Associate Quality Assurance Test Analyst
Newport
New Jobs
Permanent
£28,138 - £32,953 a year
- Join a dynamic team as a Quality Assurance Test Analyst, focusing on developing and executing test plans to ensure software quality.
- The ideal candidate should possess analytical skills, attention to detail, and a strong interest in digital services.
- This role offers flexible working arrangements, primarily based in Newport with 40% office attendance, and includes a Civil Service pension scheme.
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Contents
- Location
- About the job
- Benefits
- Things you need to know
- Apply and further information
Location
This role is aligned to ONS hybrid working principles, which are based on attending the office with purpose. The postholder will be expected to contribute to the organisation?s overall 40% office attendance, in line with business and role requirements.
Your induction will take place in person at either our Newport or Titchfield office. This will form part of your first week of employment. We are aiming to start the whole cohort together in January 2027. Full details will be provided should you be successful in obtaining a post.
During the first three months, you'll take part in an initial training "bootcamp", requiring increased attendance at our Newport and/or Titchfield offices. Following completion of the bootcamp, the current expectation is attendance in the office for at least 40% of your working week. Where training takes place at a location other than your contractual office base, ONS will cover approved accommodation, travel and subsistence costs.
Please note: While part-time is supported as a working pattern for this vacancy, to deliver the training and development intended you will need to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
About the job
Job summary
Looking for a career change, a new challenge, or your first step into Digital and Data?
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is offering an exciting 12-month Quality Assurance Test (QAT) Analyst Development Programme, designed to help you build a rewarding career in the Government Digital and Data Profession while earning a salary and gaining valuable workplace experience.
This structured development programme is ideal for people who are curious, analytical, detail-focused and eager to learn. Whether you're starting your career or looking to move into a new profession, we'll provide the training, coaching and support you need to develop as a Software Test Analyst.
As part of the Digital Services Quality Assurance and Testing (DS-QAT) team, you'll learn how testing helps ensure the quality, reliability and accuracy of digital services and statistical products used across the organisation. You'll work alongside experienced testers and technical specialists, gaining practical experience while developing the skills needed to succeed in the profession.
Over the 12 months, you'll follow a structured learning pathway combining formal training, mentoring, hands-on experience and industry-recognised learning opportunities. You'll spend at least 20% of your working time dedicated to learning and development, helping you build the technical knowledge, professional skills and confidence needed for a long-term career in testing.
If you're someone who enjoys solving problems, asking questions, spotting issues others might miss, and working collaboratively to improve outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.
Find Out More
To help you learn more about the programme, we'll be hosting an information webinar where you'll have the opportunity to hear from the team, learn about the role and ask questions. This webinar will be hosted at 9.30am on Wednesday 12th August 2026.
Click here to register for our information webinar: Webinar - EO - QAT Analysts - 473695 - Office for National Statistics , Join meeting in Teams , Microsoft Teams
About ONS
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK's largest producer of official statistics and the recognised national statistical institute. Our work helps inform decision-making across government, businesses and society, providing trusted insights into the economy, population and communities across the UK.
Joining ONS means becoming part of an organisation that values learning, innovation and continuous development.
Job description
As an Associate Quality Assurance Test Analyst, you'll join a structured development programme designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and experience required to build a career in software testing. This could lead to a formal, and internationally recognised, qualification in software testing.
You'll work closely with experienced Test Analysts, Test Managers and Test Engineers, learning how to plan, execute and report on testing activities that support the delivery of high-quality digital services and systems.
During the programme, you'll gain experience in:
- Software testing principles, techniques and best practice.
- The Software Development and Testing Lifecycles.
- Creating and executing test scenarios and test scripts.
- Identifying, recording and reporting defects.
- Analysing test results and communicating findings.
- Working within Agile delivery teams.
- Collaborating with business, technical and delivery colleagues across ONS.
Key Responsibilities
As part of the programme, you will:
- Learn and apply software testing techniques and best practices.
- Develop knowledge of business processes, systems and user requirements.
- Execute tests and accurately record test results.
- Support the identification, investigation and reporting of defects.
- Contribute to the analysis and reporting of testing outcomes.
- Work with colleagues across multidisciplinary teams to support quality assurance activities.
- Develop your technical and professional skills through training, coaching and practical experience.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of testing processes and ways of working.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for enthusiastic individuals who demonstrate:
- An interest in technology, digital services and quality assurance.
- Strong attention to detail and a logical approach to problem solving.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to organise and prioritise work effectively.
- Curiosity, motivation and a willingness to learn new skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Resilience and adaptability when working in a changing environment.
