Principal Statistician (3-Month Contract)

About the role

We are seeking a Principal Statistician on a 3‑month contract (with possible extension) to help a national regulatory body develop an evidence‑led approach to decision making. The role will focus on designing robust statistical methodologies rather than building machine‑learning models.

Key responsibilities

• Design statistical methodologies to support evidence‑based regulatory decisions.
• Develop frameworks for gathering, analysing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data.
• Lead a key strategic deliverable within the programme.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define research questions and select appropriate statistical approaches.
• Create processes for identifying trends, risks and behavioural patterns across regulated sectors.
• Establish statistical standards, governance and best practice across the organisation.
• Work alongside economists, insight specialists and policy teams to solve complex regulatory challenges.
• Produce clear recommendations backed by robust statistical evidence and communicate findings to senior stakeholders.

Required profile

• Strong background in statistics with experience solving complex real‑world problems.
• Experience designing statistical methodologies rather than only analysing data.
• Familiarity with applying statistical techniques to support policy, regulation or public‑sector decision making.

Required skills