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Consultation: The Code of Practice for Statistics edition 3.0
The Code of Practice for Statistics sets the standards that those producing statistics must meet to deliver statistics that serve the public good. It is a useful framework for analysts and organisations both inside and outside of government.
Everyone can apply or draw on the Code. It can help show what is needed to have confidence in data and statistics, whether as a user of information or a producer of statistics.
This Code Hub presents the Code of Practice as well as tools and guides covering a range of topics for those producing data and statistics. It also has useful guides for anyone working within public bodies using data to communicate key decisions and for members of the public.
Official Statistics
Official statistics provide information that helps us understand economic, social and environmental issues at all levels of society. They are produced by people applying the Code of Practice in Crown bodies and other organisations listed within an Official Statistics Order, on behalf of the UK Government or the devolved administrations.
Official statistics producers are regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). Our Standards for Official Statistics in the Code set out our expectations of these producers.
Statistics with the label and badge of ‘accredited official statistics’ (AOS) are statistics for which OSR has conducted an independent review and judged to comply with the Standards for Official Statistics.
‘Accredited official statistics’ are called ‘National Statistics’ in the Statistics Registration and Service Act 2007.
The Office for Statistics Regulation and the Code
The Code is maintained by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR), the regulatory arm of the UK Statistics Authority. The Statistics Registration and Service Act 2007 requires the Authority to publish and maintain a code of practice. The Code builds on the Civil Service core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. It is consistent with the Nolan principles and the Ministerial Code, as well as the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.