Introduction for Policy Makers

Purpose of the Code of Practice

• Sets standards for producing and using statistics to serve the public good
• Applicable to all public bodies and users of statistics, not just official producers

Why the Code Matters for Policy Makers

• Supports evidence-based policy and public accountability
• Builds public trust in government decisions
• Helps mitigate misinformation and misuse of data

Core Principles (TQV)

Trustworthiness

Confidence in integrity and professionalism; free from political influence.

Quality

Use of suitable data and sound methods; continuous improvement.

Value

Relevance, accessibility, and usefulness for decision-making.

Public Use Standards

Equality of access

Ensure that figures referenced in published policy documents are already publicly available

Supporting understanding

Avoid selective use and include key information to support understanding of the figures such as context and limitations as needed

Decision making and leadership

Seek expert advice in the use and presentation of figures; promote transparency.

Your Role

Champion the use of trustworthy, high-quality, and valuable statistics.

Ensure communications are backed by robust data.

Support analytical teams in applying the Code.

Download this summary