Guidance

GSE Profession Science & Engineering 101 (S&E 101)

Published 4 January 2022

What is Science and Engineering 101 (S&E101)?

S&E101 is a suite of introductory learning collated by the GSE profession designed to increase science and engineering literacy across government. It fulfils strands 1 and 2 of the New Curriculum and Campus for Government Skills, namely:

• foundation level learning
• essential skills for working effectively in government

S&E101 is made up of 3 components:

• GSE Induction Pack developed by the GSE Profession team. This pack introduces the GSE Profession for new and existing GSE members, and also showcases the science and engineering work that goes on across government for general audiences. To access a copy of this pack, please contact gse@go-science.gov.uk
• Learning Signpost Hub: this is a learning hub by GO-Science designed for everyone in government to access introductory learning on core science and engineering topics and skills such as systems thinking, futures and foresights and intellectual property training. More items will be added here over time
• online awareness level learning modules on using and communicating science and engineering advice

Learning Signpost Hub

This is a learning hub by GO-Science designed for everyone in government to access introductory learning on core science and engineering topics and skills such as systems thinking, futures and foresights and intellectual property training. More items will be added here over time.

Futures thinking resources for policy-makers and analysts

This has been developed by the GO-Science Futures Team.

• Futures thinking and foresight: a brief guide 
• The Futures Toolkit provides a set of tools and techniques to help government officials use long-term strategic thinking in policy making
• Trend deck is an evidence base of 118 long-term trend cards for policy makers and others to consider when developing policy or strategy
• Features of effective systemic foresight in governments around the world: the report findings have helped to develop a framework for how governments, including the UK, can think about their own foresight capacity
• Futures, foresight and horizon scanning blog including updates from the team and pieces to develop your futures thinking
• bespoke advice service and Introductions to Futures Thinking in government training session: contact the team futures@go-science.gov.uk to book in a session
• Heads of Horizon Scanning Network - over 300 people from across government with a responsibility for futures, foresight, horizon scanning, and strategy that meet quarterly. Contact the secretariat: hohs@go-science.gov.uk to join the mailing list

Systems Thinking Resources

Developed by the GO-Science Systems Thinking.

The systems thinking programme being developed by the GO-Science Systems Thinking team will embed and promote the use of systems thinking across government. The programme consists of:

• a Systems Thinking journey
• a Systems Thinking Toolkit
• Case Study bank
• Systems Thinking Procurement Guide

These resources are for use by generalists and specialists and are available on the Systems Thinking Resources page.

Concordat to Support Research Integrity

All research conducted or commissioned by government must now comply with the principles of the Concordat to Support Research Integrity. The Concordat is the UK’s national policy statement on research integrity, setting out steps those engaged in research must make to ensure the highest standards of rigour and integrity are maintained. These steps apply to researchers, their employers, and funding bodies alike, and are a condition of grants from many research funders, including UK Research & Innovation. The Concordat is used across government, with the Chief Scientific Advisors and Analysis Function committed to the principles for research in their areas.

GO-Science has developed guidance on how you can implement the Concordat to Support Research Integrity within a government context.

Knowledge asset management

Knowledge asset management is one of the GSE technical skills as outlined in the GSE career framework. Read the 2021 guidance:

• Knowledge asset management in government

Intellectual Property (IP) Basics

The IPO’s online training tools provide basic learning and how to manage IP.

Public health

• Antimicrobial Stewardship e-learning course
• Scientific Writing
• Assessing and grading evidence in public health

Online awareness level learning modules

Online awareness level learning modules on using and communicating science and engineering advice. The 2 modules we are currently developing are:

• Using science / engineering advice: this online learning product is for people with a non-science background who are involved in policy and/or decision-making. It will support government officials without prior science knowledge in using science/engineering advice in their work
• Communicating science and engineering: this online learning product is for people across grades and professions who need to present technical findings to audiences including the public. It will support both generalists and deep specialists to feel more confident in effectively communicating technical topics to a variety of audiences

We are currently developing these modules, and aim to update this page with access details in Summer 2022. If you have any queries or would like to get involved, please contact gse@go-science.gov.uk.

Other GSE Profession learning and development offers

• the GSE Career Framework: the framework outlines the skills, knowledge and experience required to be an effective scientist or engineer in government. It can be used for personal development, career conversations within your team, or recruitment into your organisation
• the GSE Skills Assessment Tool: this is an interactive development tool available to all GSE members to support you taking control of your professional development
• the GSE Professional Recognition Offer: this supports professional recognition for all GSE members, including those who are not technical specialists

Find out more or get in touch

Read more about our ambitions in the GSE Profession Strategy 2021.

Contact the GSE profession team at gse@go-science.gov.uk.