Approval - consultations.ons.gov.uk · Web viewAn electronic survey was created using SurveyMonkey (see appendix A). This was published on the ONS Consultation Hub. The survey was

Classifications

Methods, Data & ResearchData Architecture

Extension of the Standard Occupational Classification:

Job Titles and Skills – adding more detail to SOC2020Results from online engagement June-September 2019

Document Owner: Claire Griffiths

Author(s): Claire Griffiths and Kate Sutton

Document Version: Vn.1.0

ApprovalName Role Date

Suzanne Fry Head of Classifications 20/01/2020

ClassificationsMethods, Data & Research

Data Architecture

SUMMARYThe Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) is a framework that classifies all UK occupations, according to skill level and specialisation. It forms the basis of labour market statistics as well as having wider applications, such as identifying skills gaps and matching job seekers to vacancies. Some SOC users have expressed a need for greater detail than is currently available. The SOC Extension project responded to this by exploring the level and nature of requirements.

Stakeholder engagement has been conducted exploring the level and nature of requirements. This has encompassed several elements of including:

Face to face engagement with key stakeholders Online survey Desk based research

This report will focus on the data collected via the online survey tool only. A full report, bringing together the findings from all elements, can be found on the GSS website.

183 responses were received via the electronic survey tool. Responses represented all 9 SOC Major Groups (the highest-level occupation grouping in SOC).

The wider engagement identified a range of overarching themes. More detail about this can be found in the full report. Those specifically evident via the online survey included:

Creative Industries Newly Emerging Occupations Occupation Shortages STEM+MH

Findings from the online survey, along with data collected from a range of other sources will be used to inform a draft disaggregation of the framework. This will be made available for further stakeholder comment prior to final publication.

More info relating to the SOC Extension Project can be accessed on the GSS website.

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https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/user-facing-pages/standard-occupational-classifications-soc/



Data Architecture

ContentsApproval................................................................................................................................................1

SUMMARY.............................................................................................................................................2

BACKGROUND.......................................................................................................................................4

METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................................................5

Participants................................................................................................................................5

Materials....................................................................................................................................6

Procedure...................................................................................................................................6

RESULTS................................................................................................................................................7

Response rate.............................................................................................................................7

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS......................................................................................................................8

Which sector do you represent?.................................................................................................9

What is your role within the organisation?...............................................................................10

How you use SOC within your role?..........................................................................................13

Are there specific areas of the SOC that you would like to see considered for having additional detail?......................................................................................................................................14

Which area of SOC would you would like to see considered for having further detail?...................15

Apprenticeship Routes................................................................................................................15

Cultural and Creative Industries.................................................................................................15

Emerging and Evolving Roles......................................................................................................16

Skills shortages............................................................................................................................16

STEM+MH....................................................................................................................................16

PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONAL DETAIL................................................................................................18

CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................................21

APPENDICES.............................................................................................................................22

Appendix A – Survey Tool.........................................................................................................22

Appendix B Name of your organisation.....................................................................................27

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Data Architecture

BACKGROUNDThe Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) is a recognised framework that enables all UK occupations to be categorised according to skill level and specialisation. This classification is, in turn, essential in the creation of labour market statistics that help inform policy and the public. It also has wider applications outside of the statistical environment such as identifying skills gaps and matching job seekers to vacancies, among many others.

Since its first publication in 1990, SOC has been revised every 10 years in order to reflect labour market changes and developments. The current version is SOC2010. Work is ongoing to revise this and publish SOC2020.

Currently, the most detailed level of the classification is 4-digit (Unit Group) level. This is the level at which occupations become most similar in terms of the skills involved. Figure 1 shows the structure of the classification and the levels of detail available, ranging from least to most detailed. More information about SOC can be found on The Office for National Statistics website.

Figure 1. Overview of the structure of the Standard Occupational Classification

As the economy evolves and develops, so do the types of occupations and skills required. Consequently, some SOC users have expressed a need for a greater level of detail than is currently available at the 4-digit level. The SOC Extension project aims to respond to this need. The proposal is to add an additional 6-digit Sub Unit Group level to the classification which will provide a more granular breakdown of occupations within each Unit Group. Sub Unit Groups will continue to follow the SOC principle of grouping jobs involving similar skills together; however, the aim is that the jobs within each Sub Unit will be even more alike than at the Unit Group level.

