Best practices and examples of cooperation of statistical institutions and data users

ROMANIANational Institute of Statistics

1

Best practices Best practices

and examples of cooperationand examples of cooperation

of statistical institutionsof statistical institutions

and data users and data users

NIS Romania

Maria Rădulescu Belgrade

2 December 2011


2

Mission of NISMission of NIS

To develop and to provide accurate, reliable, timely, comprehensive, efficient and demand-driven system of statistical indicators that supports management of socio-economic development initiatives.


3

Vision of NISVision of NIS Romanian statistics, is aimed to achieve

methodological and technical performances, internationally recognized, at a level comparable to statistics in EU Member States.


4

Role of dissemination the statistical informationRole of dissemination the statistical information

Dissemination – play a key role in fulfilling the role of official statistics - society information

Statistical information must meet the requirements of a changing society

Statistical information tends to become most valuable asset of a society

Statistical information management, its provision / purchasing provides competitive advantages for any society


5

Key Outputs of the NISKey Outputs of the NIS

The following there are the core services (key outputs) of the NIS:

Production and dissemination of social statistics: population and demography, migration and vital statistics, labor statistics, education statistics, health statistics and poverty statistics.

Production and dissemination of economic statistics: national accounts, finance and price statistics, external trade, distributive trade, transport, energy, tourism statistics, business and agriculture statistics.

Production and dissemination of environment statistics.

Production and dissemination of sustainable development statistics.


6

Core Values and PrinciplesCore Values and Principles User-orientation: users are the reason for the existence of the NIS.

Therefore the NIS is motivated enough to meet user needs and priorities.

Quality: the quality of products defines the image and the usefulness of the NIS. The NIS is committed to produce increasingly better quality products that conform to international quality principles of timeliness, coherence, completeness, accessibility, reliability and relevance.

Efficiency: is a prerequisite for success. In order to promote efficiency the NIS promotes and facilitates teamwork, networking, co-operation, motivation, responsibility, innovation and resource awareness.

Effective coordination within the NIS: effectively coordinated to achieve consistency and efficiency in statistical production, management, dissemination and use.


7

Professionalism: in order to retain trust in official statistics, the NIS produces outputs on the basis of internationally acceptable and strictly professional considerations, including scientific principles and professional ethics, with respect to the methods and procedures for the collection, processing, storage and dissemination of statistical data.

Confidentiality: individual data collected for statistical compilation, whether they refer to natural or legal entities, are strictly protected and used exclusively for statistical purposes as provided for in the Statistics Law and European Regulations.

Best practices: to facilitate correct interpretation of data, the NIS produces and disseminates statistics following international best practice.

Promoting standardisation: data for statistical purposes are drawn from different types of sources, including statistical surveys, censuses and administrative records. The sources are selected on the basis of quality, timeliness, and cost. Standardisation is carried to the extent possible.

Core Values and PrinciplesCore Values and Principles


8

Protection of the statistical profession: The NIS comments on and corrects erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics.

Legal framework: the national and European legislation and measures under which the NIS and other European Statistical Systems operate are made public.

Transparency: the NIS strives to promote accountability to the public through provision of reliable data, and to ensure transparency in statistical production.

Sustainability: the NIS is funded in a sustainable manner to enable it to fulfill its medium and long term objectives.

Core Values and PrinciplesCore Values and Principles


9

Goals for disseminationGoals for dissemination

Strategic goals embrace the central thrusts and performance areas which the NIS pursues to achieve its vision and mission.

Concerns for proactively awareness, improving demand for and

use of statistics.

Statistical infrastructure development for efficient and effective dissemination tools of statistics.

Data dissemination strategy to ensure that products reach all categories of users in the most user-friendly formats.

Good services rendered for the public to ensure compliance with international standards.


10

Strategic objectives for disseminationStrategic objectives for dissemination

The strategic objectives of NIS Romania are to:

Contribute towards the development of an information society.

Disseminate high quality statistical information.

Provide guidance, develop skills and provide assistance that may be required by users of statistics.

Develop a strong statistics culture within the society and maintain a strong

public trust in the National Statistical System.


