Data Analyst

Advert for Data Analyst:

Job description

Are you confident working with complex data and turning it into clear, practical insight? Can you identify patterns, improve data quality and present information in a way that supports better decisions?

The demand for homelessness services is increasing, and Plymouth City Council is developing its approach to homelessness prevention, rough sleeping and Temporary Accommodation. Better data and analysis will be essential to understanding demand, identifying emerging pressures and assessing which interventions are achieving positive outcomes.

We have an exciting opportunity to join Housing Solutions as a Data Analyst.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position until 31 March 2029.

Working closely with the Performance Advisor, operational teams, the Plymouth Alliance and other partners, you will help improve how homelessness information is collected, checked, analysed and presented.

The role will include:

• bringing together and analysing data from different systems and sources;
• improving data quality, consistency and accuracy;
• developing dashboards and visual reports using Power BI;
• analysing homelessness demand, prevention activity, rough sleeping, Temporary Accommodation, pathways and outcomes;
• supporting statutory and programme reporting;
• identifying trends, gaps, discrepancies and emerging risks;
• presenting findings clearly to managers, colleagues and partners;
• helping teams use evidence to support service improvement and earlier intervention.

What we are looking for

• People with practical experience of analysing and interpreting data.
• Confident users of Microsoft Excel and data-visualisation tools.
• Strong problem-solvers who can investigate discrepancies and identify workable solutions.
• People who can create clear dashboards, reports and visual presentations.
• Excellent communicators who can explain technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Organised individuals who can manage competing priorities and produce accurate work to deadlines.
• Collaborative team players who can work effectively with managers, operational teams and partner organisations.
• People with professional curiosity who are prepared to question unusual or conflicting information.

Experience of Power BI, local government, statutory reporting, housing or homelessness data would be helpful but is not essential.

In your application, you must refer to the person specification and provide examples of how you meet the essential criteria. Shortlisting will be based on the evidence provided against these criteria.

We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

As part of our commitment to promoting equality, we offer guaranteed interviews to applicants who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. We can only consider applicants who already have the right to work in the UK.

"Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK."

"Plymouth City Council is proud to be an Age Friendly Employer. We encourage applications from talented people at every stage of their career."

Where a high number of eligible applicants meet the essential criteria, we may undertake a further shortlisting exercise to identify those who best demonstrate the essential criteria for the role.

For further information or an informal discussion about the role, please contact Fabiano Saraceno, Performance Advisor, at Fabiano.Saraceno@plymouth.gov.uk.

Closing date: Sunday 8th November 2026