Researchers at ONS
Around 150 social researchers work on a range of topics across ONS – health, population, demography, geography, labour market, socio–economic inequalities, and survey methodology – as well as designing, conducting and reporting on surveys of the population.
A large number of analytical and compendium publications, as well as survey reports, are produced each year which provide a portrait of the nation, eg Labour Market Trends, Population Trends, Social and Regional Trends, and Living in Britain.
Social researchers at ONS work on a range of data sources, such as the census, social surveys and administrative sources, eg births and death records and unemployment benefits data. Our Social and Vital Statistics Division carries out survey research for government departments and other public bodies on a range of social issues. It conducts the Labour Force Survey, the single largest household survey in Britain, as well as other continuous surveys, such as the General Household Survey, the Expenditure and Food Survey, the Family Resources Survey, the International Passenger Survey, the NS Omnibus Survey, the English House Condition Survey, and the Scottish House Condition Survey.
As a social researcher, you will be contributing to the whole range of survey work. This may include the design and management of research projects, or being a member of the research team for major large–scale surveys, for data analysis and report writing, and for methodological development. You may also find yourself having an input into the preparation of bids for work subject to competitive tender; writing questionnaire programs for computer–assisted interviewing; briefing interviewers; or carrying out cognitive interviews.
Survey methodologists at ONS work within the Data Collection Methodology Centre and contribute to all ONS social and business surveys and the census. By providing specialist expertise and advice on survey methodology and design, work within the ONS Data Collection Methodology Centre is vital to assuring the quality and integrity of key statistics. The work is both innovative and rewarding.
As a survey methodologist you will be involved in a range of projects, ranging from questionnaire development and testing, to research such as follow-ups with respondents, feasibility studies and exploratory research. Methods that are applied include cognitive interviews, in-depth interviews, focus groups and observational techniques. Responsibilities include designing qualitative sampling strategies, respondent recruitment, data collection design and implementation, analysis and report writing. In addition to this senior and principal survey methodologists manage teams of survey methodologists and the projects that they are undertaking.
For more information on survey methodologists work within data collection methodology please follow this link: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/about/services/dcm/whatisdcm.asp
Other research positions include Geographers in ONS. These people work on a range of projects - developing datasets and approaches to data referencing, researching geographic and GIS analysis techniques and developing geographic policy. We are currently involved in critical research to inform key decisions on how the 2011 Census will be run. In addition our GIS and mapping unit provide advice and support on the use of GIS across the business as well as providing a professional mapping service for the full range of ONS publications and electronic outputs. ONS Geography is increasing moving to web-dissemination and work continues on developing our range of electronic data and information products.
The team of geographers in ONS is small but the range of work covered is huge. Working in Geography provides an opportunity to get involved in policy that affects the quality of all NS statistics and can make a real difference in the running of government services.