11

Practice 1Practice 1

Role of a good IT strategy:Designing and maintain the NIS website as the main tool to facilitate

the communication and sharing the statistical information.

(what platform, type of database, broadband for online access, maintenance and administration rules, access rules, data protection measures, backups, flexibility of the product, user-friendly tool etc.)


12

Practice 2Practice 2 Maintain credibility among data users

NIS is free of political interference and policy advocacy. NIS must maintain the credibility based on the relationship of mutual respect and trust

with those who use its data.

For itself credibility and its data NIS practices: wide dissemination of data, openness on data provided, commitment to quality and professional practice, equal treatment of data users.

Principle 1: Professional independence The professional independence of statistical authorities from other policy, regulatory or administrative departments and bodies, as well as from private sector operators, ensures the credibility of European statistics.Indicators: - The independence of the statistical authority from political and other external interference in producing and disseminating official statistics is specified in law. - The head of the statistical authority and, where appropriate, the heads of its statistical bodies have responsibility for ensuring that European statistics are produced and disseminated in an independent manner.

Principle 6: Impartiality and objectivityIndicators: - Statistical releases and statements made in press conferences are objective and non-partisan.


13

Practice 3Practice 3 Openness about sources and limitations of the disseminated data- released data are accompanied by the description of the purpose of the

program, the used methods and assumptions for data collection, data sources, methods for data processing and dissemination

quality and relevance of the data

- sources of errors in the data

- when problems are found in the previous disseminated data that could affect its use, a correction is released promptly and publicly accompanied by appropriate explanations.

Principle 4: Quality commitment Principle 6: Impartiality and objectivityPrinciple 12: Accuracy and reliabilityPrinciple 15: Accessibility and clarity


14

Practice 4Practice 4 Wide dissemination of data

NIS strives for the widest possible dissemination of data it compiles, timely and public.

The elements of our data dissemination strategy:- an established policy for statistical publications, their formats (printed, electronically, web), timeliness,

frequency available to inform the audience

- a variety of channels for data dissemination, chosen to reach as broad public as reasonably possible; these channels include: internet website, information point, library, data shop, daily newsletter for

journalists, daily/monthly press releases, quarterly press conferences for regular communication of major findings

- release of data and metadata in a variety of formats: printed publications, online databases, cd-roms together with methodologies, so that the information can be accessed by various data users with various skills and needs

Principle 15: Accessibility and clarity Indicators: - Statistics are presented in a form that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons. - Dissemination services use modern information and communication technology and, if appropriate, traditional hard copy. - Custom-designed analyses are provided when feasible and are made public. - Metadata are documented according to standardised metadata systems. - Users are kept informed on the methodology of statistical processes and the quality of statistical outputs with respect to the ESS quality criteria.


15

Practice 5Practice 5 Disseminate official statistics simultaneously

to all categories of users as soon as available through press releases, web, printed and electronic publications.

Principle 13: Timeliness and punctuality European statistics must be disseminated in a timely and punctual manner.

Indicators: - Timeliness meets the highest European and international dissemination standards.- Preliminary results of acceptable aggregate quality can be disseminated when considered useful.

Principle 6: Impartiality and objectivityIndicators: - All users have equal access to statistical releases at the same time and any privileged prerelease access to any outside user is limited, controlled and publicised. In the event that

leaks occur, pre-release arrangements should be revised so as to ensure impartiality.


16

Practice 6Practice 6 Assure transparency by disseminating Advance

Release Calendars of press releases and statistical publications, SDDS indicators with data and metadata as stipulated by European and international dissemination standards.

Principle 13: Timeliness and punctuality European statistics must be disseminated in a timely and punctual manner.Indicators: - Timeliness meets the highest European and international dissemination standards. - A standard daily time is set for the release of European statistics.

- Periodicity of European statistics takes into account user requirements as much as possible.- Any divergence from the dissemination time schedule is publicised in advance, explained and a new release date set.

Principle 6: Impartiality and objectivityIndicators: Statistical release dates and times are pre-announced.


