1. Eurostat Quality Management (in the ESS context)
RDG meeting of April 2017
Jean-Pierre Poncelet - Eurostat
Eurostat

2. Overview
The Quality framework of the ESS: a self-regulatory part and a legal part
The self-regulatory part:
The European Statistics Code of Practice
The ESS Quality Assurance Framework
Recent and on-going quality related work in the ESS:
Quality in the ESS Vision 2020
The High-Level Group on Quality
The Quality Declaration of the ESS
In Eurostat: EFQM experience

3. The Quality framework of the ESS: a self-regulatory part and a legal part

4. The quality framework of the ESS
The current self-regulatory quality framework of the ESS is composed of
The 4 levels (L1 - Code of Practice principle, L2 - CoP indicators, L3 - Quality Assurance Framework: methods and tools, and L-4 Domain specific quality frameworks)
The general quality management principles – quality for the institutions as a whole: including leadership, partnership, staff satisfaction, continuous improvement, integration, harmonisation)
This self-regulatory quality framework supplements an extensive legal framework (Treaty, R 223/2009, domain regulations,…)
Both constitute the robust framework in which high- quality European statistics are developed, produced & disseminated

5. ES Code of Practice – aim
Sets the requirements for production of European statistics
Promotes the application of best international statistical practices
Currently being (targeted revision)revised under the leadership of the High-Level Group Quality, e.g.:
Generalisation (- survey) and modernisation (e.g. paper publication, value), including alignment to R 223 (e.g. Admin data)
Coordination / cooperation

6. ES Code of Practice – Stucture
Quality is defined by the ES Code of Practice in terms of the
Set-up of the institutional environment (6 principles). RDG: P3 Adequacy of resources
Statistical processes (4 principles). RDG: P9 response burden, P10 cost effectiveness,
Statistical outputs (5 principles). RDG: P11 Relevance / work programme

7. Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) of the ESS
Applicable across all statistical domains
Provides methods and tools at institutional and process level
Contains also links to relevant reference documentation

8. Code of Practice Principle 4
Commitment to Quality: Statistical authorities are committed to quality. They systematically and regularly identify strengths and weaknesses to continuously improve process and product quality.

9. ES Code of Practice – monitoring
National and Eurostat self-assessments in
ESS peer reviews in (1st round)
Annual monitoring and reporting of improvement actions (Eurostat & ESGAB)
2nd round of self-assessments and ESS peer reviews in

10. ESS Vision 2020 Key Area 2 Quality of European statistics:
We will provide high quality products and services that meet user needs. We value quality not only for our core products and processes, but also for our institutions as a whole, for overall management, organisation, and governance. Our strong emphasis on quality remains a pre-condition for maintaining public trust in official statistics. This is one of our key assets and comparative advantages in a world experiencing a growing trend of instant information which often lacks the necessary “proof of quality”. We manifest ourselves as the statistical conscience, which guides society through the information overload.

11. Vision 2020
Coordinate quality in the ESS Vision 2020 Portfolio
Ensure continuous fit-for-purpose quality in line with stakeholders' expectations
Develop the conceptual elements of quality for institutions as a whole
Work in close cooperation with colleagues in the ESS: High Level Group Quality, Steering Committee QUAL and Working Group Quality (DIME / IT DG)
Eurostat

12. ESS high-level group on quality
Mandated in 2016 by the ESS Committee with the participation of 10 Directors General and Eurostat
Provide guidance on strategic quality issues:
ESS Quality Declaration approved in September 2016
Modernisation of the quality framework of the ESS (CoP review, its future monitoring and quality for institutions as a whole)
Improved communication of quality profiles to users, better interaction with stakeholders
Strengths and weaknesses, possible improvements of European statistics within the quality dimensions
Eurostat

13. The Quality declaration of the ESS
Adopted by the ESSC in September 2016
Commitment to statistical excellence
Systematic identification of strengths, weaknesses and risks
Continuous innovation and modernisation
Anticipate emerging phenomena and needs with our users

14. Why a strategic management framework needed in the ESS context?
Principle 4 of the Code: Commitment to Quality
Key area 2 of the ESS Vision 2020
Quality declaration of the ESS

15. In Eurostat: EFQM experience
European Foundation for Quality Management
Assessment of the quality of the organisation as a whole  strategic management tool
Journey to excellence  assessment in October 2016
Result: Committed to Excellence – 2 stars
Eurostat

16. Value of a strategic management tool?
Enabling organisations to understand their key strengths and potential areas of improvement to achieve their vision and mission
Providing a common vocabulary and way of thinking about the organisation, facilitating communication

17. Value of a strategic management tool?
Integrating existing and planned activities, removing duplications and identifying gaps
Providing a basic infrastructure for the organisation's management system

18. Strengths identified
Senior management, visible and approachable, leading EFQM implementation
Awareness and response to changes in the operating environment
Objectives cascaded down to all staff
Eurostat Staff Opinion Survey carried out every two years, results analysed and concrete actions taken
artnerships with major stakeholders (especially with NSIs) managed in a structured way
Segmentation of users to better understand and meet their needs and carrying out of user satisfaction surveys
Development of KPIs, benchmarking and linking to strategy

19. Strengths identified
Partnerships with major stakeholders (especially with NSIs) managed in a structured way
Segmentation of users to better understand and meet their needs and carrying out of user satisfaction surveys
Development of KPIs, linking to strategy

20. Areas for future attention
Comparison of key business results (benchmarking) with organisations external to the Commission
Lessons learned from projects
Keep adequate number of staff with relevant skills to face upcoming challenges
Corporate social responsibility
Volume of information

21. Benefits over the last 2 years
Enabler map: key business approaches to fulfil our mission
Bring colleagues together ("horizontal / production", spread knowledge and enthusiasm about Eurostat
Mission, vision and values discussed with staff
Process management, Quality Reviews, DIGICOM

22. Management of Quality / Quality of management
Quality of products / quality of organisations
Thank you for your attention!
Do you have questions or comments?
Eurostat