Data Scientist

The Data Scientist(s) will be joining the corporate data service and will play a key role in the delivery of the data strategy. In this role, you will:

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• Tackle Big Challenges: Apply data science to help solve critical issues like social care pressures, support residents struggling with their finances, and help tackle homelessness.
  
• Deliver Insights: Create visualizations and predictions that improve decision-making and help us better understand our residents.
  
• Collaborate: Work with diverse stakeholders and data professionals to use data more effectively and bring new ideas to the organization.
  
• Innovate: Use modern data technologies and inspire a data-driven culture throughout the Council.
  

Note: There are two positions available. These are linked grade positions, grade and salary point will be decided based on the skills and experience of the successful candidates.

We are looking for a creative problem-solver, collaborative and adaptable colleague with a passion for using data for good. You will have:

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• Technically Proficient: An expert in Python and SQL, with strong skills in data visualisation tools. You will possess the mathematical and statistical abilities to clean, analyse, and model large, complex datasets.
  
• A High-Quality Coder: Able to produce well-written, understandable, and reusable code that is optimised for performance.
  
• A Clear Communicator: Capable of explaining complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, managing stakeholder expectations, and articulating the value of data projects to senior management.
  
• Experienced in Project Delivery: With a proven track record of leading data projects and delivering data products or services with limited supervision.
  
• A Continuous Learner: Passionate about self-development, exploring new tools and techniques, and inspiring the organisation to be data-driven.
  
• Impact-Driven: Able to create insights and predictions that unlock value and help to reimagine public services.
  
• Committed to Data Integrity: Knowledgeable about data governance, security, and protection regulations for sensitive data.
  

In your supporting statement please tell us 'What motivates you to pursue a data science role within local government? Please describe a specific project or accomplishment from your professional experience where you used data to solve a complex problem or drive a positive outcome. (250 to 350 words)'.

The new Data Service is part of a shared Digital & IT service for the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the London Borough of Sutton. Both councils have ambitious transformation programmes that depend on a more effective use of data to gain better insights and improve council services for residents. The team will also play a key role in supporting each Council’s AI and digital ambitions. Being a new service the successful candidate(s) will have an opportunity to grow, learn and set direction. Both Councils have data strategies with the strong backing of management and colleagues.

The data strategy aims to:

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• Set a data architecture and build a platform that makes it easier for the organisation to find, combine and use data.
  
• Establish a data governance framework to improve quality and handling so staff can have confidence in data products.
  
• Upskill our data analysts and council employees and recruiting data specialists.
  
• Select and embed new tools and technologies to improve data usage.
  
• Promote a more data-driven culture at all levels in the organisation.
  

The role reports directly to the Head of Data.