About us

Actuaries have analytical skills that help decision-makers take account of risk and uncertainty. Our mission is to improve the stewardship of public sector finances by supporting effective decision-making and robust financial reporting through actuarial analysis, modelling and advice.

Who we are

We apply the actuarial profession’s technical skills, consultancy discipline, high standards of professionalism and industry sector knowledge to solve financial challenges faced by the UK public sector. We are part of the analysis function in government.

Our experts

  • use statistical techniques and mathematical skills to assess the probability of an event and its financial consequences
  • help public sector clients understand complex challenges around financial risk and uncertainty, such as implications of climate change or developments in human longevity

We have about 200 people across 2 offices (London and Edinburgh), of whom around 165 are actuaries and analysts. To find out more about the department, watch this introduction to GAD.

Government Actuary’s Department Introduction

As we work towards our vision for GAD in 2025, we can build on our strengths, including our:

  • strong reputation as objective, professional actuarial experts within the public sector
  • ability to navigate complex issues and apply our skills to novel situations
  • consultancy-style client service discipline, where we place our clients’ needs at the centre of what we do
  • attractiveness as an employer, offering fulfilling careers in a supportive environment

What we do

Actuaries provide analysis and commentary on complex financial problems involving risk and uncertainty to solve financial challenges faced by the UK public sector in:

  • insurance and investment
  • data, modelling and quality assurance
  • pensions and social security

GAD’s case studies illustrate the stories and successes of our work.

Our responsibilities

We apply the actuarial profession’s technical skills, consultancy discipline, high standards of professionalism and industry sector knowledge to solve financial challenges faced by the UK public sector. Our wider responsibilities include our environmental impact, our contributions to the development of the actuarial profession and the analysis function in government, as well as focusing on the wellbeing of our people.

Our priorities

GAD is a shared service supplier to the government and the devolved administrations. We deliver high quality service, actuarial analysis and policy advice, working to a professional code and standards designed to give assurance on quality and consistency.

Our role is to do the best we can in the interests of the taxpayer. We do not exist to make a profit or to grow business for its own sake. As a department, our focus is on 4 key strategic themes to achieve our mission and vision:

  1. clients
  2. people
  3. inclusion
  4. processes

To support our work, we have set out our refreshed mission, vision and values. The GAD 2025 Strategy sets out in detail our plan for the 5 years to 2025.

Corporate information

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