106741638
National Services Scotland
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
Information Services
Division:
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
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Senior Information Analysts/Statisticians
Information Analyst/Statistician
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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
 Pharmaceutical Clinical Governance
 Research Governance
 Information Governance
 Medical, Pharmaceutical & AHP advisory services
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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 proactive 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.
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8. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Internal





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



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

Support the development of new databases and specific projects involving data development,
liaising with data management colleagues as required.

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.

Work with users of the data to ensure the information collected will meet their needs.

Identify ways to improve existing systems in terms of quality, timeliness and reliability of data.

Investigate issues with the data and take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of information is
maintained.

Work, store and transmit data in accordance with data protection, freedom of information and
confidentiality principles.
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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.
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14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
HR Representative’s Signature:
Date:
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