Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Commission set up?
It was set up in June 2000, when the National Statistics framework was launched.
Why?
To advise on the quality assurance and priority setting for National Statistics and on the procedures designed to deliver statistical integrity. In essence, the Commission is working to ensure that National Statistics are trustworthy and responsive to public needs.
Who are the Chairman and Commissioners, and how are they appointed?
The Commissioners are:
Professor David Rhind - Chairman
Ian Beesley
Colette Bowe
Joly Dixon
Isabelle Low
Janet Trewsdale
Sir Derek Wanless - Vice Chairman
Martin Weale
They were appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is also the Minister for National Statistics, in accordance with the code of practice published by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
How much time do the Chairman and Commissioners spend working for the Commission?
On average the chairman will devote 60 days a year to Commission business, the Vice Chairman will devote 30 days, and the commissioners 20 days each.
What is your relationship with the Office for National Statistics (ONS)?
We are not part of the ONS, nor are we accountable to the National Statistician. We advise on the quality, quality assurance and priority-setting for National Statistics, in which the ONS plays a major role in both operational and management terms, so liaison with the ONS is key to our activities.
Are you part of The Treasury?
No, it is our sponsor department, and we obtain our funding and some key support services through it.
How are you funded?
By grant-in-aid. This confers an arm's length status which was considered to be the best way to optimise the Commission's independence.
What sort of organisation are you?
We are a non-departmental public body, or 'quango' as these are sometimes known. This status helps to ensure our independence of Ministers and the producers of National Statistics.
Do you produce any statistics of your own?
No, we monitor and advise on what others do; we don't produce statistics ourselves.
Will all your papers be placed on the web? Will any papers be withheld from public view?
We have a duty to be open and transparent about everything we do. We will put on the site papers for Commission meetings and other documents we think other people might be interested in such as technical reports. But we are not planning to place every single piece of paper we produce or receive on the site. Almost everything can be made available on request (for example we will list approaches to the Commission in the meeting papers and you can ask to see individual letters). There will be a few papers we need to keep confidential such as those relating to commercial contracts with suppliers, but please ask if you want something which is not on the site at the moment. Draft papers are not put live on the site if their content is still being discussed, once they have been finalised we will add them.
How can I get the Commission to look at a particular issue?
From 1st April 2008, the UK Statistics Authority will be responsible to Parliament for building trust in UK statistics. See www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk for further details or email UKSAenquiries@statistics.gov.uk.
How do I get hold of statistics on [whatever]?
The best place to start is the National Statistics website at www.statistics.gov.uk or telephone their enquiry line on 0845 601 3034.