Code Principles Arrangements

From the launch of the Code of Practice for Statistics Version 3.0, the Code Principles will be available to guide the production of statistics as well as other analysis. 

The Code Principles have been designed to be applied by people in different roles, including analytical, operational, policy and communication roles, who are working with different types of evidence and analysis, such as data science, management information, economic analysis and social research. They can be used both inside government and in other settings such as the commercial sector, academia and voluntary sector.  

Key points

• The Code Principles unpack the core principles of Trustworthiness, Quality and Value. Taken together, they provide an ethical framework that can support the publication of any kind of analysis or evidence.  

• Those producing official statistics can use the Code Principles to help understand what is required of them to deliver statistics that serve the public good and to communicate these expectations to others. However, they should additionally comply with the Standards for Official Statistics (see our section on Standards for Official Statistics arrangements).  

• Heads of Profession for Statistics, Chief Statisticians, Senior Statisticians, Lead Officials and other producers of official statistics can draw on the Code Principles when advising on the production and use of other types of data, such as management information, within their organisations. 

• Any producer of data, statistics and analysis that are not official statistics who is applying the Code Principles can be encouraged to be part of the voluntary application (VA) scheme run by the Office for Statistics Regulation. The scheme reflects an ongoing commitment to apply TQV.