1. 1 1 Global assessments/peer reviews – some issues seen from an assessor Jan Byfuglien Statistics Norway 5.1

2. 2 My background In Statistics Norway since 1972 – with different functions and responsibilities: i.a. demographic statistics, regional statistics, international affairs, internal planning and human resource management 4,5 Years in Eurostat/EFTA Participated in 3 peer reviews, 2 as head Participated in 2 global assessments Responsible for 2 Statistical Capacity Master Plan (WB) Involved in review of 6 national statistical data producers Several other international tasks/consultancies

3. 3 What are the common goals for global assessments, peer reviews, master plans… To support the improvement of national statistical systems The external review should help to align the national system with international recommendations, standards and best practices The agreed assessment/review should be useful both in relation to national stakeholders and the international community – and form the basis for a national action plan

4. 4 What are the most important factors to provide a successful outcome of an assessment process? The process in advance of the review could be the most important part: –Ensure internal reflection and preparation –Update and provide documentation – in a foreign language The review itself: –Ability of reviewers to put the right questions – and understand the answers –Willingness and openness of the organisation to give as correct information as possible –The possibility to get second-hand opinion from external stakeholders, data providers and users After the review: How are the results disseminated and taken into account for improvement actions?

5. 5 What can be the most difficult areas? The relationship of the NSI with political authorities and degree of independence Low status of official statistics, low trust in the NSI and its products, limited and outdated dissemination Relationship between NSIs and other partners – especially in decentralised systems Quality issues, especially of data based on sample surveys Actual degree of compliance with international standards The historic legacy of the organisation – especially an outdated regional organisation administratively decided, but also outdated legislation

6. 6 General considerations: The basis for the review is the self-assessment, legislation of office and other management documents, web site…. Systematic consultation with non-management staff and external partners/users important to get an outside view The peers and the reviewed organisation should have a common interest in as much as possible an objective and fact based review The scope of assessing a national statistical system is very extensive – and the time/resources available for the process limited

7. 7 General considerations (cont.) Questions prepared in advance need to be adapted in order to focus on the most important and critical aspects No organisation is perfect, and the action plan for improvement should be a key result – but need to set priorities No reviewer is perfect and knows all areas in detail – can mainly act as facilitator and catalyst The review has elements of knowledge transfer and benchmarking – and could be followed up by more direct benchmarking and cooperation between institutions

8. 8 8 Thanks for your attention! Any comments/questions?