NHS EDUCATION FOR SCOTLAND

NHS EDUCATION FOR SCOTLAND JOB DESCRIPTION - AGENDA FOR CHANGE 1. JOB DETAILS JOB REFERENCE JOB TITLE DEPARTMENT AND LOCATION Senior Information Analyst NHS Education for Scotland (located within Information Services Division (ISD) of National Services Scotland, Gyle Square, Edinburgh) IMMEDIATE MANAGER S TITLE Principal Information Analyst/Statistician 2. JOB PURPOSE To play a key role in exploiting data collected by ISD and to enhance the data analysis, interpretation and presentation skills in the Division, supporting and influencing the development of relevant datasets to appropriately reflect the information needs of current NHS Scotland initiatives. Effective management of the staff involved in producing this range of services. To provide advice and guidance on data and analytical matters to both internal and external customers and to carry out innovative analyses of data as necessary. 3. DIMENSIONS The post-holder will be a member of a team of typically 4 to 8 staff who: Produce a variety of regular reports monthly, quarterly and annually, mainly in web, and occasionally paper, formats for use by a wide range of customers. Use best practice to enhance existing datasets and develop new data collections to support the changing information needs of customers, reporting as required. Handle approximately 200 requests for information per year (including Parliamentary Questions). Customers include the Scottish Government (SG), NHS Boards (and other NHS Organisations), other partner organisation, the media, the public, commercial organisations and research bodies. At entry level the post-holder will be required to line manage up to 2 members of the team. More experienced postholders will typically be expected to line manage 4-6 members of staff. The postholder has no financial responsibilities The post-holder will deputise for the Principal information analyst/statistician. JD Psychology Snr Senior Analyst (ISD) Band 6 October 2012 1

4. ORGANISATION CHART Principal Information Analysts/Statistician Senior Information Analyst/Statistician Senior Information Analysts/Statisticians Information Analysts/Statisticians Information Analysts/Statistician Information Anaysts/Statistician 5. Role of Department NHS Education for Scotland NHS Education for Scotland: Established as a Special Health Board in 2002 NHS Education for Scotland is responsible for the management of education and training for the NHS in Scotland. Its stated aim is to contribute to the highest quality of healthcare in NHS Scotland by promoting best practice in the education and lifelong learning of its entire staff. NES addresses this aim by generating educational solutions for workforce development by designing, commissioning, quality assuring and delivering education for the NHS workforce. Scottish Government requirements for the modernisation of NHS professional groups are resulting in an expanded role for NES. Management of this new business requires the planning, development and implementation of major educational interventions and projects. Within NHS Education for Scotland, the Psychology Directorate is responsible for the strategic direction and commissioning of pre-registration postgraduate training in Clinical and Applied Psychology(Healthcare) to meet the needs of NHS Scotland; the facilitation of the continuing professional development of psychologists working in NHS Scotland and the contribution of psychology to the cross-cutting work of the NHS JD Psychology Snr Senior Analyst (ISD) Band 6 October 2012 2

5. (continued) ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT - ISD Information Services Division: The Information Services Division (ISD) is a division of National Services Scotland, part of NHS Scotland. ISD provides health information, health intelligence, statistical services and advice that support the NHS in progressing quality improvement in health and care and facilitates robust planning and decision making. ISD works in partnership with a wide range of organisations NHSScotland, NHS Boards, hospitals, general practitioners, Community Health Partnerships, local authorities, voluntary organisations, and many other care and service providers to build the national database, using national datasets to support the collection and management of information. Our Vision: To be a valued partner in improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland by providing a high quality intelligence service. Our Purpose: ISD's purpose is to deliver effective national and specialist intelligence services to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland. There are five main services within ISD have been set up to meet these challenges. Senior Information Analysts/Statisticians will work largely within Strategy & Business Development and National information Delivery but will work closely with staff within Data Management, Business Support and Clinical Advisory Service. Responsibilities of Services and Teams: Strategy & Business Development Strategic planning for the National Information Strategy requirements of ISD and for Business Development opportunities for new bespoke specialist services. Oversight, development and ongoing delivery of work that generates additional revenue through the provision of bespoke specialist services and Provision of management resource and support for product development and oversight of additional revenue generating work delivered by the National Information or Data Management Teams. National Information Delivery Delivery of National Information Strategy requirements of ISD. Delivery of additional Scottish Government sponsored project work and topic specific additional revenue generating work. Delivery of routine information services, including PQs, Information Requests, publications. Delivery of professional statistical standards and support to ISD and NSS Data Management Delivery of Data Management Services across ISD and provision of support to NHS Scotland for submission of national data. Delivering modernisation of the national data in line with the National Information Strategy. Business Support IT Support & Maintenance of ISD IT products & Development of new products Finance & Performance Management Administrative service Media and Publications Learning and Development Clinical Advisory Service Medical Clinical Governance Pharmaceutical Clinical Governance Research Governance Information Governance Medical, Pharmaceutical & AHP advisory services 6. KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: KEY RESULT AREAS / MAIN TASKS JD Psychology Snr Senior Analyst (ISD) Band 6 October 2012 3

