Department for International Trade joins in for Analysis in Government Month

Analysis in Government month is fast approaching. This article explores how the Department for International Trade (DIT) are planning to mark the month within their department. Please think about what you could do within your department to celebrate Analysis in Government Month.

The Best Practice and Impact Team (BPI) at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are coordinating events across the Government Analysis Function in May to raise awareness of the function, promoting the work that we do and bringing people together across the community.

DIT has sprung at this opportunity to showcase the vital work we do, looking to both publicise and contribute to centrally coordinated events. A working group with representatives from the four analytical professions in DIT; Government Economic Service, Government Operational Research Service, Government Statistician Group and Government Social Research, has also organised a series of local events to highlight the work of analysis throughout the department and ensure a better understanding of the different professions.

Below are some of the questions that will be answered over the coming month.

What do non-analysts think analysts do?

In a panel session chaired by DIT's Chief Analyst, expect some deep and probing questions about the value of analysis in non-analytical teams. Colleagues from policy, communications, the overseas network and more will not only wax lyrical about the multitude of ways that analysts have improved their lives, but also give feedback on how analysts can work more effectively with stakeholders.

What do analysts think analysts do?

To open Analysis in Government Month, the DIT All Analysts meeting at the beginning of May has been commandeered to demonstrate the range of work done across the Analysis Function. A BPI representative will give an overview of the function across government, while DIT's Chief Scientific Advisor will talk in more detail about his role and the work he does with analysts. A panel of senior analysts will also discuss their varied paths to the summits of their respective professions.

Each week throughout the month, a different team will present a webinar on a project that exemplifies how analysis supports all of DIT's objectives. These talks will demonstrate the diversity of analysis in DIT, covering a range of topics including:

• the modelling of the Japan Free Trade Agreement
• market access research in Kenya and Ethiopia
• the National Survey of Registered Businesses
• pioneering internal data science

What do analysts actually do?

Being an analyst in DIT is about a lot more than the extraordinary wizardry produced on a daily basis to ensure the smooth running of government. In a series of videos, representatives from each profession at a variety of grades take you through a day in the life of an analyst. This focuses not only on the work they do, but also on how they look after their physical and mental health during the pandemic.

If you work in DIT then you can get involved by contacting your Deputy Director of Analysis or statistics Head of Profession.