Jessica O'ConnorThe Civil Service has launched a refreshed learning and development initiative aimed at equipping government economists with skills for policy-making.
The Priority Skills Learning and Development programme, first introduced in November 2024, focuses on five key areas: Communicating Economics, Data Analysis & Coding, Analytical Leadership, Application of Economic Theory, and Econometrics.
At the heart of the initiative is an emphasis on professional growth and workplace application.
Designed to build both technical and leadership capabilities, the programme offers two learning tracks – a digital web portal and a structured three-month training cycle.
The web portal features over 150 resources, including peer-reviewed book recommendations, video tutorials, podcasts, and interactive learning tools.
Meanwhile, the structured programme will take a more systematic approach, dedicating a full quarter to each of the five skills.
Participants will move through a learning phase, a practical application phase, and a final review period.
The training aims to draw on expertise from both within the Government Economic Service (GES) and the academic sector, with sessions ranging from coding webinars to policy application workshops.
Tom Aldred, head of the GES team, said: “The Priority Skills initiative provides new opportunities for economists to keep learning and demonstrates our commitment to a positive learning culture in the GES.
“Better economists will help Government to design better policies.”
