Our people | Rich Wild
Pensions Analyst
I joined ONS in March 2004 after working as an economic researcher at Cardiff University. I was drawn to the organisation as it is one of the few major employers of economists in this part of the country, and because I'd experience of using a lot of official economic data.
In my current role, my main responsibility is producing the economics–based chapters in 'Pension Trends', our flagship pensions publication. I work alongside statisticians and social researchers, sourcing and manipulating data, liasing with other government departments, monitoring pensions developments and writing reports. I also undertake ad hoc analyses, manage our online 'Pensions Guide' and represent ONS at external functions. I like the fact that pensions is a complex, rapidly changing field where there are often no definitive answers to the key questions. To get clear results, you often need to adopt a multidisciplinary approach – pure economics it isn't.
I also enjoy the opportunities to do original work. I recently completed some analysis on the age at which people stop work, based on ONS labour market data. Although supported by my team, I researched and directed the work from start to finish, and the results attracted interest from DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) and the OECD (Office for Economic Co–operation and Development). I was pleased to have contributed fresh evidence to a key European issue.
The training I've received in project management, statistical analysis, the National Accounts and staff management has complemented my experience and helped secure my recent promotion.
If you have a background in economics or finance, and you want to develop a career in analysis and reporting somewhere other than London, you should consider ONS. It's a relaxed, friendly and flexible place to work with a unique role in informing society and the economy in the UK.
