People Data Specialist

Details Reference number 430480 Salary £46,689 A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP Job grade Senior Executive Officer Contract type Fixed term Length of employment 12 - 15 Months maternity cover Business area PINS - Corporate Services - People Unit Type of role Analytical Human Resources Working pattern Flexible working, Full-time, Part-time, Compressed hours Number of jobs available 1 Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location Bristol, South West England, BS1 6PN About the job Job summary We’re looking for a skilled and proactive People Data Specialist to join our team on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. This is a key role within the People Unit, ensuring that people data is accessible, accurate, and used effectively to support strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement. The People Unit recently transformed the way we work—modernising our approach to deliver business critical services and support the Government’s ambitious housing policy. Job description As the People Data Specialist, you’ll play a central role in this exciting evolution by shaping and influencing the quality of our data and how it’s used to drive performance, inform decisions, and support strategic goals. You’ll be the organisation’s central point of expertise for people data—leading the development of key performance indicators, empowering colleagues to use data effectively, and ensuring our data governance and reporting practices are best-in-class. This is a fantastic opportunity to drive continuous improvement and make a meaningful impact in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Salary New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. Internal rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. Working hours: Standard working week is 37 hours, flexible working hours policy available Part time at 30 hours or above, flexible working hours policy available The Planning Inspectorate has a long and proud history in ensuring a fair planning system for England. The work we do has a significant impact on people’s lives, the communities where they live and the economy. We want our colleagues to be able to work more flexibly and more collaboratively, exploring new and innovative ways to improve the way we provide services. For further information on the Planning Inspectorate, please visit our careers page at Civil Service Careers Office Attendance This role is contractually based at Temple Quay House, Bristol which is currently out of use due to undergoing refurbishment work. In the interim, we have the use of alternative office space in very close proximity to Bristol Temple Meads railway station. We recognise and value the mutual benefits of hybrid working and have a flexible approach to in person attendance, which can vary dependent on the requirements of individual business units - the details of which can be discussed with candidates if invited to attend an interview. Person specification Essential Criteria CIPD qualified to level 5, or equivalent experience with a commitment to achieve the qualification within 3 years. Considerable experience of working with people data, extracting and analysing the data. Demonstrable ability to analyse and effectively present data using Microsoft Excel (Intermediate to Expert Level), and other reporting tools. Experience of setting up and running reports from HR Systems and other database software. A practical problem-solving approach to all issues with a continuous improvement mind set. Demonstrates delivery focus with the ability to judge priorities and work on multiple projects based on strategic and operational priorities. Strong knowledge of GDPR, specifically in relation to people data. Strong knowledge of HR policies and practices. Good relationship management and focus on delivering customer service. Desirable Criteria Experience working across the breadth of HR activities. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace Making Effective Decisions Changing and Improving Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and other reporting tools Experience generating reports from HR systems and databases Benefits Alongside your salary of £46,689, Planning Inspectorate contributes £13,525 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Flexible working options, including flexi-time, part-time, compressed hours and home working if suitable for the role. A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity. 25 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days after 5 years, plus 1 privilege day to mark the King’s birthday. In addition to the normal bank holidays. Generous family friendly policies. Fast and modern IT kit which utilises Windows 11 and Microsoft 365, enabling seamless working from home and collaboration across teams. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills. Application Complete the online application form on Civil Service Jobs which requires the following information: A CV: The CV section lets you share your job history. List your jobs, how long you worked at each, and briefly describe your roles and duties. Make sure to show how your experience matches the essential criteria of the job you're applying for. Type or paste this information into the 'Employment History' box in the online application. You can't attach your CV. A Personal Statement (1000 words max): The personal statement lets you explain why you're a good fit for the job in more detail. Use it to show how you meet the essential criteria listed in our advert. All shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome shortly afterwards. Interview If you are shortlisted, you will: Be asked to attend an interview to have a more in-depth discussion about your experience and suitability for the role Interviews will be a blend of behaviour, strength, experience and technical questions Need to prepare and deliver a presentation Candidates who pass the shortlist stage will receive full assessment details with their interview invitations. Other Information Shortlist Date: w/c 13 October 2025 Interview Date: w/c 20 October 2025 Interviews will be held at The Planning Inspectorate, Runway East, 101 Victoria Street, Bristol The Planning Inspectorate does not fund travel and subsistence for candidates to attend interviews. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Recruitment The Civil Service Careers site has published a new page for candidates, covering what they should consider before using AI in their applications or interviews. Please click on the link below: Artificial intelligence and recruitment Reserve list A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made. Future Matches Candidates who demonstrate strong potential and future readiness but score just below the required level at interview may be considered for alternative positions. These roles may be at a lower grade but align with their skills and offer opportunities for growth. We encourage all candidates to make themselves familiar with the role and what we will be assessing you against which is detailed in the Person Specification. ID and Documents If the job needs specific qualifications or memberships and you get the job, you'll need to send scanned or photographed images of them before you start. We must check that any successful candidates are allowed to work for the Civil Service before we employ them. If successful, you will be asked to do a right to work check using identity document validation technology (IDVT) through the services of an Identity Service Provider (IDSP), Civil Service Jobs. If we are unable to confirm your right to work and through the IDVT we will need to do a manual right to work check using original documents with you in person. Visa Sponsorship The Planning Inspectorate cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates; we do not hold a Visa sponsorship licence. Disability Confident Interview scheme/Reasonable Adjustments The Civil Service values diversity and offers equal opportunities. We have a Disability Confident Interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the job's minimum criteria. We will also provide reasonable adjustments to all where possible. For more information please see Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles . The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy . Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Sarah Merewood Email : PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact in the first instance: The Vacancy Manager via the Recruitment Team (PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk). If you are not satisfied with the response, you receive you should then contact, Chief People Officer, via the Recruitment Team (PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk). If you are still not satisfied with the response you receive from the Planning Inspectorate, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commission. https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/