- Confidence using common digital tools and workplace applications.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
You must be able to demonstrate:
- Basic digital skills and confidence using common workplace software and online systems.
- Good attention to detail and the ability to work accurately when reviewing information or completing tasks.
- The ability to work collaboratively with others, building positive relationships and contributing effectively as part of a team.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
The Office for National Statistics is part of the Civil Service, and as such we share a number of key benefits with other departments, whilst also having our own unique offerings to support our valued colleagues across the organisation.
Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that our careers site will give you a great insight into the benefits and facilities available to our colleagues, and our fantastic working culture.
Inclusion & Accessibility
At ONS we are always looking to attract the very best people from the widest possible talent pool, and we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer. As a Disability Confident Leader we?re committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.
As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, please contact the recruitment team in the first instance.
If you would like an accessible version of any of the attachments or recruitment documents below or linked to in this advert, please contact the recruitment team who will be happy to assist.
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
Selection process details
Security Clearance
For ONS the requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for 3 consecutive years immediately prior to applying and the department will consider eligibility by exception on a case-by-case basis. You will be asked to provide information regarding your UK residency during your application, and failure to provide this will result in your application being rejected.
At the point of SC application, you will need to provide or give access to the following evidence:
- Departmental or company records (personnel files, staff reports, sick leave reports and security records)
- UK criminal records covering both spent and unspent criminal records
- Your credit and financial history with a credit reference agency
- Security Services records
Please note: We will reach out to you once the advert has closed to confirm eligibility for this role, this will be via an e-mail. Please check you e-mails.
Visa Sponsorship
ONS are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants are expected to hold a valid right to work in the UK when employment commences. If you are applying on a time-limited visa, this will need to be valid for at least 18 months at point of application.
To work at the ONS, candidates must meet both UK right to work and security clearance requirements (where applicable).
If you are unsure whether you meet the appropriate right to work or security clearance eligibility criteria, please refer to the guidance on Gov.uk or contact the recruitment email provided in the advert before applying. Failure to meet these requirements will result in your application being rejected and employment offers being withdrawn.
Application Process
Number of Stages: 2
Stage 1: Application
Stage 2: Interview
Stage 1 ? Application
The assessment process at the application stage will be based on your work history, CV, skills, experience, and personal statement. It is important that your application is tailored to highlight the skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to the role.
Your personal statement should be no longer than 750 words. You should use this space to provide evidence for each criterion listed under Essential Criteria within the person specification. As the criteria are scored, we would recommend that you give clear examples for each including the impact, or outcome, of your actions.
We recognise that applicants may have gained experience in different ways. Examples can be drawn from school, college, university, part-time or full-time employment, volunteering, hobbies, clubs, personal projects, caring responsibilities, or other relevant experiences. We are interested in the skills you have demonstrated and how you have applied them, rather than where you gained them.
When providing examples, please focus on your personal contribution and the outcome achieved. We recommend using the STAR (Situation - Task - Action - Result) format to answer these questions.
Please note that Success Profiles Behaviour examples are not required at this stage of the application process.
When a high volume of applications are received, the sift pass mark may be adjusted. Candidates will be invited to interview based on their merit order, with those achieving the highest scores being prioritised. Applicants who score below the adjusted pass mark but still pass will be placed on hold and may be invited to interview at a later date.
We often have similar roles available at different grades. If a candidate is suitable for a similar role or a lower grade than they have applied for, we may offer the candidate that role without the need to go through a further selection process providing the role has the same behaviours, and essential skills.
Stage 2 ? Interview
If invited to interview, you will be assessed using techniques aligned with the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, covering all behaviours listed in the job advert and any required technical skills.
Interviews will be in person in our Newport and Titchfield offices:
- Titchfield: Segensworth Road, Titchfield, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 5RR
- Newport: Office For National Statistics, Government Buildings, Cardiff Road, Newport, NP10 8XG
Please note that travel expenses will not be reimbursed. You will also be required to bring valid photo identification to your interview.
A reserve list may be held for a period up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made.
Important Dates
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Eligibility checks from 19/08/2026 - 26/08/2026. Please be aware we will be sending all candidates an e-mail to complete an eligibility form.
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Sift will be conducted from 27/08/2026
- Interviews will be conducted from 22/09/2026
For the full terms and conditions of the post, please see attachment.
Please note that all campaigns may be subject to withdrawal at any stage if the internal resource position changes.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter .
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Government Digital and Data Recruitment
- Email : Government-Digital-and-Data-Recruitment@ons.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : Government-Digital-and-Data-Recruitment@ons.gov.uk
Further information
Newport
New Jobs
Permanent
£28,138 - £32,953 a year