About ONS

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the principal provider of official statistics about the UK. Our information is used by government to make decisions about society and the economy, and by people to better understand their country.

As the UK's leading statistical organisation, the vision of ONS is to:

• be a world class provider of statistical service
• ensure that our statistics command the public's trust and confidence
• create new and exciting online products and services

ONS was formed in April 1996 when the Central Statistical Office merged with the Office for Population, Censuses and Surveys. Jill Matheson is the National Statistician.