The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) has conducted an exploratory review to see whether the time is right to look at the meaning and value of the NS designation: does it meet the needs of official statistics in serving the public good in a data abundant world? And, if required, what further developments should be conducted?

This paper summarises the findings from the exploratory review in which we spoke to a range of stakeholders, to get an initial steer on the value and usefulness of the NS designation. It presents recommendations that OSR and official statistics producers can consider, to improve the information for users about the status of official statistics.

Please see our review page for further information about the National Statistics designation review.