The quality of a statistical product can be defined as the fitness for purpose of that product. More specifically, it is the fitness for purpose with regards to the following dimensions: relevance, accuracy, timeliness and punctuality, accessibility and clarity, and comparability and coherence.
Principle 4 of the Code of Practice for Official Statistics highlights the need for “Sound methods and assured quality”, which includes a number of practices such as quality assurance, quality reporting and quality improvement as well as the use of common standards and concepts.
The links in this page describe the work we are undertaking to monitor and assure the quality of published statistics, and to develop improvements to existing data.
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Quality in the Office for National Statistics
The work we are doing to monitor, assure and improve statistical quality.
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ONS Quality Management Strategy
Our strategy for quality management.
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The work of Quality Centre
Covers the work being done to monitor and improve the quality of National Statistics.
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Quality and methodology information
Quality and methodology information reports for ONS statistics, organised by theme.
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Guidelines for measuring statistical quality
Advice and guidance on quality indicators to assist producers of government statistics to report on quality.
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National Statistics Quality Reviews
In-depth methodological reviews of National Statistics outputs.
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Survey Control Unit
The work of the Government Statistical Service (GSS) Survey Control Unit to monitor and reduce burden on respondents.
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Triennial and Quinquennial Reviews
A series of quality reviews of surveys of business and local authorities, carried out until 2012.
