Damian Barker
Senior Data, Analytics & Transformation Consultant
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About
Senior analytics and transformation professional with 15+ years' experience delivering data-led insight, business intelligence, and change initiatives across public sector organisations. Specialist in Power BI, analytical research, business process improvement, and stakeholder advisory. Proven track record of acting as an internal consultant—diagnosing problems, designing insight solutions, and supporting senior leaders to make evidence-based decisions.
PRINCE2 Foundation qualified with experience delivering complex, high‑value projects.
Experience
Senior Analytics / Insights Consultant (Internal) - London Borough of Merton - London (Hybrid)
(2023-05)
Headhunted to modernise organisational insight and reporting capability, operating in an internal consultancy capacity.
- Designed and implemented enterprise-level Power BI solutions to support strategic, financial, and operational decision-making across the council.
- Led the evaluation, trial, and adoption of external market intelligence platforms (IBISWorld), advising senior stakeholders on use cases including forecasting, risk analysis, supplier assessment, and tender support.
- Delivered bespoke analytical and research commissions addressing compliance, efficiency, risk, and value-for-money priorities.
- Standardised business intelligence outputs, improving data quality, consistency, and accessibility for senior officers.
- Translated complex datasets into clear, actionable recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.
- Introduced Power BI as a core organisational reporting tool
- Improved transparency and strategic insight across spend and performance data
- Enabled evidence-led decision-making at senior leadership level
Data, Analytics & Transformation Consultant (Internal) - Sanctuary Housing Group
(2017-01 - 2023-04)
Provided analytics, advisory, and transformation support within a large housing organisation.
- Led a three-year systems and processes transformation workstream, applying business process improvement techniques including process mapping and redesign.
- Designed and delivered an economic forecasting and market monitoring model, supporting executive-level strategic planning and risk awareness.
- Delivered value-for-money analysis, benefits realisation reviews, and performance insight across contracts and suppliers.
- Acted as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on data interpretation, trends, and strategic implications.
- Undertook line management responsibilities from 2021, supporting capability development within the team.
- Delivery of forecasting tools to support long-term decision-making
- Identified cost efficiencies and process improvements
- Strengthened analytical maturity across the function
Project & Analytics Consultant (Internal) - Gloucestershire Constabulary
(2013-02 - 2016-12)
Supported and delivered multiple projects across IT, estates, and analytics portfolios.
- Acted as Project Manager for a £4m refurbishment programme during a period of absence, delivering on time and on budget.
- Provided analytical reporting, research, and insight to support programme governance and decision-making.
- Worked in accordance with PRINCE2 methodologies, including planning, reporting, and risk management.
- Successful delivery of a high-value capital project
- Positive stakeholder and user feedback
Analyst / Advisory Consultant - Ministry of Justice
(2010-03 - 2010-12)
Conducted research and analysis to support criminal justice policy and operational processes.
- Produced high-quality analytical reports and presented findings to Board-level stakeholders – eg. Providing advice and support to the Gloucester and Wilshire Criminal Justice Boards.
- Applied quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to inform service improvement.
Business Standards & Research Consultant (Internal) - Gloucestershire Constabulary
(2001-12 - 2013-01)
Delivered analytical research, performance reporting, and business process improvement initiatives.
- Used SAS Enterprise Guide and SAS Base for quantitative analysis and monitoring.
- Acted as an in-house trainer for national IT systems and supported organisational capability building.
- Led intranet and information management improvements.
Education
MA - Public Administration - Brunel University
BA - History - University College London (UCL)