Official statistics gain public trust by being produced and released using objective and transparent methods.
Reliable and comprehensive statistics are important to the effective operation of any democratic system. Objectivity involves using well-established frameworks, stating methodological assumptions, and highlighting major findings in accordance with clearly articulated criteria. Transparency is achieved by using well-established methodologies and making publicly available the methods and procedures used in the production of the statistics. Trust is enhanced by ensuring that agency staff act professionally and adhere to sound principles of good practice as set out in the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, the New Zealand Public Service Code of Conduct, and individual agencies’ policies.
Key elements of this principle
- Legislative obligations and internationally endorsed guidelines of good practice governing the collection of data, confidentiality, privacy and its release are followed.
- Compilation and release of data is free from external influences, to ensure impartiality of the statistics producers.
- Decisions surrounding the prioritisation of statistical needs are transparent.
- Release of Tier 1 statistics is by the chief executive of the producing agency according to a calendar of release dates published at least six months in advance.
- The selection of statistical sources, methods and procedures is a professional responsibility and is based on scientific principles and best international practice, taking into account the cost implications to government and providers.
- In analysing and reporting the results of a collection, objectivity and professionalism are maintained and data is impartially presented in a manner that is easy to understand.
- In the dissemination of data, when an organisation reuses data collected by others, the organisation systematically gives credit to the original data source.
Back to OSS principles for Tier 1 statistics producers.