Head of data analysis

The Commissioner and Management Board have determined that the Met will be a data driven organisation. This means treating our data in the same way we treat our people, methods and technology, as a strategic asset.

The data office is the single place of accountability across the Met that:

• owns and drives the data compliance and analytics agenda
• consolidates and further develops existing Met data and insight services
• enables data sharing and collaboration to serve the public and external partners

Business operations: Responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the data office, managing business processes including workforce planning, recruitment, business planning, tasking and coordination, risk, learning and development, business case assurance and other ad-hoc tasks as required by the business.

Data foundations: This is the data office strategic lead on the core capabilities from the data strategy which are fundamental to effective data management, analysis and innovation. Knowing where critical data is (information asset register), its value (data quality) and how it can be used enables other services within Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) to work effectively and to optimise our exploitation of data.
Data foundation services help the organisation understand how data is collected, stored, organised and used across a multitude of operational and business functions. Ensuring the safe disposal of data when there is no longer a policing purpose to retain is also a key priority, as is ensuring that we use data ethically and equipping everyone in the Met with the right tools so that data drives making (data literacy).

Data rights: Provides professional subject matter expertise on all matters related to data rights legislation under the Data Protection Act 2018, UK-General Data protection regulation and the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and associated matters, including information sharing.
The unit process all applications for information pursuant to these legislation, servicing these requests to meet legislative compliance on behalf of the Met, in a way that supports the business without compromising operational efficiency. This is done in an accountable, transparent manner and can involve a delicate balance between the wider public interest and respect for individual privacy rights.

Office of the data protection officer: Providesan independent advisory function supporting the Met to deliver efficient, compliant and secure processing of data from the point of acquisition through to eventual disposal.  Monitors compliance and reports non-conformities as well as acting as a point of contact for data subjects and the Information Commissioner.
The force crime registrar and data accuracy team provide impartial oversight of the accuracy of crime and incident recording in line with the Home Office Counting Rules and National Standards for Incident Recording; act as the final arbiter of crime recording decisions; and forms part for a national framework of oversight and gatekeeping of inter-force crime transfers.

Data analysis: Collects, organises and studies data to provide business insight and support evidence-based decision making. Data analysts apply tools and techniques for data analysis and data visualisation; identifying, collecting and migrating data to and from a range of systems; manipulating and linking different data sets; and summarising and presenting data and conclusions.

Data science: Data scientists use their advanced analytical capabilities to improve performance and provide ethical and transparent insight and advice. They drive innovation in data exploitation harnessing AI and Machine Learning to provide support for operational, organisational, and individual decision making.

Data engineering: Data engineers provide ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) capability on Met data systems to deliver high-quality data, including automation, for onward processing and consumption.  They are data experts and use cutting-edge tools and systems to provide data pipelines that underpin the data-driven culture the Met is developing.

The role

The head of data analysis to oversee a team of about 70 data analysts contributing to our objective of being a fully data enabled organisation. In this role you will report to the deputy director for data analytics and be responsible for overseeing the maturity of our data analysis capability.

You will be heading a function of analysts delivering a portfolio of data analysis products and services across the Met. We actively moving the dial away from data being seen as a reporting function towards being a strategic enabler to decision making at all levels across Met. We are looking for a data analysis professional who has successfully worked with senior stakeholders in a large or complex organisation to transform their use of data to the benefit of its users.

Main responsibilities

• realise and deliver the future vision for data analysis in DDaT
• partner with peers to develop the principles for the newly formed Centre of Data Excellence (CoDE), specifically owning the central governance and standards framework for data analysis across Met
• identify opportunities for the data analysis team to collaborate closely with other data teams as analysis subject matter experts (SMEs) to solve real-world problems
• work closely with peers in data engineering and data science, feed into the Met data strategy using knowledge, skills and expertise to shape the future use of data within the Met
• lead, direct, and coach a high-performing, diverse team of data analysts split across programme and business as usual (BAU) activity to develop best practices for data analysis products and services
• promote diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity, respecting individual differences and external experience
• advocate DDaT as the hub for data analysis across Met at a senior level
• accountable for the timely delivery of quality data analysis outcomes through allocating resources, reviewing and adjusting performance expectations
• maintain own performance levels in challenging circumstances, encouraging others to do the same
• be a visible leader to act as the de facto head of profession for data analysis within DDaT, with a focus on building Met wide data analysis capability
• support the career development and pathways for the data analysis community
• use experience of inspiring and motivating teams to fully engage in their work to empower them to explore the boundaries of their ability
• member of the director of data’s senior leadership team

 What we can offer

• hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance
• 28 days annual leave (excluding public holidays), rising to 33 days after five years continuous service
• personal and professional development opportunities
• enrolment with the Met’s employee incentive partner, Edenred, giving access to a range of rewards and incentives
• access to a range of financial products via the Metropolitan Police Trading Service, including preferred credit facilities
• generous family leave for pregnancy, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave
• childcare support including nursery and play scheme discounts
• excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future
• access to the Blue Light emergency services discount card with a range of official discounts from large national retailers to local businesses including holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones and much more
• a substantial range of health and wellbeing benefits including physiotherapy, 24/7 rehabilitation services and free eye tests
• to promote physical well-being, you will have full access to subsidised sports centre membership to more than 3,000 UK gyms and 80 London Fitness Centres. There is also an excellent range of sporting activities on offer through the various Met sports and social Clubs

Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements, including part time working, job share or carers and career break returners. We also support blended working and the hiring manager will be happy to discuss arrangements for this role.

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties.

For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) or Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.