Code Guidance

  1. Self-evaluating statistical practice: how well do your statistics meet the new Code of Practice?

    Following the launch of Code of Practice for Statistics 3.0 in late 2025, the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) is encouraging producers of official statistics to consider their existing procedures and practices to identify areas of strong statistical practice and any areas that require development to meet the refreshed Code standards. Use OSR’s new self-evaluation tool to understand how […]

  2. Suspension and cancellation of accreditation

    Statistics should serve everyone, helping enhance knowledge about every section of society and the economy, and people’s place within them. The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) provides independent regulation of official statistics produced in the UK. Official statistics are statistics produced by Crown bodies and other organisations listed within an Official Statistics Order, on behalf […]

  3. Short Guide to Code of Practice Standard One: Show Integrity

    Standard one of the Standards for Official Statistics in the Code of Practice for Statistics speaks to the actions of those producing and using official statistics so they can show they are trustworthy.   At the heart of the standard are the Civil Service values, applied to working with official statistics: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. […]

  4. Short Guide to Code of Practice Standard Two: Lead Responsibly

    Standard two of the Standards for Official Statistics in the Code of Practice for Statistics sets out essential requirements to ensure impartial and independent statistical decision making.   It is allied to the Standards for the Public Use of Statistics, Data and Wider Analysis which emphasise the need for organisational leaders to support the decisions made […]

  5. Short Guide to Code of Practice Standard Three: Be Transparent

    Standard three of the Standards for Official Statistics in the Code of Practice for Statistics describes requirements for the orderly release of official statistics.   The standard is linked to the Standards for the Public Use of Statistics, Data and Wider Analysis which emphasise the importance of proactively taking an open, clear, and accessible approach to […]

  6. Short Guide to Code of Practice Standard Four: Manage Data Responsibly

    Standard four of the Standards for Official Statistics in the Code of Practice for Statistics focuses on data governance and how to ensure appropriate and responsible data use when producing statistics. It emphasises the importance of data ethics in guiding statistical practice and aligns with the Five Safes.   Conducting ‘safe projects’ ensures that data collection […]