The Code of Practice 3.0 is now live!
The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) is excited to announce the publication of our refreshed Code of Practice for Statistics (Code 3.0), following extensive consultation, input and advice from a wide range of stakeholders.
Code 3.0 builds on and strengthens our expectations for the production, dissemination and onward communication of high-quality statistics, at a time of growing public expectations for transparency and accountability for data and wider analysis.
The Code ensures that statistics are not just numbers but reliable indicators for understanding the world. When statistics and data are produced in line with the Code’s enduring framework of Trustworthiness, Quality and Value, they serve the public good and uphold OSR’s vision for reliable evidence underpinning our society.
Since its first publication in 2009, the Code has become firmly embedded in the work of analysts producing official statistics. Refreshing the Code ensures it remains relevant and continues to support all professionals working in the UK Statistical System to navigate the ever-changing data landscape.
But the Code is not just for official statistics: it is for all to use. It is not just a set of regulatory expectations but should be a source of inspiration and support, providing a universal framework for anyone producing or using data and analysis in the public domain.
Key updates include:
Expanded scope
Code 3.0 now has three main elements: the Code Principles, which apply to anyone who wants to ensure that information they provide serves the public good; the Standards for Official Statistics, which should be applied by those producing official statistics; and the Standards for the Public Use of Statistics, Data and Wider Analysis, which apply to anyone using figures in the public domain. The Code now sets explicit expectations for the wider public use of statistics, data and analysis, including in press releases, blogs, speeches, policy documents and social media communications.
Clearer standards for the production of official statistics
The Code sets the standards that those producing official statistics must follow; the new Standards for Official Statistics provide ten action-orientated statements that describe the essential areas of statistical practice. They provide clearer requirements for official statistics producers to better support them in placing users at the heart of statistical production and in producing and disseminating statistics that serve the public good.
A stronger focus on accountability
Code 3.0 places a stronger emphasis on producers being accountable to users of statistics, through involving users in statistics planning, being transparent about changes to statistics, and through being transparent about how people can be involved in or engage with statistics production.
Intelligent transparency
The principles of intelligent transparency feature prominently in the refreshed Code, being embedded in the new Standards for the Public Use of Statistics, Data and Wider Analysis. These standards set out the practices that all public bodies should adhere to when using statistics in the public domain. They require organisations to proactively taking an open, clear and accessible approach, to support public confidence in numbers and the decisions and claims made based on them.
Voluntary Application
The Code continues to support its voluntary application by organisations and analysts working with or communicating data, statistics and analysis that are not official statistics, both inside and outside government. It offers a way for anybody to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding the public value and integrity of statistics.
Ed Humpherson, OSR’s Director General for Regulation, said:
“Demand for timely, trustworthy and high-quality statistics has never been greater, while public confidence in official figures, and in institutions more generally, faces clear threats. Official statistics need to play their role of informing society in a contested environment, where fears about misinformation and declining trust abound. This Code is not just for statisticians – it is for anyone who wants to use data to enable insight, inform understanding and shape meaningful action to serve the public good.
Code 3.0 is a bold step forward to place users at the heart of statistical production. It reflects OSR’s belief that statistics must be used in ways that are open, clear and accessible.”
Note to editors
- The UK’s statistical system includes those who collect, produce, disseminate and regulate official statistics, alongside central bodies that set strategic direction.
- The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) provides independent regulation of all official statistics produced in the UK, and aims to enhance public confidence in the trustworthiness, quality and value of statistics produced by government.
- OSR regulate statistics by setting the standards official statistics must meet in the Code of Practice for Statistics. We ensure that producers of official statistics uphold these standards by conducting assessments against the Code. Those which meet the standards are given Accredited Official Statistics status, indicating that they meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and value.
- We also report publicly on systemwide issues and on the way that statistics are being used, celebrating when the standards are upheld and challenging publicly when they are not.
- OSR is independent from government Ministers, and separate from producers of statistics, including the Office for National Statistics (ONS). OSR’s Director General, Ed Humpherson, reports directly to the Chair of the UK Statistics Authority Board. The Director General, and OSR, have wide discretion in highlighting good practice and reporting concerns with the production and use of statistics publicly. OSR’s work is overseen by the Board’s Regulation Committee (made up of non-executive directors, and with no statistical producer in attendance). OSR’s budget is proposed by the Board’s Regulation Committee and endorsed by the Board.
- The Code of Practice for Statistics 3.0 has been refreshed following a consultation with stakeholders. You can see a summary of the key changes within the Code on our website.