SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE NATIONAL STATISTICS CODE OF PRACTICE AND PROTOCOL ON RELEASE PRACTICES CONSULTATION PAPER ON ARRANGEMENTS IN SCOTLAND

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1 SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE NATIONAL STATISTICS CODE OF PRACTICE AND PROTOCOL ON RELEASE PRACTICES CONSULTATION PAPER ON ARRANGEMENTS IN SCOTLAND March 2002

2 Background On 2 January 2002, the UK Government's National Statistician published three consultation documents inviting comments by 28th March. These are titled: National Statistics Code of Practice Release Practice Protocol Protocol for Consultation Arrangements between the National Statistician and Ministers. (This will not apply in the Scottish Executive as it is about the role of the National Statistician who is accountable to the UK Ministers.) Arrangements in Scotland The Scottish Executive agreed to be a part of the National Statistics framework, and as such will require to adopt the Code of Practice. However it remains responsible for all decisions concerning statistics that relate to its functions. Government Statisticians in the Executive and its associated departments and agencies report to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament. Adoption of the Code and its application to Scottish Executive statistics is a matter for Scottish Ministers to decide. Therefore comments on these issues should be made directly to the Scottish Executive. All comments will be made available to the Office for National Statistics (which is coordinating the UK Government consultation), unless respondents indicate otherwise. Respondents may wish to comment directly to ONS on the application of the Code to UK Government statistics. (Details are provided at the end of this note.) 1

3 The draft Code of Practice The Code of Practice can be accessed through the UK National Statistics website. The Code is a high level document that spells out key principles and professional standards for the compilation of National Statistics. A summary is given on the next page. It is intended that adherence to the Code of Practice by those statisticians responsible for compiling National Statistics will ensure that such information will be produced with the integrity necessary for the trust of the public and government. The detail underlying the Code of Practice will be published in a series of Protocols which will be produced in the forthcoming months and updated periodically. These detailed arrangements may vary between the administrations, although not in every case. Planned Protocols are noted in the Code. Consultation questions on the Code of Practice (a) Does this new Code of practice meet the aim of improving trust in official statistics, as envisaged in the UK White paper Building Trust in Statistics? (b) Is it easy to read and understand? (c) Does it cover all relevant issues? (d) Will the supplementary Protocols cover all associated issues? (e) Do you have any other comments and suggestions? 2

4 The Code of Practice summary 1. National Statistics are government statistics that inform significant decisions. Within available resources, such statistics should meet the needs of government, business and the wider community. 2. National Statistics should be produced on an objective, scientific basis. 3. National Statistics should be based on professional standards and producers must have the necessary professional skills. 4. National Statistics must be made publicly available in an impartial way. 5. Data on individuals will be used only for statistical purposes (unless otherwise agreed by respondents or required by statute). Confidentiality will be absolutely respected. 6. In meeting statistical needs, there will not be any unnecessary demands on data suppliers. 7. The quality of National Statistics will be assured. 8. National Statistics will give value for money. 9. Statistical expertise and systems will be maintained and developed. 10. Best use will be made of all statistical sources and methods to ensure that the burden on data suppliers is managed. Application of the Code will require judgement. In the Scottish Executive the final judgement will rest with the Chief Statistician, if appropriate in consultation with the UK National Statistician. 3

5 The draft release practices Protocol The Scottish Executive plans to adopt its own draft release practices Protocol for consultation. A copy of the full Protocol including consultation questions accompanies this document. It raises some important issues, and comments will be especially welcome on this aspect of the Code. A summary is shown below. 1. (a) The arrangement for releasing National Statistics will be open. (b) Release dates will be announced well in advance. (c) The timing of release will not be influenced by the results. 2. The content, format and timing of releases will be decided by the Statistical Service. 3. Ministerial statements will be kept separate from the statistics release and will not be made in advance. 4. Statistics will be released as early as possible but in an orderly way (i.e. in a way which gives a meaningful picture). 5. (a) All National Statistics will be made publicly available. (b) Where National Statistics are derived from management and operational data, the National Statistics release itself will be subject to these same rules. (c) Access to National Statistics before their release will be limited in specified ways. 6. As much detail as possible will be made available to users who want it. 4

6 Consultation arrangements Comments are sought on this Protocol and the Code of Practice by 14th June Please send responses to: Rob Wishart Chief Statistician Scottish Executive St. Andrews House Regent Road Edinburgh EH1 3DG Telephone Fax or use the Consultations area of the Scottish Executive Website Under the Code of Practice on open government, responses will be made public on request, unless respondents indicate that they wish their response to remain confidential. Users of Scottish Executive statistics may also have an interest in UK Government statistics which cover reserved matters in Scotland and other statistics relating to their powers. The UK government's consultation on the Code of Practice and their associated Protocols may be accessed through the National Statistics website at Alternatively phone the National Statistics Policy Helpline ( ) or write to the Office for National Statistics, 1 Drummond Gate, LONDON SW1V 2QQ. The UK consultation ends on 28th March. 5

7 What happens after the consultation After consultation the Executive and the UK Government will consider the responses and any resultant amendments to the Code and Protocols. It is hoped to have final versions in place by early July. The Scottish Executive will have to make the following decisions Whether to adopt the UK Code of Practice as agreed following the UK consultation process. Whether to adjust the draft Scottish Protocol on release practices in the light of the consultation findings in Scotland. It should be noted that the Scottish Protocol will have to be endorsed by the UK National Statistician. 6