Modernising Methodology for UK Statistics Gary Brown
Overview Context Method Recommendations Transformation Modernisation Conclusion
Context External drivers “Digital by Default” – UK Government Strategy (2013) “Better Statistics, Better Decisions” – UK Statistics Strategy (2015-2020) “Independent Review of UK Economic Statistics” – Bean Review (2016) Digital Economy Bill (2016-2017) Result: ONS transforming to build capability & make efficiency savings, specifically (re-)use new data sources in the production of official statistics provide a smaller number of generic IT platforms modernize the technology & data estate become agile & service focused collect data online
Method “Independent Review of Methodology” – Garrett Review (2016) commissioned by the National Statistician led by Data Science Ambassador of the RSS supported by ONS team & external Expert Group conducted May-July, signed-off by NS, published 29 Sept The review had 3 main stages understanding the status quo data collection analysis Outcome 12 strategic recommendations 53 detailed recommendations
Recommendations Innovation Leadership Capability at heart of new identity encouraged through broadening areas of expertise championed at board level & evaluated through ‘framework’ Leadership forward-looking, outward-facing cross-government methodological community driving research through academic/international collaboration Capability technical career ladder flatter branch structures academic/international secondments
Transformation New team New roles New structures Infrastructure Data Services Methodologists New roles Delivery Managers Portfolio Managers GSS Support Managers New structures fewer silos fewer managers technical specialists
Modernisation Promoting best practice in application of statistical methods through technical excellence Applied delivery of innovative methods in official statistics without compromising quality reverse-engineering appropriate risk-taking radical redesign of upstream/downstream processes Leading transformation hub & spoke model innovation coordination governance & assurance integrated Data & Methods service for ONS & GSS
Conclusion P(A|B) > P(A) where: A = Better Statistics, Better Decisions B = Better Data, Better Methods