Compiling & Forecasting GDP Independence of the Statistics Office (Samoa Bureau of Statistics)

Outline Fundamental Principles Centralisation vs. Decentralisation Characteristics of Independence Statistics Act 2015 SBS Structure Infomation Gathered Independence of SBS Level of Data Sharing How Independence is fostered

Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics 1. Relevance, Impartiality and Equal Access 2. Professional Standards, Scientific Principles and Professional Ethics 3. Accountability and Transparency 4. Prevention of Misuse 5. Sources of Official Statistics 6. Confidentiality 7. Legislation 8. National Co-ordination 9. Use of International Standards 10. International Co-operation

Centralisation vs. Decentralisation Either centralised or decentralised depending on responsibility for deliverance of official statistics which lies with the central institution. SBS was developed under a decentralized statistical system (SSDS 2011-2021). Considered as being advantageous for speedy responses to individual administrative objectives as well as policy relevance.

Characteristics of Independence Authority for professional decisions over the scope, content, and frequency of data compiled, analysed, or published. Authority for selection and promotion of professional, technical, and operational staff. Recognition by policy officials outside the statistical agency of its authority to release statistical information without prior clearance. Authority for the Chief Statistician and qualified staff to speak about the agency’s statistics before the Government and the public bodies.

Characteristics of Independence cont’d Adherence to predetermined schedules in public release of important economic or other indicator data to prevent even the appearance of release dates for political purposes. Maintenance of a clear distinction between the release of statistical information and policy interpretations of such information by the senior members of the Government. Dissemination policies that foster regular frequent release of major findings from an agency’s statistical programmes to the public via the media, the Internet, and other means.

Statistics Act 2015 - Samoa Section 14. Independence Section 14(1) …the Government Statistician must solely determine: a) what and how statistics will be collected, analysed and published; and b) the extent, format and timing of the publication of statistics.

SBS Structure

Information gathered

Independence of SBS Government Statistician has authority to make professional decisions (scope, content, data compilation frequency, analysis, method of publication and dissemination). Recognition by policy officials outside the statistical agency of its authority to release statistical information. Chief Statistician and qualified staff have authority to speak about the agency’s statistics before the Government and public bodies. Adherence to predetermined schedules in public release of important economic or other indicator data to prevent even the appearance of release dates for political purposes. Dissemination requirements to regulate frequent release of major findings from an agency’s statistical programmes to the public via the media, the Internet, and other means.

Level of Data Sharing Very good Strong afilliation between the Bureau and Ministries & Statutory Corporations such as MOF, MfR, CBS, NPF etc. Perceived lack of responsiveness is very minimal. We are quite lucky indeed!

How is Independence fostered at SBS? Ten year strategy put in place to better meet the needs of the users – “Samoa Strategy for the Development of Statistics 2011-2021” (SSDS) Medium Term strategy outlining framework for the delivery of statistical services to stakeholders – “Corporate Plan (2012 – 2016)” Corporate Plan 2017-2021 IMF & PFTAC in-house assistance as well as capacity building through Trainings & Workshops.

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