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Major Group (1 digit)

Sub Major Group (2 digit)

Minor Group (3 digit)

Unit Group (4 digit)

https://www.ons.gov.uk/methodology/classificationsandstandards/standardoccupationalclassificationsoc


Data Architecture

To respond to this need, The Office for National Statistics (ONS) commissioned The University of Warwick’s Institute for Employment Research (IER) to work with us on a stakeholder engagement exercise exploring the level and nature of requirements. This has encompassed several elements including:

Face to face engagement with key stakeholders Online survey Desk based research

This report focuses on the data collected from stakeholders via the online survey tool. Findings from the online survey, along with data collected from a range of other sources, will be used to inform a draft extension of the framework. A complete report, bringing together the findings from all elements, can be found on the GSS website.

METHODOLOGYParticipants

The survey was initially sent to a distribution list of approximately 1,000 stakeholders. This list consisted of a range of organisations including government departments, trade unions, careers advice services, statistical organisations and professional bodies representing a range of sectors.

The stakeholder database was compiled from a variety of sources including:

Individuals that had contributed to the SOC Revision and had indicated an interest in further work relating to SOC.

Key contacts provided from within the SOC Extension Steering Group Internal ONS contacts The Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 100 league table which details the 100 private companies

in Britain with the biggest sales. A list of over 300 Professional Bodies taken from Directory of the Professions.

In addition, snowball sampling was utilised whereby initial contacts were requested to send the survey to others they believed would be able to contribute.

Stakeholders were mapped to the SO2010 minor group they best represented. This helped to ensure a representative sample covering as much of the SOC framework as possible.

A detailed stakeholder mapping exercise was also undertaken to identify the interest and influence level of stakeholders. The outcome of this was then used to develop bespoke mailings, based on existing knowledge of SOC, to ensure maximum participation. Further information about this exercise can be found in the full report.

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https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/user-facing-pages/standard-occupational-classifications-soc/#soc-extension-working-group-soc-extwg-

https://directoryoftheprofessions.co.uk/



Data Architecture

Materials

An electronic survey was created using SurveyMonkey (see appendix A). This was published on the ONS Consultation Hub. The survey was also published in word with alternative formats available on request. A covering email accompanied the survey explaining the reason for contact, the background of the project and the purpose of the survey. Links to further information and research team contact details were also provided.

All stakeholders received the same basic information in the email, but content varied slightly depending on whether they had been identified as a user of SOC in the stakeholder mapping exercise. The level of background detail provided was dependent on level of pre-existing knowledge.

Procedure

Participants received an email containing a link to the online survey. The survey remained open for 16 weeks between June and September 2019. All participants received two reminder emails during this period.

Approximately half way through the engagement period, a gap analysis was undertaken to identify Major and Minor Groups where response rate was low. Following this, additional reminders were sent to stakeholders identified as representing these groups to increase the representativeness of the sample. For example, the gap analysis indicated very few responses from Major Group 4. Sending targeted, personalised reminders to organisations representing Major Group 4, increased the response rate from 17% of minor groups in Major Group 4 to 50%.

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Data Architecture

RESULTS

Response rate

A total of 183 electronic survey responses were received with all 9 SOC2010 Major Groups represented. Table 1 shows breakdown of response rate by Major, Sub Major and Minor group.

Table 1: Overall response rates by level of the classification

Level of classification Overall Response rateMajor Group 100%

Sub-major group 92%

Minor Group 79%

Response rates varied across the framework. The highest response rates were received from Major Groups 3 (Associate Professional Occupations) and 6 (Caring, Leisure and Other Service Occupations) where 100% of minor groups were represented. This was followed by Major Groups 2 (Professional Occupations) and 5 (Skilled Trade Occupations). The higher responses rates suggest a greater user need for increased granularity within these Major Groups. The lowest response was received from Major Group 9 possibly reflecting lower demand for greater detail within this Major Group. A breakdown of percentage Minor Group response rate by Major Group can be found in Table 2.

