Measuring the quality of our statistical outputs
A standardised approach to Quality Measurement
Aims
The main aim is to develop and implement a coherent, comprehensive, effective and systematic approach to quality measurement and reporting. Another objective of the project is that all Office for National Statistics (ONS) outputs will be accompanied by a range of quality measures and indicators so that users are able to understand the strengths and limitations of official statistics and how to use them appropriately.
Benefits
A standardised approach to quality measurement and reporting enables:
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monitoring of improvements in data management and manipulation practices
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implementation of changes across ONS to facilitate continuous improvement
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comparability of data from different sources
Progress
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Developed and published Guidelines for measuring statistical quality
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Identified 11 Key Quality Measures (KQMs) for use as statistical Key Performance Indicators
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Liaised with ONS statistical infrastructure and re-engineering projects to ensure that quality measurement requirements are integrated into any new systems
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Identified qualitative measures and indicators for the ONS Administrative and Survey Data Management System (ASDMS) that will hold metadata for storage and reporting purposes
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Researched the quality measurement of administrative data which are used for statistical purposes
Next steps
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Extend the Guidelines for Measuring Statistical Quality to include quality measures for non-survey outputs, for example population estimates
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Research and development of quality grading schemes
