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Being open about quality
Rigorous production is essential, but users also need to understand the evidence and assurance behind the statistics. Producers should therefore explain that evidence clearly, rather than relying on careful production alone.
Standard 7, Be Open About Quality, makes clear that quality should be visible to users. Producers have a responsibility not only to understand the quality of their statistics but also to explain it clearly. This means providing prominent information on strengths, limitations, uncertainty and potential sources of bias, so users can judge whether the statistics are appropriate for their needs.
Because statistics are estimates, openness should help users understand the choices and uncertainty behind them. Producers should explain the strengths and limitations of the data, methods and judgements used, so users can draw conclusions that are proportionate to the evidence.
Quality information should not be written only for specialists. It should help users understand which uses are supported, and which are not, and it should be easy to find at the point users need it. Measures of uncertainty, information about data sources and explanations of methods are essential to responsible statistical communication.
Transparency has a wider role in sustaining confidence. When producers are open about limitations, planned changes and areas under development, they demonstrate professionalism and accountability. This helps users understand the evidence behind the statistics and the basis on which they can be used.
That level of openness can feel uncomfortable because it may reveal uncertainty, gaps, trade-offs or areas for improvement. But that is precisely why it matters. Users are more likely to have confidence in statistics when producers are clear about what is known, what is less certain and what is being done to improve the evidence.