Table 2: Response rate by Major Group

Major Group % Minor Group response rate

1: MANAGERS, DIRECTORS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS 67%2: PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS 94%3: ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONS

100%

4: ADMINISTRATIVE AND SECRETARIAL OCCUPATIONS 50%5: SKILLED TRADE OCCUPATIONS 77%6: CARING, LEISURE AND OTHER SERVICE OCCUPATIONS 100%7: SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE OCCUPATIONS 40%8: PROCESS, PLANT AND MACHINE OPERATIVES 57%9: ELEMENTARY OCCUPATIONS 22%

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Data Architecture

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Participation was received from organisations across a wide range of sectors including:

Government Departments Educational Institutions Regional Groups Overarching representative bodies

148 respondents (80.9%) specified the name organisation that they represented. A total of 124 separate organisations were identified through the responses. Table 3 shows some examples of responding organisations. A full list can be found in appendix A.

Table 3. Examples of responding organisations

Government Departments

Educational bodies and organisations

Regional Interest Groups Overarching Bodies

Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

Home Office National Audit Office Welsh Government

Cardiff University Edinburgh Napier

University Higher Education

Statistics Authority (HESA)

Institute of Student Employers

University of Essex University of Leeds National Careers

Service

Careers Wales Historic Environment

Scotland Visit Scotland Skills Development

Scotland Scottish Social Services

Council (SSSC)

British Association of Journalists

British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists

Craft Council Engineering Council Institute of Economic

Development

The survey also asked respondents to provide lists of job titles used within their organisations. Job title lists were provided by several respondents. These will be used to identify different job roles which exist in today’s labour market and may help inform where areas where greater detail is required within existing Unit Groups.

Which sector do you represent?

174 responses were received to this question. A wide variety of sectors were represented within the response. Public Services and Administration (24.7%) and Teaching and Education (14.9%) accounted

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Data Architecture

for the largest number of responses. This is likely to be because many organisations within the stakeholder database representing these sectors, had been identified as existing users of the classification. In comparison, few responses were received from representatives within the energy and utilities, finance and retail and sales sectors.

The science and pharmaceuticals and housing sectors were not represented within the response. The low response rate from these sectors may be due to a limited knowledge of SOC or a perception that this project is not relevant to them. Although these sectors were not represented within the online survey response, we have sought to address the interests of these sectors through our wider research and engagement strategy. A full breakdown of survey responses by sector can be found in table 4.

Table 4. Which Sector do you represent? (multiples enabled)

Number %Public Services & Administration 43 24.7Teaching & Education 26 14.9Creative Arts & Design 18 10.3Health & Social Care 18 10.3Information & Technology 7 4.0Service Industry 6 3.4Engineering & Manufacture 12 6.9Energy & Utilities 1 0.6Environment & Agriculture 6 3.4Finance 3 1.7Retail & Sales 1 0.6Transport & Logistics 1 0.6Housing 0 0Science & Pharmaceuticals 0 0Law 3 1.7Events 21 12.1Other 8 4.6TOTAL 174 100.0

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Data Architecture

What is your role within the organisation?

A total of 168 respondents specified the role that they hold within their organisation. Examples of roles included:

A total of 165 responses were received. Current users of SOC accounted for 56.4% of responses. Among users, 23% reported using SOC at least weekly. The remainder of respondents either did not use SOC in their role (16.4%) or were not previously aware of the classification (27.3%) (see figure 2).

Figure 2. How frequently do you use SOC within your role? (Base: 165)

10.9%

12.1%

17.0%

16.4%

16.4%

27.3%

Daily WeeklyMonthly Less than monthlyI do not use SOC Not previously aware of SOC

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Business Analyst

Economist

Project Manager

Professor

Careers Advisor

Policy Advisor

Events Director

Survey Manager

Data Analyst

Statistician

Social Researcher

Research Fellow


Data Architecture

While more than half of respondents were active users of SOC and previously aware of the classification, non-users and those not previously aware of SOC also engaged with the survey. As a result, we have gained insights into the developing labour market from an industry perspective as well as from the perspective of SOC users.

