Research

The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR)’s vision is ‘statistics that serve the public good’. The OSR research programme explores how statistics can serve the public good, as the better we understand this, the closer we will be to achieving our vision. You can learn about OSR’s wider research interests in our Areas of Research Interest statement. If you would like to collaborate with us on our research programme or any of our wider topics of interest we welcome your contact at research.function@statistics.gov.uk.

Research programme next steps

In answering the questions set out in our Areas of Research Interest statement we will draw on evidence and build collaborative relationships across the statistical system and beyond. We will also support others to translate what we learn into useful materials to work towards our vision that statistics serve the public good. We are currently focussing our research programme on expanding knowledge in the If you would like to know more about any of our work, or to get involved, please contact us at research.function@statistics.gov.uk.

How we use and share research information 

In OSR we are committed to being transparent about how information collected through our research is used and shared. 

For each research project, we will explain to participants how their information may be used, who may have access to it and, where relevant, whether it may be used in future research that serves the public good. 

We will only use and share research data in ways that are consistent with the information provided to participants through the relevant privacy notice or other project documentation.  

Depending on the project, information may be shared with researchers working within OSR, researchers working on behalf of OSR, or others carrying out research that serves the public good. Any potential for data sharing will be clearly explained to participants as part of the project. 

When we share data, we will take steps to minimise the information shared, and we will not share any personally identifiable information. For example, we may aggregate information to make it less sensitive, and we will limit access to those who need it for the agreed purpose. 

Requesting access to research data 

In some cases, researchers, academics, public bodies or others may wish to access data collected through OSR research projects for further analysis. 

We will assess requests for access against factors such as: 

• how the proposed work serves the public good; 
• whether the proposed use is consistent with what participants were told when the data were collected; 
• legal, ethical and data protection requirements; 
• risks to confidentiality or identification; 
• the appropriateness of the proposed research; and 
• whether the requested level of data is necessary for the intended purpose. 

Providing access to data is not automatic. Where access is approved, we will normally share the minimum information required to support the agreed purpose and may apply conditions to how data are stored, used and shared. 

To enquire about access to research data, please contact research.function@statistics.gov.uk