Guidance

Government Science & Engineering Profession Leadership Values

Published 14 February 2023

1. Introduction and purpose

The Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Leadership Values have been developed in collaboration with GSE members, GSE leaders and wider stakeholders to provide a framework of the important values and standards for leaders in science and engineering.

The purpose of these values is to support GSE members to develop and grow professionally and become inspiring, confident and empowering GSE leaders, complementing the Civil Service Leadership Statement.

Speaking about the new values, Sir Patrick Vallance, Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Head of the GSE Profession, said: “It’s important to have clear values and expected standards from GSE Leadership, and I fully support the GSE Leadership Values and standards that have been developed by the team. These will be a guiding framework for all GSE profession members to embed in their leadership engagement and regular practices”.

1.1 Summary of the GSE Leadership Values

Inclusive: a GSE leader values and respects the expertise of a range of specialists and seeks a diversity of views across different disciplines and professions.

Decisive: a GSE leader makes timely, evidence-based decisions under conditions of uncertainty and complexity.

Has integrity: a GSE leader is open, honest and uses established methods in research which reflects rigour and transparency in the process.

Collaborative: a GSE leader is a collaborator, and a great communicator who can explain complex information catered to a range of audiences advocating science and engineering.

2. GSE Leaders are:

2.1 Inclusive

Definition

A GSE leader values and respects the expertise of a range of specialists and seeks a diverse range of views across different disciplines and professions. ​

2.2 Expected standards

• they appreciate and visibly advocate for the value of science and engineering in government

• they are humble, guarded against any bias, actively seek diverse perspectives and welcome views that may challenge their own regardless of seniority​ ​​

• they value and respect the expertise of a range of specialists ​​
• they champion inclusivity and diversity, fostering an environment where people feel safe to ask questions, admit errors, share concerns, and ask for help ​​

2.3 Decisive

Definition

A GSE leader makes timely, evidence-based decisions under conditions of uncertainty and complexity. ​

Expected standards

• they can evaluate, assess, and integrate different sources of empirical evidence alongside wider policy, financial or operational considerations to make informed decisions under conditions of uncertainty

• they can update and communicate their understanding when new evidence emerges ​​

• they are pragmatic and realistic about what is possible, able to make optimal choices that maximise desired outcomes given resource and organisational constraints

• they create the best environment for analysis to help support evidence-based decision making​​

• they are calm, balanced and objective under pressure

2.4 Have Integrity

Definition

A GSE leader is open, honest and uses established methods in research which reflects rigour and transparency in the process.

Expected standards

• they apply the scientific method to their work, encouraging scientific thinking and inspiring their team to seek knowledge

• they are committed to upholding the highest research standards as laid out in the Concordat to Support Research Integrity

• they continuously develop themselves and promote learning and development in their area of expertise

• they lead by example and are visible and approachable in their department and the GSE profession

2.5 Collaborative

Definition

A GSE leader is a strong collaborator and communicator who can distil complex information and explain it to a range of audiences in the fields of science and engineering.  ​

Expected standards

• they can communicate the big picture and strategic vision to their team and others, inspiring them by conveying the purpose and significance of their work

​

• they can distil complex, technical information and clearly explain concepts, tailoring this appropriately to different audiences by understanding different perspectives

• they influence by inspiring trust

• they advocate for change and innovation using science, engineering and technology and are open to different approaches to embed innovation across government

3. GSE members and the Leadership Values

GSE members can use the GSE Leadership Values as an additional tool to develop their leadership skills and leadership within their teams. They are intended to help build understanding of GSE leadership, improve performance and engagement, and deliver great science and engineering results for government.

4. GSE Profession support

GSE will support our members in developing their leadership skills, using the Leadership Values to offer targeted development opportunities and interventions as set out in the GSE Profession Strategy, for example:

• developing a Leadership Forum to share best practices

• leadership Mentoring Programme to overcome challenges and barriers

• publishing case studies from leaders lived experiences for reflection and inspiration

• developing and signposting relevant leadership learning resources

The latest information on the GSE Profession leadership offer is available through the GSE Blog and the monthly GSE Newsletter.