This pattern of responses received from users and non-users occurred across almost all sectors (see figure 3). The highest proportion of users came from Public Services and Administration (82.9%). This is likely to reflect a relatively high proportion of responses from government bodies who use SOC in their work such as the Home Office and The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Gaining perspectives from both SOC users and representatives within specific occupational areas but do not use SOC, will support efforts to ensure the roles and skills in the current labour market are appropriately represented within the SOC Extension.

Figure 3. Do you use SOC within your role?

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Data Architecture

Most typically, SOC was reported to be used at the 4-digit (Unit Group) level. However, there were also examples of the classification being used at 1 to and 3-digit levels i.e. Major Group, Sub Major Group and Minor Group (see figure 4).

Figure 4. At what level do you use SOC? (Base: 93)

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Data Architecture

How you use SOC within your role?76 respondents included descriptions of how SOC is used in their role. Table 6 shows some examples uses reported at various levels of the classification.

Table 6. Examples of SOC use

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Level of classification

Use

1 Digit (Major Group)

Identifying professional level and non-professional level roles within graduate destinations data.

Operational and regulatory purposes.

2 Digit (Sub Major Group)

Occupational analysis to respond to labour market intelligence (LMI) requests.

Adding jobs to databases and websites.

Identifying vocational choices to match job seekers to vacancies.

Choosing relevant codes to update current Engagement in Education, Employment and Training (EET) status.

3 Digit (Minor Group)

Reporting student facing information

4 Digit (Unit Group)

Reporting on employment and skills within particular sectors.

Understanding the labour market and industry trends.

Coding occupation at death and occupation of parents at birth.

Responding to queries about jobs which appear on the Shortage Occupation List and salary thresholds for certain jobs.

Ad-hoc research and targeted analysis.


Data Architecture

Are there specific areas of the SOC that you would like to see considered for having additional detail?There were 142 responses to this question. 61.3% of respondents believed there to be specific areas of SOC that would potentially benefit from having extra detail added (see table 6). When ‘don’t knows’ are eliminated, the proportion that would like to see the consideration of additional detail rises to 80.6%. This indicates considerable demand for the development of a more granular version of SOC.

Table 7. Are there specific areas of the SOC that you would like to see considered for having additional detail?

Number %Yes 87 61.3No, I feel my interests are sufficiently well represented at the 4-digit level 21 14.8Don't know 34 23.9TOTAL 142 100.0

Almost all sectors indicated significant support for additional detail to be added to the classification. The only exception to this was the legal sector where the majority of respondents felt their interests were sufficiently represented at the 4-digit Unit Group level (see Figure 5).

Figure 5. Are there specific areas of SOC that you would like to see considered for having additional detail?

Figure 6. compares the responses from current SOC users and non-users. The results found forty five percent of non-users to believe there to be areas of SOC that should be considered for more detail

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Data Architecture

compared to almost three quarters (72.2%) of current users. Unsurprisingly there was a significantly higher proportion of ‘don’t knows’ amongst non-users of SOC.

Figure 6. Desire for additional detail to be added to SOC shown for users and non-users.

Which area of SOC would you would like to see considered for having further detail?

From this question, several overarching themes were identified were identified as being important to stakeholders. These included:

Apprenticeship RoutesA key use of SOC is to try to match education and training provisions to the needs of the labour market, particularly for Technical Education. Those working on apprenticeship standards have noted that several standards currently map to the same unit group, suggesting that they may represent different occupations within the same unit group. For example, one survey response noted that there are distinct occupations within welding trades which each have an apprenticeship standard linked to them. Many other similar examples can be found across the classification. Greater granularity within unit groups would enable such distinctions to be recognised. This would help in determining more accurate labour market intelligence and in mapping apprenticeships which will ultimately contribute to improving education and training.

Cultural and Creative IndustriesThe term ‘creative industries’ cuts across the economy including a variety of different sectors. The theatre, visual arts, cinema, TV, radio, music, publishing business, computer games, new media, architecture, design, fashion and advertising are all part of the cultural and creative industries. Stakeholders have identified difficulty in tracking levels of employment within specific roles and therefore a need for greater disaggregation in relevant areas. For example, responses indicated a need for continued distinction of weavers and knitters and smith and forge workers within the classification. These are currently identifiable within SOC2010 however, due their decreasing size, these will be merged with other Unit Groups in SOC2020. From the survey, a need for continued recognition of these professions would be useful as part of the extension.

