AnalystX Observatory 2024

We are always looking to strike the balance between seeking your opinions and insights on key areas whilst not overburdening you with surveys.?

Over the last two years, we have conducted the AnalystX Observatory Survey to gain insights into the job role profiles, pay grades, vacancy rates, organisation and key challenges for the data and analytics workforce.?

In 2024, the Digital Skills Development Networks have come together, supported by NHS England, to conduct a national workforce survey across the whole of the Digital and Data workforce, looking at job role profiles, pay grades and vacancy rates.?

In light of this we have decided to not conduct our usual AnalystX Observatory Annual Survey and so avoid any additional burden on data collection from you.?

Instead we are looking to conduct focus groups where you can voice your thoughts in more detail on issues which have arisen in the previous years surveys. There will be no shortage of questions and no shortage of insightful viewpoints.?

This is an extremely vibrant and exciting time for the Digital and Data workforce and we want to make sure we shape our future offers on what is important to the system.? Your opinions matter to us!?

If you are wondering what the difference between a survey and a focus group is, take it as a Pizza.?

What toppings do you prefer? Chicken or Pepperoni???

If you send out a questionnaire to 10 people asking what toppings they would prefer on their pizza from chicken and pepperoni, some people might say none, some might choose chicken and some might choose pepperoni. The feedback results are direct to the point however if you conduct a focus group, the conversations can be different and more focused as to why they dislike the toppings or why they would choose one from another.?

The main differences between the two are set out below:?

Survey:??

• A document which falls under quantitative data.?
• Allows to view different viewpoints however more impersonal.?
• Questions have selected multi-choice answers and therefore feedback can be lost in transition.??
• Data is easier to analyse.??

Focus Groups:??

• A group of people put together to discuss a main topic i.e. a form of qualitive research.??
• Allows different viewpoints through interaction which can be addressed further through interaction and discussions amongst the group.??
• More questions and answers can come from one question through communication.??

• No right or wrong answers.?

The workshops will allow us to better understand, the challenges and requirements for training and raising the professional profile of the workforce.?

?It covers areas such as:??

• Recruitment and retention of professionals;?
• Career framework and progression;??
• Financial constraints;?
• Data professional peer support and networking; and?
• Training.??

Your opinions matter and we would love you to join our discussion based focused groups, please express your interest via: https://forms.office.com/e/0pV4nkZjny??

Author Harveen KC Editor Sarah Blundell