Adjusting the Organisation of the NSS to Emerging Statistical Issues Dennis Trewin

Why is it important? Should be able to respond to emerging issues if they are to retain relevance Could respond by: - new statistical collections - analysis of existing data (“approximate answer to the right question”) - working with others to analyse existing data

Some Challenges Establishing government support and endorsement Obtaining the finances Obtaining the required subject matter knowledge Conceptual framework Acquiring staff with technical skills Introducing organisational arrangements

What are some of the key steps? What are the key needs? Focus on these rather than the ‘nice to haves’ Research related work. Understand international developments.Seek advice. Try to develop a conceptual framework (it does not need to be too sophisticated) Check the relevance of existing data (administrative data) What is the broad methodology (“Approximate answer to the right question”) What is the cost of the collection? How will it be funded?

Other factors to be considered Are special organisational arrangements needed? Pilot testing is essential for new statistical collections Good project management arrangements How do we keep the key users involved? Role of the Director-General How to brand the statistical outputs?