1. Analyse a variety of datasets, ensuring the results are accurate, fit-for-purpose and presented to a high standard, including the interpretation of results. Take responsibility for specifying requirements with the customer, providing advice and guidance on data and analytical matters; exploring alternative solutions and more innovative complex analyses; provide information which is relevant to clinicians, NHS organisations, the public and policy-makers. The post-holder will provide professional statistical advice, within their area of expertise, ensuring that complex statistics are explained to non-statistical professionals in an understandable way to allow informed decision making. 2. Work within a team to support the information needs of NHSScotland, undertaking line management as required (including the supervision of student placements) and deputising for senior staff where appropriate. Post-holders will be expected to lead and manage a team of staff ensuing that all staff have the skills and competencies required to deliver high quality information services. 3. Contribute to the dissemination of results and promotion of ISD Scotland and the work of the Division through participation in meetings, e.g. User Groups. The post-holder participates in the development of, and supports the preparation of, a range of statistical publications and web pages. 4. Contribute to Divisional management (including development of associated Business Plans), via team management meetings, to monitor and prioritise current work and reassess where applicable to manage customer expectations and conflicting priorities; negotiate with senior colleagues, both within the Service Area and within the Division. The post-holder will be expected to contribute to Service and Divisional working groups, including those advising on best practice (e.g. procedures for handling information requests) and staff development. 5. Work with clinicians, other NHS health professionals, other partner organisations, research bodies and universities to design, scope, analyse and interpret information for specific research projects and audits. 6. Contribute to, influence and review the development of datasets and information systems, including communication with appropriate stakeholders to ensure data collected reflect the information needs of customers and current NHSScotland initiatives (e.g. through the National Information and Intelligence Strategy). 7. The post-holder is required to work flexibly and it is expected that the post-holder will work in short life teams, leading, as necessary, the management and delivery of projects led by the Strategy & Business Development area. 8. Keep abreast of related national information developments within NHSScotland and the National Information and Intelligence Strategy. 7. USE OF PHYSICAL RESOURCES Equipment and Machinery PC for drafting reports and correspondence, communications by e-mail and internet for research purposes. Printers, photocopiers, fax machine and other equipment as required Systems Play a key role in the development of new databases and, where appropriate, initiate specific projects involving data development, liaising with senior colleagues as required. Post-holder may be required to create ad-hoc collection systems to facilitate data analysis and reporting, e.g. data collected during pilot exercises where future feasibility needs to be assessed. Work with the data providers to ensure data collection for national databases, maintained and analysed within own specialist area(s), fits in with their working practices Work with users of the data to ensure the information collected will meet their needs. Identify ways to improve existing systems in terms of quality, timeliness and reliability of data. Investigate data collection problems and take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of information processing is maintained. JD Psychology Snr Senior Analyst (ISD) Band 6 October 2012 4

