Welcome

The Government Operational Research Service (GORS) supports and champions Operational Research (OR) across government. GORS currently supports policy-making, strategy and operations in many different departments and agencies across England and employs around 400 analysts, ranging from sandwich students to members of the Senior Civil Service.

Operational Research in Government

Central government is the biggest business in Britain.  Operational research (OR) specialists advise government on how to make the best possible use of public money.  With their skills in modelling and analysis, they help formulate government policy and find effective ways of putting it into practice.

Operational research is about working with policy makers and managers to solve tomorrow's problems today.  It calls for scientific methods of analysis and a systematic exploration of the quantifiable aspects of key problems.  OR analysts are there to give managers objective advice on the most appropriate options for future action.

OR analysts carry out the analysis that can help answer vital questions such as:

• How can we measure and improve the quality of service in education, health, social security and other public offices?
• How much grant will be required next year to create new jobs in industry?
• How can we compare the relative value of government expenditure on roads, health and education?

Explore the site

Please use the options above and below to explore the site:

• Read more about operational research in government
• Read more about the departments where OR analysts work
• Read profiles of OR analysts
• Find out about the benefits of joining GORS
• Find out how to apply

If you have any further questions or comments on the website, please contact us.