those applicants called for an interview will be contacted. If you have not received a
response within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this
occasion.
Further information on NSS is available from: www.nhsnss.org.
NHS National Services Scotland is the common name of the Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service.
NHS National Services Scotland is an equal opportunities employer.
Candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB DETAILS
Job Title:
Information Analyst/Statistician
Immediate Senior Officer/Line Manager:
Senior Information Analyst/Statistician
Department(s):
Strategy & Business Development, National Information &
Intelligence, Data Management, Business Support Services
Division:
Information Services
2. JOB PURPOSE
To play a key role in exploiting data collected by ISD and to enhance the data analysis, interpretation and
presentation skills in the Division, supporting the development of relevant datasets to appropriately reflect the
information needs of current NHS Scotland initiatives.
To carry out accurate manipulation, compilation and timely presentation of statistics and reports for a range of
customers including NHSScotland, Scottish Government (SG) and other partner organisations.
3. DIMENSIONS
The post-holder will be a member of a team of typically 4 to 8 staff who
 Produce a variety of regular reports monthly, quarterly and annually, mainly in web, and occasionally
paper, formats for use by a wide range of customers.
 Use best practice to enhance existing datasets and develop new data collections to support the changing
information needs of customers, reporting as required.
 Handle approximately 200 requests for information per year (including Parliamentary Questions).
Customers include the Scottish Government (SG), NHS Boards (and other NHS Organisations), other partner
organisations, the media, the public, commercial organisations and research bodies.
4. ORGANISATION CHART
Principal Information Analysts/Statistician
Senior Information Analysts/Statistician
Information Analysts/Statisticians
Information Analyst/Statistician
Senior Information Analysts/Statisticians
Information Analyst/Statistician
5. ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT
The Information Services Division (ISD) is a division of National Services Scotland, part of NHS Scotland.
ISD provides health information, health intelligence, statistical services and advice that support the NHS
in progressing quality improvement in health and care and facilitates robust planning and decision
making.
ISD works in partnership with a wide range of organisations - NHSScotland NHS Boards, hospitals,
general practitioners, Community Health Partnerships, local authorities, voluntary organisations, and
many other care and service providers to build the national database, using national datasets to support
the collection and management of information.
Our Vision: To be a valued partner in improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland by
providing a high quality intelligence service.
Our Purpose: ISD's purpose is to deliver effective national and specialist intelligence services to improve
the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland.
There are five main services within ISD have been set up to meet these challenges. Information
Analysts/Statisticians will work largely within Strategy & Business Development and National Information
& Intelligence but will work closely with staff within Data Management, Business Support and Clinical
Leads. Responsibilities of Services and Teams:
Strategy & Business Development
 Strategic planning for the National Information & Intelligence Framework requirements of ISD and for
Business Development opportunities for new bespoke specialist services.
 Oversight, development and ongoing delivery of work that generates additional revenue through the provision
of bespoke specialist services and
 Provision of management resource and support for product development and oversight of additional revenue
generating work delivered by the National Information & Intelligence or Data Management Teams.
National Information & Intelligence
 Delivery of National Information & Intelligence Framework requirements of ISD. Delivery of additional
Scottish Government sponsored project work and topic specific additional revenue generating work. Delivery of
routine information services, including PQs, Information Requests, publications.
 Delivery of professional statistical standards and support to ISD and NSS
Data Management
 Delivery of Data Management Services across ISD and provision of support to NHS Scotland for submission of
national data.
 Delivering modernisation of the national data in line with the National Information & Intelligence Framework.
Business Support
 IT Support & Maintenance of ISD IT products & Development of new products
 Finance & Performance Management
 Administrative service
 Media and Publications
 Learning and Development
Clinical Leads
 Medical Clinical Governance
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Pharmaceutical Clinical Governance
Research Governance
Information Governance
Medical, Pharmaceutical & AHP advisory services
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
1. Analyse a variety of datasets, ensuring the results are accurate, fit-for-purpose and presented to a high standard,
including the interpretation of results. Take responsibility for specifying requirements with the customer,
providing advice and guidance on data and analytical matters; exploring alternative solutions and more complex
analyses; provide information which is relevant to clinicians, NHS organisations, other partner organisations,
the public and policy-makers. The post-holder will provide professional statistical advice, within their area of
expertise, ensuring that complex statistics are explained to non-statistical professionals in an understandable
way to allow informed decision making. This may involve working with other professionals to design, scope,
analyse and interpret information for specific research projects and audits.
2. Contribute to the dissemination of results and promotion of ISD Scotland and the work of the Division through
participation in meetings, e.g. User Groups. The post-holder participates in the development of, and supports
the preparation of, a range of statistical publications and web pages.
