This document discusses the role of government analysts in the UK Department of Health. Government analysts provide evidence and advice to help develop and monitor health policies. Their work involves analyzing areas like health inequalities, smoking rates, and obesity trends. They assess current issues, options for improving health, the potential impact and costs of different policy options, and how to monitor the effects of policies. The skills required include understanding complex policies, collecting and presenting data, modeling, writing briefings, and teamwork. While the work provides varied challenges, disadvantages can include working away from direct patient care and limited opportunities for in-depth research publications.