Liz Harris

Liz spent four years working for a logistics company and a further five years in the charity sector before joining the GSS as a Fast Stream Assistant Statistician in January 2008.

She explains: "I had done Maths at university but, to be honest, avoided statistics as much as possible. It was only much later, when I was exposed to statistical work as part of my job, that I realised I might be interested in it as a career. That's when I decided to do an Open University diploma and applied for the Statistical Scheme.

Liz's first 18 months as a Fast Streamer have been spent in HM Treasury. "I was responsible for publishing statistics on public spending, part of which involves checking the quality of data submitted by government departments. A real highlight was hearing some of my statistics being used in the Budget speech. I was also responsible for forecasting education spend.

One of the things that makes the job worthwhile is knowing that, ultimately, you're providing the public with information about the country they live in. I've also really enjoyed the atmosphere in the Treasury. It's a very positive environment to work in."

So what does the future hold in store for Liz? "I'm just about to start a new job at the Home Office, where I'll be working on immigration and asylum statistics. My long term plan is to get experience in a range of areas, and build up knowledge across the Government Statistical Service. I really enjoy learning new things, and the fast stream is ideal for that."