Work, store and transmit data in accordance with data protection, freedom of information and confidentiality principles, ensuring that any staff meet these requirements. 8. ASSIGNMENT, GENERATION AND REVIEW OF WORK The post-holder will manage his/her own detailed priorities in consultation with the Principal Information Analyst/Statistician, although the Service Manager may assign particular projects on occasion. The post-holder will adjust priorities to meet frequently changing customer demands and will review these, self managing any conflicting demands, referring to the Principal Information Analyst/Statistician only when necessary. Formal line management reporting for the post-holder will be to the Principal Information Analyst/ Statistician. If working outwith ISD, supervision may be assigned to the project sponsor. The post-holder, or staff in the postholder s team, may be required to work flexibly in short term project teams outwith their usual service area, working with staff from other areas of ISD to take forward short-life development projects or bespoke specialist analyses. The post-holder is expected to keep abreast of the range of work undertaken by their staff, ensuring that they are appropriately trained to effectively deal with the work demands expected of them and deal with any different priorities this may bring. Resourcing issues will usually be raised with the Principal Information Analyst/Statistician. Participates in the formal objectives setting and performance appraisal process within ISD. Takes a pro-active approach in the formulation of a personal development plan. The Principal Information Analyst/Statistician in collaboration with the appropriate User Group(s) and Project Board (s) will undertake evaluation of results/objectives. 9. COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The postholder is required to deploy excellent communications skills when dealing with a range of internal and external stakeholders, for example: Internal Frequent contact with project sponsors to ensure appropriate user input and report progress. Regular meetings with line manager to report on progress and discuss personal development. Regular meetings with team members. Meetings with user group(s) as appropriate. Coaching and skills transfer with analytical staff. Frequent contact with senior staff within ISD Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland. External Customers in other NSS Divisions, other NHS organisations, other partner organisations, the media and JD Psychology Snr Senior Analyst (ISD) Band 6 October 2012 5

professional bodies as necessary. Contact on a daily/weekly basis as required for project deliverables, and communications involve outlining data/project summaries/planning. Negotiation and influencing skills required. Direct liaison with data providers regarding queries resulting from analysis. Face to face, telephone and written communication with staff, managers and professional advisors in the Scottish Government. Contact on a weekly basis as required for project deliverables, and communications involve outlining data/project summaries/publication of National Statistics. Negotiation and influencing skills required. 10. MOST CHALLENGING PARTS OF THE JOB Taking a pro-active role in exploring and meeting customer requirements through the effective use of the most appropriate information available with a view to developing information services and products to support the evolving needs of the health service and other partner organisations. Managing the often conflicting demands and deadlines of multiple projects either as an individual or as the manager of the responsible team. 11. EFFORT REQUIRED TO DELIVER THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE POST Physical skills Standard office conditions and equipment. Advanced keyboard skills Physical effort Daily requirement for sitting/inputting at keyboard for a significant part of the working day, with appropriate breaks from VDU when required. Mental effort Daily requirement to concentrate for up to 2 hours at a time; carrying out calculations or analysing of complex data sets, writing reports/letters. Often required to respond to specific urgent requests, this will usually require change from one activity to another on request. Has to be able to make sound judgements, deal with unpredictable interruptions and meet deadlines. Develop, deliver and debate presentations on an occasional basis with senior health professionals. Emotional effort Occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances in relation to discipline and grievance matters May deal with data of a distressing nature on occasions for example mental health statistics such as suicide rates. Working Conditions Long periods of VDU use JD Psychology Snr Senior Analyst (ISD) Band 6 October 2012 6

12. QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR EXPERIENCE SPECIFIED FOR THE POST Include only those qualifications and experience specifically required for the post. It is recognised that individual post holders may have additional qualifications and experience. Numerate Graduate (or equivalent) with additional relevant experience in health related research or information work, preferably in the specialist field of medical/health statistics. Proven analysis and presentation skills, including expert knowledge of software packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Proven IT skills in an analytical capacity, i.e. a good working knowledge of advanced statistical software packages, e.g. SPSS. Structured programming skills are essential. Demonstrate an understanding of project management. Demonstrate an understanding of the information needs of the Health Service and partner organisations and how to produce suitable information to meet these requirements. Demonstrate the ability to coach and develop staff. Demonstrate a commitment to personal development. Good organisational, listening and communication skills are essential. In order to reach the appropriate level of skills and knowledge necessary to perform the full duties of the job, the post-holder will be required to make the best use of opportunities to train and develop in post to: Acquire expert knowledge of analytical and statistical techniques and analysis tools within specialist area(s), identifying the wider implications of analysis provided. Establish a high level of expertise and knowledge within own specialist area(s) and an awareness of how they relate to the wider NHS. Expand project management skills and the ability to take a lead role in project management. Develop in a line management role, e.g. keeping abreast of relevant policy and guideline changes which impact on their staff. To broaden skills, knowledge and experience, the post-holder will be given the chance to work in other NHS areas as opportunities arise, e.g. through ISD s bespoke projects in ISD or by undertaking secondments to other business areas or organisations. JD Psychology Snr Senior Analyst (ISD) Band 6 October 2012 7

Person Specification Senior Information Analyst Essential Criteria these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be eliminated at the short listing stage. Desirable Criteria these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold. When short listing, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria. Means of Assessment please note that candidates invited for interview will be notified if there will be a requirement to undertake a test or presentation. These additional assessments may be used to judge one or more criteria within the factor. Factors Essential Desirable Means of Assessment Numerate Graduate or have equivalent experience. Education and Professional Qualifications Experience/ Training (including research if appropriate) Specific Skills and Knowledge Experience of data analysis with proven IT skills i.e. a good working knowledge of advanced statistical software packages, e.g. SPSS, Business Objects. Experience of structured programming. Significant relevant experience in health related research or information work, preferably in the specialist field of medical/health statistics. Proven analysis and presentation skills, including expert knowledge of software packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Understanding of project management requirements. Project Management Skills. NHS and/or customer focussed environment. Knowledge of how information can support the management and improvement of the NHS and partner organisations. Application & Pre Employment checks Application & Interview Application, Interview & Test

Personal Attributes Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) using a variety of approaches to convey key message and influence decision making. Ability to competently present and interpret information to peers and/or customers. Well developed organisational and time management skills. Demonstrate good accuracy and attention to detail skills. Good problem solving skills and critical thinking skills. Team player with the ability to work independently and use initiative. Demonstrate the ability to prioritise own workload. Demonstrate a commitment to personal development. Ability to identify the wider implications of analysis and information. Ability to coach, develop and line manage staff. Application, Interview

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TITLE: Senior Information Analyst LOCATION: NSS, Gyle Square, Edinburgh REPORTING TO: Director of Training for Psychology Services GRADE: A4C Band 6 SALARY SCALE: 25,528 34,189 HOURS AND DAYS OF WORK: Based on a normal working week of 37.5 hours, office opening hours are 0700 to 1900. Flexitime arrangements may be available JOB STATUS: Fixed term/secondment opportunity until 31 March 2015 NOTICE PERIOD: 1 month ANNUAL HOLIDAYS: 27 days rising to 29 days after 5 years service, rising to 33 days after 10 years service. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 8 local/ Public Holidays per annum REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS CLASSIFICATION: SMOKING POLICY: The exemption status of posts within NES may change in the future and all successful candidates should be aware that they may be asked to obtain a further Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau at a later date, should a post s status change, or if they are transferred or promoted into a post that is exempt. There is a ban on smoking at the workplace. SUPERANNUATION: All employees are entitled to become members of the NHS Pension scheme. You are automatically entered into the scheme on your first day of service unless you indicate otherwise. Contributions are based on whole time pensionable earnings as set out in the table below: Employee contribution rates in 2012/2013. Tier Annual Pensionable Pay (Full Time Equivalent) Contribution 1 Up to 15,000 5% 2 15,001 to 21,175 5% 3 21,176 to 26,557 6.5% 4 26,558 to 48,982 8% 5 48,983 to 69,931 8.9% 6 69,932 to 110,273 9.9% 7 110,274 to any higher amount 10.9% Sessional workers who work more than 10 sessions per week under NHS conditions may be unable to contribute further to the superannuation scheme The conditions above are for information purposes only and may be subject to variation. They do not form the basis of a legal contract.