Standards for Intelligent Transparency
For those communicating statistics in public bodies
Statistics and data should serve the public good and be communicated in a way that is proactive, open, clear and accessible. This approach – ‘intelligent transparency’ – should be the default for communicating all government statistics, data and wider analysis.
Everyone in government has an important role to play in achieving intelligent transparency in the communication of statistics and data, including ministers, organisation leaders, communication professionals, advisors and policy leads.
The Standards of Intelligent Transparency set out how to do this. They are grounded in the core concepts of the Code of Practice of Statistics – Trustworthiness, Quality and Value – and build on the Guiding Principles from the Code.
By following the Standards of Intelligent Transparency, the government can ensure that everyone is able to easily access published data, scrutinise and understand the context of statistics and, through clear presentation and communication of the statistics and data, reduce the opportunity for misinterpretation or misunderstanding. This will support public confidence in the use of data, statistics and analysis.
All public bodies, including official statistics producer organisations, should apply these Standards for Intelligent Transparency:
Equality of access
Make data used by government in the public domain available to all in an even-handed, accessible and timely way, including, for example:
- figures quoted by ministers in parliaments or the media
- figures used in government publications such as press releases, blogs and infographics
Enhancing understanding
Enhance public understanding of societal and economic issues, including the impacts of policy, by:
- citing sources for figures used publicly
- clearly communicating an appropriate explanation of context, including strengths and limitations, alongside the figures
- taking care to avoid the selective use of data or use of data without appropriate context, which could lead to their misinterpretation
Independent decision making and leadership
Ensure decisions about the publication of statistics and data, such as content and timing, are made independently of political influence and policy processes by:
- senior leaders, including permanent secretaries and ministers, endorsing decisions made by analytical leaders
- analytical leaders supporting and encouraging the use of intelligent transparency across the organisation
More information on meeting these standards, including questions to ask yourself, is available in OSR’s regulatory guidance on intelligent transparency and FAQs.
Related information
Related information
Understanding the Code and how it supports the public good: an introduction to the core concepts of Trustworthiness, Quality and Value
Guiding Principles from the Code: these principles explain how anyone working with data can put TQV into practice, in a wide range of settings.
Standards for Official Statistics: these standards set out specific statistical practices that those producing official statistics must follow.
Guidance hub: information that supports use of the Code, including understanding and delivery of the principles and standards.
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