Data ethicist

You can draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information. You can quickly read and interpret complex documents from a range of sources and distil to what is relevant. You can turn research data into clear findings that inform decisions. You can effectively involve colleagues in analysis and synthesis to increase consensus and challenge assumptions. You can analyse project information and data to exercise sound judgement of ethical risk and provide recommendations for risk prevention. You can actively follow the latest research and academic developments in data ethics and draw from them in your work. You can help teams define the outcomes and ethical considerations of their projects, and integrate ethical diagnostics and assessment in their work.

You can demonstrate a knowledge of or background in social sciences (such as anthropology, economics, sociology, philosophy, psychology or race theory). You can use this knowledge to inform data projects, products and policies, and to evaluate and challenge assumptions made in data science projects. You can demonstrate critical thinking skills. You can show familiarity with existing schools of thought and best practice in data ethics.

You can communicate effectively across organisational, technical and political boundaries, understanding the context. You can make complex and technical information and language simple and accessible for non-technical audiences. You can advocate on behalf of a team and communicate what it does, to create trust and authenticity. You can successfully respond to challenges.

You can translate technical concepts relating to software engineering, delivery management and service management so they are understood by all. You can mediate between people and mend relationships, communicating with stakeholders at all levels. You can demonstrate an understanding of how technology and data products and services are built. You can demonstrate familiarity with technical jargon and have sufficient knowledge to hold meaningful conversations with data science experts on issues such as minimising bias in data or gathering, collecting, cleansing, triangulating and reusing data. You can effectively support data scientists and engineers in implementing data ethics.

You can demonstrate an inclusive approach to building consensus. You can incorporate disparate views of underrepresented groups in evolving products and policy work. You can be involved in the wider organisational diversity and inclusion plan. You can draw on your multidisciplinary background and personal experience to understand the consequences of data systems on a diverse range of stakeholders. You can show a thorough understanding of social issues, types of bias and discrimination different groups can face, and you can use this knowledge to inform your data ethics work.

You can understand the ethical considerations of potential data science approaches and the legislation that applies, such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (DPA). You can show an awareness of existing data and AI ethics frameworks in and outside government.

You can make and guide effective decisions, explaining clearly how the decision has been reached. You can understand technical complexity and risks, run group design activities, influence others and build consensus.

You can understand and identify problems, analysing and helping to identify the appropriate solution. You can classify and prioritise problems, document their causes and implement remedies.

You can develop data ethics tools (such as frameworks, guides and other resources) and translate theoretical principles into practice. You can use a range of product management principles and approaches. You can capture and translate user needs into deliverables. You can effectively work with a range of specialists in multidisciplinary teams. You can demonstrate familiarity with feedback gathering, evaluation mechanisms and product promotion. You can evaluate data ethics tools, identify best practices and document how data ethics is being implemented in an organisation.

You can identify, analyse, manage and monitor relationships with and between stakeholders. You can communicate with stakeholders clearly and regularly, clarifying mutual needs and commitments through consultation and consideration of impacts, while concentrating on user needs.