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Data Architecture

Emerging and Evolving RolesNewly emerging roles are new occupations in the workforce. Many new occupations have arisen, particularly in relation to digital technologies. These, ‘newer’ kinds of jobs are less well catered for within the existing SOC framework as they are often included within an aggregated code or across multiple codes. In some cases, they may not be captured at all. A need exists for a more detailed level of SOC which identifies these emerging occupations. Survey responses indicated that a 10-year revision cycle is too long as the labour market develops much quicker than this. It was noted SOC should have greater flexibility in order to have the ability to respond to changes in the labour market. Specific areas were highlighted in the survey include economics and digital occupations such as data science.

Evolving occupations are those already listed in the current SOC, but the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities of the occupation may have changed and evolved significantly over time. Stakeholders have identified a need for this to be more visible within SOC at the extended level. Areas mentioned in the survey included engineering and agriculture.

Skills shortagesThe UK Shortage Occupations List consists of all the occupations that are currently going through the shortage of skilled workers. The occupations that are in high demand in the UK and need to be filled immediately are authorised by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). One survey response indicated that, in some cases, the occupations on this list are not easily identifiable within SOC as they are hidden within a code containing a mixture of in demand and not in demand occupations. It would therefore be useful if unit groups contained an additional level detail enabling jobs where there is a shortage of skilled workers to be distinguished from those where there is not a shortage. One example provided was that the immigration system currently makes specific exemptions for secondary school teachers of certain subjects. Therefore, it would be useful if, within SOC, teaching professions were broken down by subject.

STEM+MHMany existing SOC users agreed it would be helpful to be able to identify occupations that might be classified as STEM+MH (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics + Medicine and Health) below the Unit Group level. Previous work has attempted to identify STEM+MH jobs within SOC at the Unit Group level. However, it has become apparent that, some within some Unit Groups, there are a mixture of STEM+MH and non STEM+MH jobs. The implications of this are two-fold. Firstly, some Unit Groups may be considered STEM+MH when not all professions within this require STEM skills. Moreover, some roles which require substantial STEM skills obscured within a Unit Group that would not typically be considered a STEM+MH group. Certain occupations within the fashion and textiles sector were one example highlighted in the survey. A more granular breakdown of occupations within SOC would make the identification of STEM+MH professions easier and more accurate. The ability to identify STEM+MH occupations at a more granular level may help ensure STEM+MH occupations are correctly classified ensuring sectors receive the funding to which they are entitled. This could ultimately incentivise providers to deliver and learners to take courses leading to these occupations. This is particularly relevant to the current policy focus on addressing the shortage STEM skills in the UK.

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Data Architecture

Additional themes were identified through the wider stakeholder engagement exercise. These are discussed in the full engagement report and included green and low carbon jobs, regulated jobs and those which require licenses and the influence of automation on the labour market. In response to these findings, the possibility of adding indicators for the key themes identified, such as STEM and digital occupations, is being explored.

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https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/user-facing-pages/standard-occupational-classifications-soc/#soc-extension-working-group-soc-extwg-


Data Architecture

PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONAL DETAIL

73 responses included specific proposals1 for where further detail could be added to the classification. Responses were mapped to the SOC20102 group to which they related. Proposals were suggested for all Major Groups except Major Group 8. The majority of proposals related to Major Groups 2, 3 and 5, indicating the greatest requirement for increased granularity lies within these groups. Some examples of proposals include:

2: PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS

SOC2010 212: Engineering professionals

More detail needed to better represent the modern world of Engineering.

