2. Demonstrate transparency and integrity
Ensure openness in how analysis is conducted and used, building public trust and accountability
What:
Demonstrating transparency and analytical integrity builds public trust and confidence in how analytical evidence is produced and used across government, and crucially, in the policies and wider decisions that are based on that evidence.
Three important aspects to demonstrating transparency and integrity are to:
i. Be transparent about the evidence used
Data transparency and integrity should be considered throughout the policy life cycle, with analytical work feeding into policy in a transparent way and clear separation between impartial analytical insights and policy decisions, political positions, and communications (T).
Everyone should be transparent (T) about what and how analytical evidence is used (V) in policy-making and other government decisions. Publishing analytical evidence that is used to inform policy decisions to support public accountability, and evaluation should happen whenever possible, and every time government analysis is used or quoted publicly (T). This should be done as part of viewing government analysis as an essential government asset, and a public asset when published (V) under the guidance of senior analysts (T).
ii. Lead through the effective communication of evidence
It is essential that analysts are capable (T) of communicating the key messages of their work, as well as relevant limitations, caveats, and uncertainty, to non-analysts.
Understanding the needs of the audience (V) is crucial to support the clear and accurate communication of key messages, as well as essential information on limitations and uncertainty.
iii. Challenge evidence misrepresentation and misuse
Everyone should demonstrate integrity by challenging the misuse or misinterpretation of analytical evidence where necessary (T), including by correcting the public record.
Ensuring the accurate use and representation of evidence requires involving the right professionals (T) in the preparation of data communications to prevent misuse in the first place but also challenging (T) and calling out misuse or misinterpretation and correcting inaccuracies in the public record, where necessary.
How:
Our work identified a range of case studies that help demonstrate how to demonstrate transparency and integrity. Some of the essential skills and behaviours illustrated through these examples include:
Embedding ethical and governance standards:
Use clear frameworks for research conduct and impartiality.
Following structured publication processes:
Release outputs in an orderly, consistent, and politically independent way.
Communicating clearly and accessibly:
Use plain language, visuals, and layered content to explain complexity.
Being open about uncertainty and limitations:
Share caveats honestly to maintain credibility and trust.
Actively correcting and challenging misinformation:
Respond quickly to errors and provide authoritative clarifications.
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