Data Scientist

at  NHS Business Services Authority

Are you a highly motivated individual seeking to make a difference in the public health sector? Are you a Statistician, Data Scientist or similar with a passion for the NHS? If so, then this role may be the one for you.
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) creates a wealth of valuable data from the £43 billion of NHS activity that it administers.
As a Data Scientist you will work at the heart of the NHSBSA, playing an integral role in delivering new insight from data through innovation, experimentation, and collaboration. You will use statistical and data science techniques and software such as R, SQL and Python to deliver innovative data products and services and tell compelling stories with data. Working as part of a highly motivated and committed Data Science team. You can check out some of our projects (https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/data-science-projects) and existing open-source code on our public facing GitHub (https://github.com/nhsbsa-data-analytics/) to get a taste of what we do.
What do we offer?
27 days leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 bank holidays
Flexible working (we are happy to discuss options such as compressed hours)
Flexi time
Hybrid working model (we are currently working largely remotely)
Career development
Active wellbeing and inclusion networks
Excellent pension
NHS Car lease scheme
Access to a wide range of benefits and high street discounts!

You’ll have a strong understanding and practical experience of:

• Applying data science and advanced analytics techniques to answer business questions
• Using statistical programming and data visualisation software
• Using version control such as GitHub or GitLab
• Storytelling and explaining complex and contentious subject matter.
• Sharing and promoting best practice and providing data science and analytical expertise across

the business
Here at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), what we do matters.
 We manage the NHS Pension scheme, process prescription payments and much more. Our services are used by NHS organisations, contractors and the public: we take pride in being part of something so meaningful, that touches millions of lives.
 Just as we design our services around the needs of our customers, we place our people at the heart of our organisation. That’s why when you join us, you’ll be empowered and given the right support to help your career grow.
 As one of the UK’s Best Big Companies to work for, we’re all connected to our values: Collaborative, Adventurous, Reliable and Energetic. We care about our people, our purpose, and your progress.
We strive to offer a fantastic colleague experience, where every voice is heard, and every colleague is supported and respected. Wellbeing, diversity and inclusion is at the centre of this, so when you join us, you can connect with our Lived Experience Networks who help us to bring our authentic selves to work.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and circumstances. We are committed and proud to be a flexible employer and will endeavour to offer a working pattern that suits you wherever possible, whether that be hybrid working, flexible hours, job sharing and more.
 Ready to join us on our journey to be a catalyst for better health? Apply today and see where the NHSBSA can take you.
We are people connected to care.

Contribute to the development of statistical, mathematical and predictive modelling to build the algorithms necessary to ask the right questions and find the right answers. Inquisitively explores data looking from many angles to determine what the data means and recommend ways to apply to data to resolve pressing business and financial problems. Working in collaboration with subject matter experts, statisticians, User Researchers, developers and other staff.
Undertakes exploratory data analysis to inform the selection of appropriate machine learning algorithms for given problems. Contributes towards identifying and applying the appropriate data mining, data manipulation and data processing techniques, in order to prepare data and generate features to be utilized by machine learning algorithms. Contributes towards tuning and iterating a model to improve performance and explain the results and impact of a model to both technical and non-technical audiences across NHSBSA services and the wider NHS.
Liaise with internal and external customers/clients on requirements, working in an interactive fashion. Contribute to the development of data products in accordance with these requirements. Work with internal and external NHS stakeholders to develop new metrics and reports to assist with measuring performance, quality, monitoring financial and access issues.
Produce and present reports (that may be highly complex and/or contentious) and undertake relevant correspondence both within the organisation and to external customers/clients. This will include providing written advice and supporting information to effectively inform NHSBSA Leaders and wider NHS organisations decision making.
Communicate highly complex findings effectively both orally and visually to drive the right actions and outcomes from the analytics insight. Tell compelling, clear and actionable stories relevant for business goals using the most appropriate medium to visualise data.
Analyse, interpret and resolve highly complex statistical or information problems where there is no precedent and where other leading opinions may conflict.
Actively participates in projects to deliver development of new/revised products and processes, enabling organisational improvements and associated efficiencies. This includes ensuring data is used appropriately to inform effective decision making and robust and reliable outcomes will be delivered.
Contribute to implementing frameworks and techniques for the delivery of risk management information to NHS organisations, taking into account the NHS environment, to develop appropriate statistical indicators for a risk-based assessment to be undertaken.
Provide professional specialist advice, guidance, training and use of best practice.
Be aware of, and respond to, developments affecting the NHS; especially those that influence information and risk management services. Build Data Science networks and develop specialist knowledge relating to the availability and use of information throughout the NHS and wider Data Science community.
Plan, schedule, coordinate and monitor work activities and priorities to meet agreed objectives and deadlines.
Ensure that the data products meet quality standards; and recognises the importance of high-quality data and information to drive decision making in the NHS.
Represent the NHSBSA at external meetings as necessary, within area(s) of responsibility.
Take responsibility for own professional development and engage in the organisation appraisal system positively to identify personal training and development opportunities.
Ensure the safe, appropriate and ethical use of data and adhere to Caldicott principles.
In addition to the above accountabilities, as post holder you are expected to:
Undertake additional duties and responsibilities in line with the overall purpose of your role and as agreed by your line manager.
Demonstrate NHSBSA values and core capabilities in all aspects of your work.
Foster an environment where your own and colleagues’ safety and well-being is promoted.
Contribute to a culture which values diversity and inclusion.
Comply with NHSBSA policies, procedures and protocols as they apply to your role.
Working relationships
Responsible to: Head of Data Science and Advanced Analytics
Key relationships and connections : NHSBSA colleagues, primary care organisations, national bodies, Department of Health and Social Care, NHSE/I and researchers