Introduction
Methodology Consultancy Service (MCS) is one of the UK's leading providers of expert methodological advice, support and training.
As part of ONS's Methodology Directorate, we offer advice and guidance across the public sector.
Our aims are to improve the quality and value for money of statistical outputs and promote best practice for the greater public good.
What do we do?
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We advise on methodology best practice and on setting and improving standards
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We give support on meeting the requirements for the Code of Practice for Official Statistics
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We help organisations prepare for UK Statistics Authority assessment and respond to assessment recommendations
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We provide training programmes and workshops
Our service is available to the Government Statistical Service (GSS) and the wider public sector - local, regional, national and international - and is provided by teams of experts in different aspects of statistical and survey methodology.
MCS comprises experts and specialist teams in the following areas:
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Data collection methodology
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Sample design and estimation
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Classification and harmonisation
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Edit and imputation
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Demographic methods
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Geographic services
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Small area estimation
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Index numbers, prices and inflation measurement
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Seasonal adjustment
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Statistical disclosure control
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Analysis
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Data visualisation
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Quality
Why choose MCS?
With a breadth and depth of experience and expertise, MCS is part of an organisation with a reputation for delivering gold standard statistics.
Our strengths include:
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knowledge of the Code of Practice, UK Statistics Authority assessment procedures, GSS standards and the wider government statistical framework
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being part of the GSS network; MCS has extensive contacts across government
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the quality of the service we offer, delivering real expert solutions
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ONS's reputation for world class statistics and methodology
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an emphasis on knowledge transfer in all we do
Our services
Consultancy
MCS has access to a wide range of expertise and offers consultancy services in the following specialist areas:
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methodological advice on all aspects of the production and analysis of data
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hands-on development of surveys or statistical outputs
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feasibility studies
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methodological research to address complex problems
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quality assurance of statistical methods or outputs
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cross-cutting reviews of statistical processes and methods across a department's statistical work
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evaluation of competing statistical sources
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UK Statistics Authority pre-assessment health check
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independent application of the National Statistics Quality and Methods Harmonisation Tool
Work is undertaken on an individual project basis with services charged on a cost recoverable basis.
Organisations can also opt for a 'call-off' contract arrangement thus providing more flexible access to expert teams or services over a defined period.
MCS works collaboratively and is able to offer first class facilities at the three ONS offices - Newport, London and Titchfield.
Alternatively, we can work on-site to suit the business needs of your organisation.
Please see our Corporate Brochure for more information.
Statistical training
MCS provides courses and workshops for all levels - from entry to advanced level - and is able to tailor a programme according to the needs of your staff.
Courses include the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) certificates and GSS approved methodology and statistical foundation courses.
Our professional in-house facilities provide an excellent training venue, but we are also able to deliver at a location that is suitable for you and your team.
Please see our Statistical Training Programme for more information.
To arrange a meeting to discuss your requirements or for more information please email: mcs@ons.gov.uk or telephone Simon Compton on 020 7592 8638.
Methodology Consultancy Service
Office for National Statistics
1 Drummond Gate
London
SW1V 2QQ
