Monday 18 Apr 2016 @ 16:25
Office for National Statistics
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Plans for new era in official statistics published

Detailed plans for the transformation of the UK’s official statistics will see the Office for National Statistics (ONS) developing world-leading capability in data gathering and analysis.

The UK Statistics Authority Business Plan 2016-20 published today describes how ONS – the executive arm of the Authority – sets out ambitious plans including the creation of an Economics Centre of Excellence and Data Science Campus at its Newport headquarters.

National Statistician John Pullinger said:

“ONS is changing radically to meet the rising expectations of those who use official statistics. We are investing in the skills of our staff, upgrading our technology and looking to harness the potential of the data revolution. We welcome anyone who shares our vision to work with us to mobilise the power of data to help Britain make better decisions.”

Highlights include:

  • progressive improvements to the measurement of the modern economy so that by 2020, especially in the areas of productivity, financial flows, prices and trade, we will be providing the statistics and data decision makers need
  • stronger connections between the statistical services and the key policy issues facing the UK, its nations, regions and cities
  • a transformed approach to the collection and gathering of data with all business surveys moved online, new approaches to social survey collection and dramatically increased use of administrative and new data sources
  • preparations for the 2021 census include the most ambitious target in the world for online collection and a well-developed complementary approach to gathering census data from administrative sources
  • transformed digital, technology and methodology services plus efficient, innovative and secure platforms for data processing
  • a world-leading and respected framework for data ethics, privacy and security that engenders trust amongst the public and businesses
  • a transformed workforce with a strong emphasis on adaptive learning and a major strengthening of capability in economics, statistics and data science
  • efficiency savings based on the outcome of extensive consultation with users of official data

Media contact 
Telephone: 0845 604 1858 
E-mail: media.relations@ons.gsi.gov.uk 
Emergency on-call: 07867 906553 

Channel website: https://www.ons.gov.uk/

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