Code of Practice

The National Statistics Code of Practice sets out the key principles and standards which official statisticians are expected to follow and uphold. It is supported by twelve Protocols which describe how those principles and standards are to be implemented in practice. 

Summary of Principles

The knowledge that advances the government, business and people of the United Kingdom will be founded on National Statistics of quality and integrity, available when needed.

National Statistics will be valued for:

•  Relevance
•  Integrity
•  Quality
•  Accessibility

produced in the interests of all citizens by :

• Protecting confidentiality
• Balancing the needs of users against the burden on providers

enhanced through :

• Integration, accumulation and innovation, and 
• Efficiency in costs, fairness in prices

The principles in more detail

Relevance: National Statistics will inform significant decisions in government, business and the wider community, and in so doing contribute to the quality of national life.

Integrity: National Statistics will gain public trust by being produced using objective and transparent methods.

Quality: National Statistics will be fit for purpose and of high quality.

Accessibility: Access to National Statistics will be fair and open.

Protecting confidentiality: Where data are collected or used for statistical purposes, we guarantee to protect confidentiality.

Balancing the needs of users against the burden on providers: Cost of compliance will be kept to an acceptable level and data collected only when the benefits of a statistical survey exceed the cost to providers.

Enhancement through integration, accumulation and innovation: National Statistics will emphasise coherence and common standards to maximise the value of available statistical and administrative sources.

Efficiency in costs, and fairness in prices: National Statistics will strive to be efficient and to provide value for money in both its costs and its prices.