Three important Code changes
New, simple and direct principles aligned to Trustworthiness, Quality and Value
- Clearly communicates what matters when working with data
- Drives up standards among analysts beyond government
10 ‘must’ statements with action-orientated practices
- Refocused to help statistics producers more easily put the Code into practice
- Provides greater accountability for statistics producers and greater focus on value and improving quality
Intelligent transparency integrated into the Code
- Extends the reach of the Code to include important communicators
- Supports greater transparency for decision making across public bodies
What has changed – more detail
The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) has refreshed the Code of Practice for Statistics (the Code) to ensure it continues to meet the needs of its wide and evolving audience.
- Code 3.0 is a refresh –Trustworthiness, Quality and Value (TQV) remain central.
- The new structure of Code 3.0 is designed to better support both statutory regulation and voluntary application, extending the Code’s relevance beyond government.
- The principles of intelligent transparency – equality of access, enhancing understanding and independent decision making and leadership – are now fully embedded in the Code.
- Code 3.0 is written in straightforward and accessible language, outlining key responsibilities and expectations.
The ten Code Principles unpack TQV These replace the 14 principles in Code 2.1 and explain how anyone working with data can put TQV into practice in a wide range of settings.
- The Code Principles support anyone working with data and statistics to apply TQV with an easy-to-follow set of dos and don’ts.
The Standards for Official Statistics set out in ten standards the statistical practices that those producing official statistics must adhere to.
- They place more emphasis on some areas not previously highlighted, including ensuring official statistics are not misleading; understanding and promoting the social acceptability of the statistics; and ensuring a quality culture.
- There is a new requirement in the Standards for Official Statistics for statistics producers to publish a statement of compliance with the Code. There are also new requirements for statistics producers to publish specific documents.
- The standards are aimed at everyone responsible for producing official statistics, emphasising their role as analytical leaders. The role of Chief Statisticians/Heads of Profession for Statistics in providing direction and having authority is more clearly defined. The Code calls on organisational leaders to heed the independent professional advice of their analytical leaders.
The new Standards for the Public Use of Statistics, Data and Wider Analysis set out in three standards what public bodies need to do to ensure an open, clear and accessible approach to the use of statistics, data and wider analysis in public communications.
- The standards apply to anyone involved in the public communication of statistics, data and wider analysis, including communication professionals, policy professionals, analysts, permanent secretaries, ministers and special advisers.