SOC2010 213: Information Technology and Telecommunications professionals

To be able to distinguish between different types of software professionals e.g. systems analysts, application designers, web developers and user interface developers

SOC2010 2141: Conservation professionals

Differentiation between ecologists, zoologists and conservation policy officers

SOC2010 2314: Secondary school teaching professionals

Extension of this unit group to include detail about subject taught

3: ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONS

SOC2010 3411: Artists

Identification of medical illustrators as a distinct profession within this unit group

SOC2010 3412: Authors, writers and translators

Identification of bloggers/vloggers

SOC2010 Conference and exhibition managers and organisers

1 All proposals will be considered in combination with a variety of available evidence. This will include alternative international classifications, survey data sources including Census and Labour Force Survey, wider stakeholder feedback and desk-based research. These will be used collectively to inform a decision as to when and how a Unit Group will be disaggregated.2 Survey responses were based on SOC2010. The SOC Extension will be based on the soon to published SOC2020.

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Data Architecture

Greater detail required within this unit group to differentiate public events (e.g. festivals) from business to business conferences.

5: SKILLED TRADE OCCUPATIONS

SOC2010 5211: Smiths and forge workers

This group is decreasing in size and will therefore be merged with SOC2010 group 5214 Metal plate workers and riveters. Continued distinction between these occupations is required within the new grouping.

SOC2010 5215: Welding trades

Welding does not reflect our industry. There are different types of welding: high integrity, pipe and plate welders. The pipe and plate welders are distinct occupations as each have an apprenticeship standard but this is not currently reflected in SOC.

SOC2010 5411: Weavers and knitters

This group is decreasing in size and will therefore be merged with SOC2010 group 5419 Textiles, garments and related trades n.e.c. Continued distinction between these occupations is required within the new grouping.

SOC2010 5422: Printers

A further split so that the different types of printers could be identified would be very helpful. The main categories are: Lithographic Printers Flexographic Printers Digital Printers Other Printers

Some of the proposals referred to changes at the 4-digit level of the classification. Such changes are outside the remit of the SOC Extension project. The current project is limited to providing a more granular breakdown within the existing 4-digit groups.

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Data Architecture

SOC2010 is currently available online in excel and PDF formats. How would you prefer to access the extended classification in future?

A total of 113 respondents specified the way in which they would prefer to access the extended classification in the future.

Excel and PDF 3were the most popular formats for on extended SOC to be accessed in (63.7%) followed by CSV (26.5%).

‘Other’ suggested formats included VIS, a searchable online database and API.

Figure 7. How would you prefer to access the extended classification in future? (Base: 113)

Excel PDF CSV Other0

10

20

30

40

50

60

7063.7 63.7

26.5

13.3

%

3 SOC2020 will be published as HTML and excel. Possible and preferred formats for SOCExt will continue to be discussed with stakeholders.

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Data Architecture

CONCLUSIONOverall, the findings from this survey indicate strong user demand for adding an additional level of detail to SOC, thus providing support for this project. Areas where there is most demand for more granularity are Major Groups 2, 3 and 5; although there is evidence supporting additional detail in all areas of the classification. Specific themes where greater detail would be of benefit to users also became apparent including STEM+MH, digital and creative jobs.

Next Steps

1. Findings from the online survey will be combined with data collected from a range of other sources to inform a draft disaggregation of the framework. This is scheduled for completion end 2019.

2. Overall findings, along with the completed draft extended SOC, will be presented to the SOC Extension Steering Group in early 2020.

3. A proposed workplan for 2020 includes:

- Additional stakeholder engagement on the draft extensions of each Major Group. Any comments or recommendations will be considered on case by case basis, in line with all available evidence. Where deemed appropriate, changes will then be made to the draft major groups. A first draft of the full extended framework will then be made available for final comment before publication. This will be published on GSS (insert link).

- Coding the SOC2020 index to the SOCExt. Occupations listed in the SOC2020 index will be assigned a 6-digit code alongside their existing 4-digit classification. This will begin with Major Groups 2 and 5.

- Engagement to explore the viability of statistical production at the extended level, is due to commence in 2020. Further detail about this can be found in the full report.

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Data Architecture

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Survey Tool

Proposals to extend the UK Standard Occupational Classification (SOC):

What is the SOC-EXT project?

As our economy evolves and develops, so do the types of occupations and skills that are required. The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) is a recognised framework that enables all UK occupations to be classified according to skill level and specialisation. This classification is, in turn, essential in the creation of the occupational and social statistics that inform policy and the public.

