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Analytical Exchange programme – Now open for bids
January 24, 2019 by Stewart Hamilton 2 Comments | Category Data
A blog by Roger Halliday, Chief Statistician and Head of Performance, Scottish Government. 
The Analytical Exchange programme aims to offer free support to 3rd sector organisations in Scotland around data, analysis, statistics and research. It does this by matching analysts working the Scottish public sector with 3rd sector organisations needing help on very short sharp projects (up to 10 person days) where statistical or analytical skills could make a difference to their organisation. Individuals or small groups of public sector statisticians, economists or researchers then act as an analytical consultancy to solve problems in 3rd sector organisations and would be delivered for free.
This scheme has run since 2012. In total public sector analysts have supported over 175 projects providing a total of around 600 days of support to 3rd sector organisations. Most placements were about how you:
• measure, monitor and evaluate success
• bring together evidence around a subject, or
• manage and make sense of data you collect.
• visualise your data to communicate messages clearly
• structure a significant problem.
I’m now launching the 2019 programme. If this is something that you think your organisation could benefit from, I’d love to hear from you. However, to ensure we get the best fit between your needs and the skills of the analysts in the scheme, to be considered you need to compete the short attached application. Can you send this to me by e-mail: chiefstatistician@gov.scot by Friday 1st March. Matching analysts to organisations will happen soon after and then it will be up to matched analysts and organisations to arrange a mutually beneficial time to do the work.
An application form for individual analysts can be accessed here:
2019 – Analytical Exchange – Analyst Application Form
A slight note of caution is that, based upon the level of interest last year, there may well need to be some prioritisation. Shorter pieces of work may be favoured to maximise the spread of this scheme. I look forward to reading your bids and if you have any questions beforehand, also drop me a note on the e-mail address above.
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For non-government public sector employees with quantitative research skills it would be useful to have further details on how to become involved in this scheme as an analyst (rather than third sector client), if the scheme is open to “public sector statisticians, economists or researchers” working outwith government too.
Hi Jenni, thanks for your interest in this programme. While I’m advertising this through analytical contacts I have in various public bodies in Scotland, I’d welcome applications from any public sector analyst. Attached is an application form for public sector analysts.
I’d stress that this would take time as part of an individual’s CPD programme. What is important is that you and your manager have discussed this and that it should be identified in a Personal Learning Plan or equivalent. It is important to consider how much time you’d want to dedicate to this (up to 4 days) and when in the year is best for you – letting us know this should help match with the expectations of the 3rd sector organisation you’d be paired with. I will match analysts and organisations before the end of March. It would be then up to you to arrange the exact timing based upon work pressures. I look forward to seeing your application. Roger