Government can't afford experienced data scientists, says GDS director of data
Paul Maltby claims Whitehall can attract new data scientists, but struggles when it comes to experienced ones
The government can't afford experienced data scientists, according to Paul Maltby, director of data at the Government Digital Service (GDS).
Maltby told Parliament's Science and Technology Committee, which is looking into big data usage within government, that while the government has not had any difficulty recruiting data scientists at an early stage in their careers, "affording people later in their career is somewhat difficult".
He added that retaining data scientists could also be a problem - perhaps as the more experience they get in government, the more likely they are to be lured away by big companies in the private sector offering them more money.
However, Maltby said that existing analysts were on a development scheme in which they had "learned to use some of the [data scientists] tools and techniques". Whether or not this means they can adequately replace data scientists in the long term is open to question.
The area of data science, and indeed the specialist role of the data scientist, has been the subject of much debate over the past few years. Some within the IT industry believe it is little more than a marketing term for the old role of a data analyst and, therefore, nothing new. Meanwhile, others believe it is a term for a new, rare breed of IT professionals who are experts in mathematics, statistics and data analysis - and have experience in writing algorithms.
The ultimate aim for the government, according to Maltby, is to spread a data science capability, knowledge and skillset very broadly within Whitehall.
"A world where government departments and public agencies had already fixed their data infrastructure in a way that made it inter-operable and fluid, where it should be fluid, so that they had fabulous data sites and capabilities integrated within the decision-making processes and services for citizens as a matter of course would be a fabulous thing, and it is something we are aiming towards," he told the committee.
But the committee said in its Big Data Dilemma report, that while the government had a range of initiatives to help develop computing and digital skills in the UK, the wider set of big data skills is not being strategically addressed.
It suggested that this may mean the UK will be unable to grow the big data sector at the pace it should.
It recommended that the government should commit to a "continuing substantial role" in developing data analytics skills in businesses with others already working in this field; increasing big data skills training for staff in government departments; and finally, promoting more extensively the application of big data at local government level.
"The government must also address the wider context of its policies on apprenticeships and immigration control. As it develops its approach in these areas, it should explicitly address widespread concerns that these could jeopardise the necessary big-data skills-base that the UK will increasingly need," the committee suggested.