There is a need for the SOC to provide a greater level of detail than is currently available, so the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is working with Warwick Institute for Employment Research (IER) to launch a consultation exploring the level and nature of requirements. This is the SOC-EXT project.

We want to make sure as many occupations are recognised and represented as possible.

Why we want to engage with you

No one knows your profession better that you. We need your expert knowledge about jobs in your sector to make this project a success and ensure you are recognised.

Your insight will play a crucial role in the future proofing of our economy and your sector. As well as ensuring that roles and responsibilities within your profession continue to be correctly represented, your input will help us in the identification of skills gaps and training needs to ensure future growth in an ever-evolving labour market.

This project could help shape the workforce of the future… and you could be involved!

Please click here to share your views.

More information relating to the project can be accessed via www.XXXX.co.uk

You can also contact the project team directly by emailing: [email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]

http://www.XXXX.co.uk/


Data Architecture

Consultation on proposals to extend the existing Standard Occupational Classification (SOC): (online survey)

Section 1 – You and your organisation1 Name of your organisation

2 Which Sector do you represent?

Public Services & Administration Teaching & EducationHousing Engineering & ManufactureHealth & Social Care Service IndustryFinancial sector Transport & LogisticsCreative arts & design Science & PharmaceuticalsEnergy & Utilities Retail & SalesEnvironment & Agriculture Other – please specifyInformation & Technology

3 Role within the organisation

Section 2 – Use of the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)

4 How frequently do you use SOC within your role?

Daily Weekly Monthly Less than monthly

I do not use SOC

Not previously aware of SOC

(go to Section 3)

(go to Section 3)

5 At what level do you use SOC?

1 Digit 2 Digit 3 Digit 4 Digit

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Data Architecture

6 Briefly describe how you use SOC within your role (100 words)

Section 3 – Extension of the SOCSeveral meetings and discussions have already been held with representatives in key organisations. These has revealed a range of areas of interest where organisations feel a greater level of detail than currently available would be of benefit. Provided below are some examples of how further extension of the Index could be applied if sufficient evidence is found:

A. There is a known need to build and develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) skills and occupations within the UK. The SOC is currently unable to separate Unit Group 2314: Secondary Education Teaching Professionals into those teaching STEM and none STEM subjects. An extension of the SOC to identify subject area is one theme being considered.

B. Further disaggregation of Unit Group 3312: Police Officers (Sergeant and Below) could potentially enable officers to be grouped more specifically by rank i.e. detective/constable/sergeant or alternatively by the specific roles that they perform e.g. dog handler/armed response.

C. Unit Group 3443 Fitness Instructors currently covers a range of roles including weight trainers, personal trainers and yoga instructors. It additionally does not allow for distinction between place of work i.e. private health and fitness centres, local government leisure centres, private home tuition or elsewhere. Is there added benefit to this?

Similar examples can be drawn from across the classification. The questions of if and how these and other Unit Groups can potentially be disaggregated has been raised by stakeholders for further investigation and consultation.

You can explore how your own and other occupations are coded here https://onsdigital.github.io/dp-classification-tools/standard-occupational-classification/ONS_SOC_occupation_coding_tool.html

7. Are there specific areas of the SOC that you would like to see considered for having additional detail?

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https://onsdigital.github.io/dp-classification-tools/standard-occupational-classification/ONS_SOC_occupation_coding_tool.html

https://onsdigital.github.io/dp-classification-tools/standard-occupational-classification/ONS_SOC_occupation_coding_tool.html


Data Architecture

Yes No, I feel my interests are sufficiently well represented at

the 4-digit level

Don’t know

(please complete one template for each proposal – max 5?)

(Go to 10) (Go to 10)

Proposal 1

a) What area of SOC would you would like to see considered for having further detail.

b) What further detail would you like to see?

8. Would you like to make an additional proposal?

Yes NoReturn to Q6 (max of 5 times?) (Go to Q10)

9. The Classification is currently available online in excel and PDF formats. How would you prefer to access the classification in future?

PDF Excel CSV Other

If ‘other’ please specify?

