1. Modernising Methodology for UK Statistics
Gary Brown

2. Overview Context Method Recommendations Transformation Modernisation
Conclusion

3. Context External drivers
“Digital by Default” – UK Government Strategy (2013)
“Better Statistics, Better Decisions” – UK Statistics Strategy ( )
“Independent Review of UK Economic Statistics” – Bean Review (2016)
Digital Economy Bill ( )
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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Conclusion P(A|B) > P(A) where:
A = Better Statistics, Better Decisions
B = Better Data, Better Methods