Dear Roger

Office for Statistics Regulation’s guidance on collecting and reporting data about sex

Today the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) has published draft guidance for all producers of official statistics to help support them in the collection and reporting of data about sex. This guidance has been put together with a strong focus on the Code of Practice for Statistics and is intended to support producers in applying the pillars of the Code when collecting and presenting data about sex.

I am aware you have been leading a working group to consider how data on sex and gender is collected and published by public bodies in Scotland. In December 2020, you published the latest outcomes from this working group, in the ‘Draft guidance on collecting data on sex and gender’ and invited feedback from stakeholders. While we have not provided a specific consultation response, we would encourage you take on board the principles of the OSR guidance.

The final form of your guidance will have significant impact on data and statistics in Scotland, and possibly further afield. I will take a keen interest in your continued work to address any stakeholder feedback you have received and develop finalised guidance which will ensure data and statistics on sex and gender can be produced to best support society’s needs.

Yours sincerely

 

Ed Humpherson

Director General for Regulation