3. Ensure that all information is subject to standard quality and checking procedures, maintaining and enhancing
the relevant documentation to contribute to the knowledge management and sharing within the team.
4. The post-holder will be expected to contribute to Service and Divisional working groups, including those
advising on best practice (e.g. procedures for handling information requests) and staff development (e.g.
creation of Knowledge and Skills Framework outlines).
5. Contribute to the development of datasets and information systems, including communication with appropriate
stakeholders to ensure data collected reflect the information needs of customers and current NHSScotland
initiatives.
6. The post-holder is required to work flexibly and it is expected that the post-holder will work in short life teams,
as necessary, for the management and delivery of projects led by the Strategy & Business Development area.
7. Keep abreast of related national information developments within NHSScotland and the National Information
& Intelligence Framework.
8. The post-holder may be required to supervise other staff e.g. placement students or newer colleagues.
7. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK and DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The post-holder will manage his/her own detailed priorities in consultation with the Senior Information
Analyst/Statistician, although the Principal Information Analyst/Statistician may assign particular projects on
occasion. The post-holder will adjust priorities to meet frequently changing customer demands and will review
these, self managing any conflicting demands, referring to the Senior Information Analyst/Statistician only when
necessary.
Formal line management reporting for the post-holder will be to the Senior Information Analyst/Statistician. If
working out with ISD, supervision may be assigned to the project sponsor. The post-holder may be required to
work flexibly in short term project teams, comprising staff from other areas of ISD to take forward short-life
development projects or bespoke specialist analyses.
Participates in the formal objectives setting and performance appraisal process within ISD. Takes a pro-active
approach in the formulation of a personal development plan. The Senior Information Analyst/Statistician in
collaboration with the appropriate User Group(s) and Project Board (s) will undertake evaluation of
results/objectives.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
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Regular meetings with team members.
Formal regular meetings with line manager to report on progress and discuss personal development.
Liaise with other staff within their Service Area and across other Service Areas in ISD either informally or in
meetings as appropriate.
Meetings with user group(s) as appropriate.
Coaching and skills transfer with analytical staff.
External
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Customers in other NSS Divisions, other NHS organisations, other partner organisations and professional
bodies as necessary.
Direct liaison with data providers regarding queries resulting from analysis.
Face to face, telephone and written communication with staff, managers and professional advisors in the
Scottish Government.
9. MOST CHALLENGING PARTS OF THE JOB
Taking a pro-active role in exploring and meeting customer requirements through the effective use of the most
appropriate information available.
Managing workload to deliver to agreed objectives and customer deadlines
10. SYSTEMS
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Support the development of new databases and specific projects involving data development, liaising with data
management colleagues as required.
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Post-holder may be required to create ad-hoc collection systems to facilitate data analysis and reporting, e.g.
data collected during pilot exercises where future feasibility needs to be assessed.
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Work with users of the data to ensure the information collected will meet their needs.
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Identify ways to improve existing systems in terms of quality, timeliness and reliability of data.
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Investigate issues with the data and take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of information is maintained.
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Work, store and transmit data in accordance with data protection, freedom of information and confidentiality
principles.
11. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL EFFORT
Daily requirement for sitting/inputting at keyboard for a significant part of the working day, with appropriate breaks
from VDU when required.
Requirement to concentrate for up to 2 hours at a time several times a day; carrying out calculations, analysing of
complex data sets, checking for accuracy, writing reports/letters. Often required to respond to specific urgent
requests, this will usually require change from one activity to another on request. Has to be able to make sound
judgements, deal with unpredictable interruptions and meet deadlines. Occasionally asked to develop and deliver
presentations.
May deal with data of a distressing nature on occasions.
12. ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS & MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
Standard office conditions and equipment.
Standard keyboard skills.
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
At entry level:
 Numerate Graduate (or equivalent) with experience of data analysis
 Proven analysis and presentational skills and the ability to work enthusiastically and constructively as
part of a team.
 Experience in the use of statistical and analytical packages in particular Microsoft Office products and
SPSS.
 Demonstrate good organisational, listening and communication skills.
 Demonstrate a commitment to personal development.
In order to reach the appropriate level of skills and knowledge necessary to perform the full duties of
the job, the post-holder will be required to make the best use of opportunities to train and develop in
post to:
 Acquire a sound knowledge of analytical and statistical techniques and analysis tools (e.g. Business
Objects) within specialist area(s).
 Establish good knowledge within own specialist area(s).
 Develop coaching skills to enable supervision of other staff e.g. students on placement or newer
colleagues.
