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 well your statistics meet the principles of Trustworthiness, Quality and Value (TQV) in the Code.
- The tool is primarily designed for teams responsible for producing official statistics, but can be used by anyone producing data, statistics or other analysis to support confidence in your numbers.
- The tool is an easy-to-use Excel workbook that helps you assess your ways of working against the Code’s new Standards for Official Statistics, which set out the specific standards and practices related to each Code principle that producers of official statistics must follow to ensure their statistics serve the public good and support public confidence.
- Simply work through the questions to build a clear picture of where your statistics comply and where they need development to do so.
- Download the self-evaluation tool now.
Why is self-evaluation worthwhile?
For statistical leads
Using the tool will help you:
- Ensure your team understands what good practice looks like under the Code principles of Trustworthiness, Quality and Value.
- Familiarise yourself with the new Standards for Official Statistics and what they mean for your work and outputs.
- Reflect on your current processes and practices and identify where improvements may be needed.
- Bring together your team’s observations to support discussion and planning.
- Develop a practical, prioritised action plan to strengthen statistical practice over the year.
Be sure to:
- Contact your Head of Profession for Statistics if your review identifies issues that may require significant change or additional resource.
- Get in touch with the relevant OSR domain team if you believe there are substantial risks of noncompliance for accredited official statistics. If you are unsure who to contact, ask your Head of Profession for Statistics.
- Share your examples of good practice with colleagues in your organisation and across the GSS.
For Heads of Profession for Statistics
Using this tool across your organisation can help you:
- Draw together insights from statistics leads.
- Spot common themes and identify areas requiring urgent attention.
- Share learning and highlight examples of excellence.
- Embed ongoing self-evaluation as part of continuous improvement.
Stay connected with OSR
Contact OSR if you have concerns about your organisation’s ability to meet the Code.
We welcome feedback on how the tool is working in practice. Let us know if you have challenges in using the tool, questions about the Code or concerns about compliance at regulation@statistics.gov.uk.
Please also share examples of strong practice that others could learn from.