Standards for the Public Use of Statistics, Data and Wider Analysis
For all those involved in the public communication of statistics, data and wider analysis
The Standards for the Public Use of Statistics, Data and Wider Analysis are a core part of the Code of Practice for Statistics (the Code). They describe the three standards and required practices that all public bodies should adhere to when using and communicating statistics in the public domain. These standards are based on the concept of intelligent transparency which is grounded in the core principles of the Code – Trustworthiness, Quality and Value.
This guidance sets out who is responsible for implementing these standards, how the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) regulates against them, and provides practical advice for all those using statistics, data and wider analysis (including official statistics) in the public domain.
The aim of these standards
Statistics, data and wider analysis are the lifeblood of democratic debate and so it is vital that they are used in a way that serves the public good. These standards support that goal by ensuring that public bodies use statistics, data and wider analysis transparently, and with integrity, clarity and accuracy. This approach is fundamental in allowing individuals and organisations to reach informed decisions, answering important societal questions, and providing a mechanism for holding governments to account. As a result, public confidence in the numbers used by public bodies, and the decisions based on them, is built and strengthened.
These standards apply to the public use of statistics, data and wider analysis beyond the publication of official statistics. When the term ‘public use’ is referred to in this guidance this includes any form of communication of statistics, data and wider analysis in the public domain including, but not limited to, press releases, blogs, social media posts, policy documents, speeches and interviews. References to ‘data and wider analysis’ includes management information, research and economic modelling.
It is important to note that ‘public use’ does not refer to the publication of official statistics, often referred to as statistical bulletins. The requirements for the production and publication of official statistics are set out in the Standards for Official Statistics.
What are the standards?
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Equality of access
Public bodies should make statistics, data and wider analysis used in the public domain available to everyone in a timely way – so that the public can easily access, scrutinise and verify claims and decisions made based on them
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Supporting understanding
Public bodies should use statistics, data and wider analysis with integrity and communicate them with clarity and accuracy – so that the public can easily understand the basis for claims and decisions made
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Decision making and leadership
Public bodies should seek and use impartial, expert advice when using statistics, data and wider analysis in the public domain – so that the public can have confidence that they have been used appropriately
More information including required practices can be found in the Standards for the Public Use of Statistics, Data and Wider Analysis.
Who are these standards for?
Everyone has an important role to play in adhering to these standards, not just analysts and statisticians. Public bodies need strong analytical leadership, within and beyond analytical professions, so these standards are relevant to a wide range of professions and roles including communication professionals, policy professionals, analysts, permanent secretaries, ministers and special advisers. The key roles and responsibilities are outlined later in this guidance.
Intelligent transparency
What is intelligent transparency and why is it important?
OSR launched its intelligent transparency campaign back in 2021 to address the increased use of statistics, data and wider analysis in the public domain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, OSR published regulatory guidance to support the implementation of intelligent transparency by statistics producers in February 2022. Since this time, OSR has continued to develop its thinking on intelligent transparency and has undertaken a range of activities to embed it across Government.
Intelligent transparency means proactively taking an open, clear and accessible approach to the use of data, statistics and wider analysis in the public domain. Intelligent transparency should be the default approach so that public bodies build trust and confidence in how statistics, data and wider analysis are used and, crucially, in the policies and wider decisions based on them. Intelligent transparency also enhances the reputation of public bodies, ensures that public conversations focus on the important issues, and minimises the risk of misinterpretation or misuse of statistics, data and wider analysis.
These standards are built on the success of the intelligent transparency campaign and represent the strength of support for the principles of intelligent transparency.
Questions to ask yourself
When using statistics, data and wider analysis in the public domain, ask yourself:
1. Is the source for the figure in the public domain?
If so, ensure you cite the source so others can easily find it. If not, engage promptly with analytical colleagues to agree the best way forward – there may be better, published data which should be used instead, or an ad hoc release may need to be published.
2. Are there limitations or caveats which impact how the figure should be used?
If so, ensure you communicate any key limitations and caveats clearly.
3. Is there context about the figure which impacts its interpretation?
If so, ensure you communicate the context clearly.
4. Could this figure be misinterpreted or misused if taken out of context?
If so, find ways you can reduce the risk of this happening in advance. For example, consider where and how key caveats are presented in your communication and whether it is necessary to ‘pre-bunk’ anticipated misuse or misinterpretations.
5. Would further support to ensure intelligent transparency is achieved be helpful?
If so, your analytical colleagues, including your Head of Profession for Statistics or Chief Statistician, should be your first port of call. They will be able to provide impartial, expert advice and guidance. You are also always welcome to contact us at OSR if you want a view on whether your plans meet our expectations.