Understanding user needs
OSR’s expectations
The Code states that statistics should meet their intended uses and should inform public debate. To achieve this, producers must seek to understand their users and the questions that users want to be able to answer with their statistics.
Statistics producers should seek a wide range of users’ views and consider the different uses of their data. There are many ways to do this including: actively approaching users for feedback on proposals; publishing work plans; undertaking consultations; conducting research exercises; monitoring public debate; and considering advancements or developments in other areas of data and statistics provision. Producers should consider if there are opportunities to work collaboratively when developing user engagement strategies to maximise benefits across the wider statistical system and reduce burden on users and stakeholders. Our regulatory guidance on user engagement, as well as the Government Analysis Function guidance on user engagement, provides helpful practical advice on understanding user needs.
The needs of people using data and statistics can be extensive and varied. This can make it difficult for producers to meet the needs of all users with the same output. We also recognise that the collection and reporting of data about sex and gender identity is a sensitive topic which presents further challenges for producers. It is important that producers understand the current wider societal issues and debates about sex and gender identity. When necessary, producers should access a range of expertise across the statistical system on these issues to support their understanding and decision making.
Statistics should be regularly reviewed, with users and other stakeholders involved, to help prioritise development plans. Decisions about whether to continue, adapt, or discontinue statistics about sex or gender identity should be made in discussion with stakeholders.
When an evolving or new user need is identified, producers should consider whether the data currently collected can and should be enhanced or if new data requirements could be met through other opportunities such as data linkage. Producers should work collaboratively, where appropriate, when reviewing and developing their statistics, including across countries or topic areas. Producers should consider the impact of any potential changes and whether they would result in the needs of some users no longer being met. Information on decision making relating to how users’ needs can or cannot be met should be fed back.
Questions for statistics producers to consider
Do you have a good understanding of your user needs?
It is important that producers have a good understanding of what they are collecting and whether this meets the needs of their users. Often data about sex are a long-standing part of the collection and the reasons for how or why these data are being collected and used may not have been considered for some time.
Ask yourself:
- Have you engaged with a wide range of users to understand their needs?
- Has your user engagement been balanced across different viewpoints where possible?
- Are there improvements or changes that you could make to your collection of data about sex or gender identity to better meet the needs of your users?
- If you have identified a user need but are unable to meet it, have you clearly explained the reason for this to users?