Access to official statistics is equal and open.
Official statistics should be published. Only when they are published can official statistics benefit society and its citizens. Publication of data also serves to enhance trust in official statistics. Statistical information is more valuable if it is easily accessed by users, presented in a format that suits their needs, and is sufficiently documented for users to understand the data and judge the quality of the fit.
Key elements of this principle
- Tier 1 statistics producers will ensure equality of access.
- Statistics are presented in a clear and understandable manner and are widely disseminated.
- 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 timing of a release is not influenced by its content or set to create an advantage to any particular group or individual.
- Because of potential for financial, political or other gain, strict security is maintained during preparation of, and prior to, the release of key results.
- As much detail as is reliable and practicable is made available, subject to legal and confidentiality constraints. This includes information about the quality of the data and other relevant metadata.
- In using statistical data it is important to keep identifiable information secure and confidential.
- Statistics intended for the broader public are easy to read and do not mislead. Statistical commentary, tables and graphs intended for general use are compiled with a view to their general interest value, impartiality and cost-effectiveness.
- As far as possible, the price of statistics products will not be a barrier to access.
- Official statistics producers listen to and respond openly to all enquiries and make records open to scrutiny on request, subject to resource, legal and confidentiality constraints.
Widespread access to key findings is through major public information service providers and the following channels:
- standard statistical outputs, including commentary, tables and graphs, on the Internet and in hard copy format, for free or at minimal cost
and at marginal cost via:
- customised services
- data laboratory
- confidentialised unit record files (CURFS)
- remote access (RMAS).
Back to OSS principles for Tier 1 statistics producers.