What are the benefits of working in GORS?
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Exciting work with meaningful social impact:
Our work is vital in government decision-making and influencing policies that
have a real and meaningful impact nationwide. Roles are incredibly varied and a
typical day for an OR may include collaborating with policy-makers to structure
analytical problems, facilitating workshops, conducting rigorous analysis and
communicating findings to senior colleagues.
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Work-life balance:
A typical full-time role will be 5-day weeks of 37 hours (excluding lunch breaks). Part-time vacancies may be available (with the salary pro-rated to the hours worked). Most appointments are permanent, although some are offered on a fixed term basis with the possibility of extension or conversion to permanency.
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Flexible working:
Many departments operate flexi-time, giving flexibility to staff start and finish times, and allowing employees compensation later for additional hours worked during busy periods. Many departments also offer the option to work from home on a regular basis.
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Training:
All departments offer a variety of training opportunities. As a new recruit, you will be able to shape your own individually tailored training plan. This may include an induction course, training in the department's computer systems, on-the-job training, technical courses in the skills needed for specific projects, and courses designed to foster management and personal skills.
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You will be encouraged to develop your professional expertise by giving talks at conferences and preparing papers for publication. GORS also offers a sponsorship programme for employees to take a part-time MSc in Operational Research.
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Public holidays and privilege days:
In addition to annual leave, all staff receive 8 days of public holidays a year. All Civil Servants are entitled to one additional privilege day each year.
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Annual leave:
The annual leave allowance for new entrants is between 22 and 30 days per year, depending on department. For those starting with less than 30 days, the entitlement rises over time to 30 days per year depending on promotion and years of experience.
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Pension schemes:
A choice of 2 pension schemes are provided:
- Alpha Pension Scheme: Alpha is a defined benefit
scheme, worked out on a Career Average basis. A member typically contributes
around 5%, dependent upon salary (this increases for salaries above £55,000).
Employer contributions are around 26-30% depending on salary, a significant
increase compared with average contributions in the private sector, of around
7-14%.
- CSP Partnership Pension Account: CSP Partnership is a
personal pension, with an employer contribution based on a member's age. You do
not have to make any contributions to receive this, however if you do
contribute, your employer will pay an additional amount to match member
contributions pound for pound, up to an extra 3% of pay.
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Salaries:
Salaries for posts vary by department, qualifications, relevant experience and location. Starting salaries are in the following ranges:
- Fast stream: £27,000-£43,000 (UK-wide)
- Mainstream: £26,000 - £50,500 (London), £21,500-£46,000 (National)
Most undergraduates or postgraduates start between £25,000 and £29,000.
Some departments operate a flexible starting pay policy which may be available to successful applicants depending on relevant qualifications and previous experience.
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Other benefits may be offered depending on departments.