17

Practice 7Practice 7 Establish an information point for readers

and data shops at NIS headquarter and at each statistical office at local level to respond to data requests from users.

Principle 15: Accessibility and clarityEuropean statistics must meet the needs of users.

Indicators: - Dissemination services use modern information and communication technology and, if appropriate, traditional hard copy.


18

Practice 8Practice 8 Create online services for our users:

- build and update the NIS website and for each statistical office at local county - build and update the central statistical database (Tempo-online) with e-

commerce facilities - build and update statistical database for population censuses (1992, 2002)

including a set of 10% microdata - build and update the statistical database for sustainable development indicators - build and update the database of metadata - build and update the database of statistical classifications and nomenclatures - create online sale point for statistical publications

Principle 6: Impartiality and objectivityIndicators: - Information on the methods and procedures used by the statistical authority are publiclyavailable.

Principle 15: Accessibility and clarity Indicators: – all


19


Provide assistance to data users in:

- searching on online databases,

- understanding methodologies

- analyzing the statistical figures

- using/ applying the official statistics


20

Practice 10Practice 10 Establish procedures for treating users’ data requests

especially with respect for the Principles 5 and 15 of European Code of Practices, Statistical Law and Law of public access to the statistical information of public interests

Establish the flow chart of actions and responsibilities in answering to users’ requests and quality of the services rendered for them

Principle 4: Quality commitmentIndicators: - Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the collection, processing and disseminationof statistics.

Principle 5: Statistical confidentialityIndicators: - all

Principle 15: Accessibility and clarity Indicators: – all


21


Design and maintain a customers’ database

(monitoring the users data requests,

internal control management,

quality check of the services etc.)


22

Practice 12Practice 12 Establish the prices policy for the

chargeable categories of statistical services rendered for appropriate type of users

Principle 3: Adequacy of resourcesIndicators: - Staff, financial, and computing resources, adequate both in magnitude and in quality, are

available to meet current European statistics needs. - Procedures exist to assess the continuing need for all European statistics, to see if any can

be discontinued or curtailed to free up resources.

Principle 10: Cost effectiveness Indicators: - The productivity potential of information and communications technology is being

optimised for data collection, processing and dissemination.


23

Practice 13Practice 13 Marketing of the users’ needs

Online survey on users’ needs and their satisfaction on the statistical products

Principle 11: Relevance European statistics must meet the needs of users.

Indicators: – User Satisfaction surveys are undertaken periodically.


24


Organisation of the annual events (each July)

“Open Doors Days” in the Statistical Institute

Principle 15: Accessibility and clarity European statistics should be presented in a clear and understandable form,disseminated in a suitable and convenient manner, available and accessible onan impartial basis with supporting metadata and guidance.


25

Practice 15Practice 15 Participate to book fairs, exhibitions, any other fairs,

having the opportunity to disseminate flyers, publications and promote the statistical products.

(establish a cooperation contract with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bucharest Municipality that is inviting NIS to attend book fairs and exhibitions, constantly NIS has its presentation place)


26

Practice 16Practice 16 Cooperation with data usersNIS consults a broad spectrum of users of its data in order to make its products more useful:- seek advices on data concepts, statistical methods and data products from data users as

well as from other professionals and methodological experts, using a variety of formal and informal means of communication that are appropriate to the type of input (members of Council for Coordination of Statistical Activity)

- seek advices on its statistical program and priorities from external groups, with relevant subject matter and technical expertise (members of Council for Coordination of Statistical Activity)

Principle 11: RelevanceEuropean statistics must meet the needs of users.

Indicators: - Processes are in place to consult users, monitor the relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting their needs, and advise on their emerging needs and priorities. - Priority needs are being met and reflected in the work program.

Principle 15: Accessibility and clarityIndicators: - Access to microdata can be allowed for research purposes. This access is subject to strict

protocols.

