Introduction
Virtually all of the statistics produced by the Scottish Government are National Statistics. This is the name for official statistics produced in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The primary aim is to provide an accurate, up-to-date, comprehensive and meaningful picture of the economy and society to support the formulation and monitoring of economic and social policies by government.
National Statistics
The aims are:
- to inform the Parliament and the citizen about the state of the nation and provide a window on the work and performance of government policies and actions to be addressed
- to provide business with a statistical service which promotes the efficient functioning of commerce and industry
- to provide researchers, analysts and other customers with a statistical service that assists their work and studies
- to promote these aims within the UK, the European Union and internationally and provide a statistical service that meets European Union and international requirements
The objectives of National Statistics in pursuit of these aims are:
- to improve the quality, timeliness and relevance of its service to customers both within government and the wider community
- to improve public confidence in official statistics by demonstrating that they are produced to best professional standards and free from political interference
- to operate efficiently by improving value for money in the production of its outputs and minimising the burden on those who supply it with data
Further information on National Statistics can be viewed on the ONS website.
Code of Practice
The National Statistics Code of Practice sets out the key principles and standards which official statisticians are expected to follow and uphold. It will be supported by twelve Protocols which describe how those principles and standards are to be implemented in practice.
The Scottish Executive has published a statement of compliance describing the arrangements put in place to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice.
Statistics Commission
The Commission has been set up to advise on the quality, quality assurance and priority-setting for National Statistics and on the procedures designed deliver statistical integrity and trustworthiness. It is independent both of Ministers and of the producers of National Statistics.