About the Quality Review Programme
About the Quality Review Programme
The White Paper ‘Building Trust in Statistics’ sets out the framework for quality assuring National Statistics. A key component of the framework is:
‘a programme of thorough reviews of key outputs, at least every five years, with the involvement of methodologists and outside expertise, as appropriate’
This Programme of Quality Reviews is an important way of ensuring that National Statistics and other official statistics are fit for purpose and that we seek to improve the quality of these outputs.
Please note that the Quality Reviews Programme has been suspended while the reorganisation of the Office takes place in light of new legislation on the independence of the UK statistical system.
What is the Programme of National Statistics Quality Reviews?
The Programme is a mechanism for the thorough quality review of all key National Statistics outputs over a five-year rolling period involving, where appropriate, methodologists and external experts.
Why has it been introduced?
The Programme was introduced in early 2000 to help ensure that National Statistics and other official statistical outputs are fit for purpose and that there is a process to support the continuing improvement in the quality and value of these outputs.
The Programme is a key component for quality assuring National Statistics as set out in the Government White Paper ‘Building Trust in Statistics’.
What opportunities exist for input to the Programme?
Consultation is an essential part of each of the reviews being conducted. A number of key suppliers to, and users of, the outputs will be invited to contribute to each review at an early stage, but whether invited or not, your comments on any of the reviews will be welcomed and valued. You should provide your comments to the programme management team who will either pass your comments on or put you in touch with the particular review manager.
Who will monitor the progress and measure its success?
A Quality and Methodology Programme Board has been established and is responsible for coordinating the development and maintenance of the programme. The Board will also monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the Review Programme in achieving its aims. The Board comprises cross-departmental and external members.
The Board have issued guidance and will ensure that each review addresses the following questions:
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what are their users' needs of the output?
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do the outputs meet users' needs and are they of adequate quality?
In addressing the latter point each review will consider the various attributes of quality for example: relevance, accuracy, timeliness, accessibility and coherence. In particular it will consider:
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if the methodologies used are appropriate and in line with best practice
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if the inputs required are appropriate and fit for this set of purposes, and is the burden on data suppliers justified
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if there aspects of cost effectiveness that can be improved
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if the information available to users on quality be improved
Who will conduct the reviews
Each review will be run using effective quality assurance, planning and project structures and tools. The members of the team carrying out each review will be recruited from: the department responsible for the output; users, both from within government and external as appropriate, and external experts as appropriate.
How will the recommendations of the reviews be implemented
The department responsible for implementing the recommendations will be identified and will be required to provide their plans for implementation. These plans will be posted on this website alongside the report itself. Initially, these plans may be high level, but as these plans are developed, greater detail will be provided.
The agreed scope and final review reports, and any news relating to the programme in general, and implementation of recommendations, can be found on this section under the relevant theme.
For advice and information on the Review Programme itself contact the Review Programme
Management Team:
tel: +44 (0) 20 7533 6298 or +44 (0) 1633 812864