- endeavor to provide access to data and micro data while maintaining the appropriate safeguard measures for confidentiality of individual data


27

Practice 17Practice 17 Provide wide access to micro data and metadata for scientific research

with respect for confidentiality rules of Statistics Law and EU regulations

- access to anonymous data for research purposes by strict rules and based on contract

- norms for assuring the data confidentiality

- NSI implied itself in European research projects (Essnets, FP7 “Data without Boundaries”)

Principle 5: Statistical confidentiality Indicators: - Statistical confidentiality is guaranteed in law. - Statistical authority staff sign legal confidentiality commitments on appointment. - Substantial penalties are prescribed for any wilful breaches of statistical confidentiality. - Instructions and guidelines are provided on the protection of statistical confidentiality in the production and dissemination processes. These guidelines are spelled out in writing and made known to the public. - Physical and technological provisions are in place to protect the security and integrity of statistical databases. - Strict protocols apply to external users accessing statistical microdata for research purposes.


28

Practice 18Practice 18 Assure equal access to data for all users

- use embargo

Principle 6: Impartiality and objectivityIndicators: - All users have equal access to statistical releases at the same time and any privileged prerelease access to any outside user is limited, controlled and published. In the event that

leaks occur, pre-release arrangements should be revised so as to ensure impartiality.

Principle 13: Timeliness and punctualityIndicators: - Timeliness meets the highest European and international dissemination standards. - A standard daily time is set for the release of European statistics.


29

Practice 19Practice 19 Commitment to quality and professional standards of practice

- use modern statistical theory, methodologies and sound statistical best practices- develop strong staff expertise in data collection, processing, analysing and

dissemination- assure the accuracy of its data and convey the resulting measures of quality to

users in ways comprehensible to non-experts- develop a strong and continuous relationship with other appropriate organisations in

the field of statistics – exchange data- follow good practices (European and international) in reports and other data

releases, in documenting concepts, definitions, methods of data collection, possible sources of errors

All these are public!

Principle 4: Quality commitment

Indicators: - Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the collection, processing and dissemination of statistics. - Quality guidelines are documented and staff are well trained. These guidelines are spelled out in writing and made known to the public.


30

Practice 20 Practice 20 Dissemination Unit is audited internally

(compliance with laws, fulfilling its attributions,

objectives and performance indicators, working procedures, checklists, risks management and actions to prevent them, management of allocated resources etc.)

Principle 10: Cost effectiveness Indicators: - Internal and independent external measures monitor the statistical authority’s use of

resources.


31

Practice 21Practice 21 Implementation the European Code of Practices for users - to show that European and national statistical authorities are

impartial and the statistics they are producing and disseminate are trustworthy, objective and reliable

for data providers - showing them that confidential information which theysupply are protected and that there are not excessive demands

Principle 15: Accessibility and clarity European statistics should be presented in a clear and understandable form,disseminated in a suitable and convenient manner, available and accessible onan impartial basis with supporting metadata and guidance.

Principle 5: Statistical confidentiality The privacy of data providers (households, enterprises, administrations and otherrespondents), the confidentiality of the information they provide and its use only forstatistical purposes must be absolutely guaranteed.


32

Peer review exercise (October 2007)Peer review exercise (October 2007)

Principle 1. Professional independence – full implementation

Principle 3. Adequacy of resources – largely met

Principle 4. Quality commitment – largely met

Principle 5. Statistical confidentiality– full implementation

Principle 6. Impartiality and objectivity – full implementation

Principle 13. Timeliness and punctuality – full implementation

Principle 15. Accessibility and clarity – largely met

All other principles – partially implementation


33

Few good practices of NIS highlightedFew good practices of NIS highlighted

IT Strategy Data dissemination strategy Working procedures Online databses Commitment to quality Norms for individual data protection Existing of embargo established for new data released to users and journalists especially Weekly monitoring of the activity The Training center in statistics which ensures a sustained training on professional issues for

the staff of NIS and its regional offices There are many forms of successful cooperation and interactions between NIS and universities

and research communities, with both sides benefits: their participation in the Statistical Advisory Committee; regular users of microdata; jointly organised training in universities; traineeships for students in NIS; joint research projects. These contribute to enhancing the perception of NIS as professional science based institution


34

Best practices

Best servicesBest resultsdisseminated for the societyBest standards

Documents

Best practices and examples of cooperation of statistical institutions and data users