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 was working to ensure that National Statistics were trustworthy and responsive to public needs.
Who were the Chairman and Commissioners, and how were they appointed?
The Commissioners at 31 March 2008 were:
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 was also the Minister for National Statistics, in accordance with the code of practice published by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
How much time did the Chairman and Commissioners spend working for the Commission?
On average the chairman devoted 60 days a year to Commission business, the Vice Chairman devoted 30 days, and the commissioners 20 days each.
What was your relationship with the Office for National Statistics (ONS)?
We were not part of the ONS, nor were we accountable to the National Statistician. We advised 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 was key to our activities.
Were you part of The Treasury?
No, it was our sponsor department, and we obtain our funding and some key support services through it.
How were you funded?
By grant-in-aid. This conferred an arm's length status which was considered to be the best way to optimise the Commission's independence.
What sort of organisation were you?
We were 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.
Did you produce any statistics of your own?
No, we monitored and advised on what others did; we did not produce statistics ourselves.
Were all your papers be placed on the web? Were any papers withheld from public view?
We had a duty to be open and transparent about everything we did. We put on the site papers for Commission meetings and other documents we thought other people might be interested in such as technical reports. But we did not place every single piece of paper we produced or received on the site. Almost everything can be made available on request (for example we list approaches to the Commission in the meeting papers and you can ask to see individual letters). There were a few papers we needed 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 were not put live on the site if their content is was being discussed, once they were finalised we added 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.