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Data Architecture

Section 4 - Further InvolvementTo further evidence of a need for more detail in the classification we are seeking to gather lists of job titles from within organisations. This will help inform areas of growth and new and emerging roles, this will be evaluated carefully by the project team and by of significant benefit to the project. We do not require any additional information associated to the posts i.e. salary, post holder etc. however a brief description of the role would be of use.

10. Please provide a list of job titles from within your organisation.

Enable attachment

11. (If Q6=1~2) Would you be prepared to be contacted by a member of the ONS Classifications Unit to discuss this further?

Yes NoGo to end

Please provide contact details:

Tel.

Email.

12. (If Q8=3) Are you able to recommend another individual or organisation within your sector of work that may be interested in contributing to this work? Please provide details:

13. Is there anything more that you would like to add?

Thank you for your time (End)More information relating to the project can be accessed here

You can also contact the project team directly with questions or request and alternative format by emailing: [email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]


Data Architecture

Appendix B Name of your organisation

Arts Council England Association of Event Organisers AWE plc Bip Solutions BPIF (British Printing Industries

Federation) Bradford Council British Association of Accredited

Ayurvedic Practitioners British Association of Journalists British Association of Prosthetists and

Orthotists British Film Institute British Florist Association British Florist Association Ltd Brodies LLP Cardiff University Career Development Institute Careers Wales (x4) ChangeMaker Training and Resolution

Services LLP Chartered Institute of Internal

Auditors Cheshire East Council CITB CMS College of Mediators Concord Conflict Solutions Crafts Council Creative Curiosity DCMS Defence Business Services Defence Business Services - Military

Personnel Department for Culture media and

Sport (DCMS) Department for Digital, Culture,

Media & Sport (X2) Dept for Work and Pensions Design Council Devon & Somerset Law Society

Drakon Heritage and Conservation Early Childhood Studies Degrees

Network ECITB Edinburgh Napier University Engineering Council Equality Now Event welfare ExCeL London family Mediation Cymru Federation of Archaeological

Managers & Employers (X3) FIRST First steps Gambling Commission Gatsby Charitable Foundation General Chiropractic Council Herts County Council - Children’s

Services - YC Hertfordshire (X5) HESA Historic England Historic Environment Scotland Home Office (X3) ICSA: The Governance Institute Imperial College London Innovation Media Institute for the Future of Work Institute of Economic Development Institute of Event Management Institute of Student Employers Institution of Structural Engineers Lenio Hospitality London & Partners Lyon Equipment Ltd Medical Artists' Association of Great

Britain National Association of Phlebotomy National Association of Wedding

Professionals National Audit Office National Careers Service (X2)

27


Data Architecture

National Event Welfare Service National Outdoor Events Association Nesta (X2) Norfolk & Norwich University

Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Nottingham Trent University Office for National Statistics (X2) Office for Students Office of Manpower Economics Ourea Events POA Portakabin Events RCP Realise Registers of Scotland Releasing Potential Mediation Rezatec Ltd Royal Air Force Charitable Trust

Enterprises Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Skills Development Scotland Society for Vascular Technology of

Great Britain & Ireland Society of Dyers and Colourists Society of Hospital Linen Services and

Laundry Managers Society of Indexers (X2) South West Adventure On The Move

Ltd Staffordshire Mediation Ltd Ten Thousand Hours The Association of Festival Organisers The Association of Graduate Careers

Advisory Services (AGCAS) (X2)

The Event Services Association The Institute of Conservation The Institute of Historic Building

Conservation (IHBC) The Institute of Practitioners in

Advertising (IPA) The Institute of the Motor Industry

(X3) The Royal College of Radiologists The Society of Professional

Accountants The University of London Top Banana Communication Ltd Turing Festival Ltd UKFT United Kingdom Crowd Management

Association (X2) University Hospitals Coventry and

Warwickshire University of Bristol (X2) University of Essex University of Leeds University of Plymouth University of St Andrews University of Stirling University of Sussex University of the Arts London (X2) University of the West of Scotland VIH Event Consultancy Limited VisitScotland Wakefield Metropolitan District

Council Welsh Government Zed Security and Guarding Limited

28

Documents

Approval - consultations.ons.gov.uk · Web viewAn electronic survey was created using SurveyMonkey (see appendix A). This was published on the ONS Consultation Hub. The survey was