To broaden skills, knowledge and experience, the post-holder will be given the chance to work in other NHS
areas as opportunities arise, e.g. through bespoke projects in ISD or by undertaking secondments to other
business areas or organisations.
14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
HR Representative’s Signature:
Date:
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title
Information Analyst/Statistician
Job Reference
AfC Band
Band 5
Requirement
Essential
Desirable
QUALIFICATIONS
Numerate Graduate (or
equivalent) with experience of
data analysis.
Experience within an information
services and/or health related
field.
TRAINING
Use of MS Office applications
Word, Excel, PowerPoint and
Outlook.
Knowledge of the principals of
project management.
EXPERIENCE
Good IT skills with experience of
data analysis and use of
statistical tools.
Knowledge of SPSS and/or
Business Objects
Knowledge of NHS, its policies
and initiatives and how
information can support its
management and improvement.
NHS and/or customer focussed
environment.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Good organisational, planning
and time management skills.
Good verbal and written
Requirement
Essential
communication skills, able to
prepare concise and easily
understood information.
Demonstrate strong numeracy
skills, accuracy and attention to
detail
A team player with the ability to
work independently and use own
initiative.
Committed to personal
development
Flexible approach to working in
projects and teams
GENERAL
Desirable
Summary of Key Terms and Conditions of Post
Division/Department:
ISD
Location:
Edinburgh
Job Title & AfC Pay Band:
Information Analyst band 5
Salary/Salary Scale:
£21,388- £27,901 per annum
Conditions of Service:
Your terms and conditions of service are in accordance with the Agenda for
Change Terms and Conditions Handbook. Agenda for Change comprises
a National pay system and job evaluation scheme for the Health Service, a
harmonised set of terms and conditions of employment and a Knowledge and
Skills Framework.
Hours of Duty:
The standard full-time hours for NHS staff are 37.5 hours, exclusive of meal
breaks, normally to be worked over 5 days per week. The hours of this post
are 37.5.
Annual Leave:
The annual leave arrangements are:
o
o
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27 days (202.5 hours) on commencement
29 days (217.5 hours) after 5 years’ service
33 days (247.5 hours) after 10 years’ service.
8 public and statutory holidays are also available within the leave year.
Superannuation:
Medical Assessment:
All new entrants to NHS National Services Scotland who are
aged sixteen but under seventy five will be enrolled
automatically as a member of the NHS Superannuation
Scheme (Scotland). The pension scheme is provided by the
Scottish Public Pensions Agency. This scheme is a
Qualifying pension scheme, which means it meets or exceeds
The government’s new standards. All benefits including life
Insurance and family benefits are explained on the SPPA
Website www.sppa.gov.uk
For further information on
Membership benefits, contributions, or how to opt out of the
Scheme, please refer to the enclosed factsheet “Auto
Enrolement.
Appointment to this post will be subject to satisfactory medical clearance. The
successful candidate will be required to complete a pre-employment health
declaration form and, where appropriate, undergo a health assessment by the
Occupational Health Service. Summary of Key Terms and Conditions
of Post (cont.)
Knowledge and Skills
Framework:
The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework applies
to all jobs covered by Agenda for Change. Under the Knowledge and Skills
Framework, staff will have annual development reviews, which will result in
the production of a personal development plan.
There is equal access to training for all staff.
Equal Opportunities Policy:
NSS is an Equal Opportunities employer and the policy applies to all
aspects of employment.
Smoking Policy:
NSS operates a No Smoking Policy.
Right to Work in the UK
In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, NHS
National Services Scotland has a legal obligation to ensure that it does not
employ anyone who has not been granted the relevant permission to work in
the UK. We are therefore required to check the entitlement to work in the UK
of all prospective employees.
All shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation plus a photocopy when attending interview.
Applications from candidates who require a Tier 2 Certificate of
sponsorship will only be considered if no suitable UK or EEA national is
identified for this post.
NATIONAL SERVICES SCOTLAND
STAFF BENEFITS PACKAGE
Working for the NHS provides individuals with excellent career prospects and access to a wide range
of jobs. NHS National Services Scotland employs approximately 3,500 staff working in a number of
locations across Scotland.
Some of the benefits of working for NHS National Services Scotland are:
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A minimum of 27 days annual leave (pro rata) increasing with service
Eight public holidays (pro rata) per year
Access to flexible, family friendly working arrangements
Membership of the NHS Scotland superannuation scheme. Membership also includes a lump
sum death in service benefit.
Excellent training and development opportunities
Season Ticket Loan Scheme
Childcare Voucher Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Access to national and local staff discounts and promotions
Occupational Health Service
Employee Counselling Service