Think TQV: How Trustworthiness, Quality and Value provide an ethical framework for building confidence and combating misinformation

Abstract

This paper explores how the UK Code of Practice for Statistics (the Code) provides an ethical and practical framework for building confidence in statistics and combating misinformation through the principles of Trustworthiness, Quality and Value (TQV). Drawing on the 2025 refresh of the Code and the Office for Statistics Regulation’s regulatory practice, including interventions on misleading uses of statistics and public engagement work, this paper demonstrates how “thinking TQV” supports better production, communication and use of statistics. It argues that TQV offers a transferable model for strengthening democratic discourse in increasingly complex information environments. supports better production, communication and use of statistics. It argues that TQV offers a transferable model for strengthening democratic discourse in increasingly complex information environments.

Keywords: public good, statistics, trustworthiness, quality, value