1. The experiences of Turkish Statistical Institute in the
2nd Round Peer Reviews
International Relations Department, TurkStat
October, 2016

2. Outline Being pilot country 2nd Round Peer Review - Preparation
- Visit
Lessons Learned
Conclusion

3. Being pilot country Strategic Information Meeting, March 18, 2015:
Turkey was decided to be the pilot country for the second round of peer reviews on the enlargement countries

4. Preparation of TurkStat for 2nd Round PR
Questionnaires:
TurkStat filled two questionnaires:
- "SAQ on the implementation of the European Statistics CoP"
- "Questionnaire on the Coordination role of the NSIs".
Central Bank of The Republic of Turkey (CBRT) and Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs (MFWA), partner institutions for filling “Light SAQ on the implementation of the European Statistics CoP”. 4

5. Preparation of TurkStat- Questionnaires
All units of TurkStat worked in cooperation to complete the process concerning the questionnaires.
All responses were reviewed on the individual basis and merged into a single questionnaire by TurkStat PR Team.
The questionnaire reviewed in several meetings chaired by the President with the participation of all top management and integrated into a final questionnaire. 5

6. Preparation of TurkStat - Questionnaires
The same process also applied for the “Questionnaire on the Coordination role of the NSIs”.
Several visits were also paid to CBRT and MWFA; presentations were realised on how questionnaire should be filled 6

7. Preparation of TurkStat - Documentation
All departments were required to list all the important documents, then an inventory was created.
References made to several documents in the majority of the questions while filling out the questionnaire 7

8. Preparation of TurkStat - Organisation
TurkStat PR team established within IRD; Vice-President of TurkStat led the Team
A Gantt Chart was designed to follow up the PR preparation process
Activities of information, awareness raising and promotion for the process were carried out within the TurkStat;
Meetings were held with all the actors such as the stakeholders, academics, target groups, NGOs etc. 8

9. 2nd Round Peer Review- Visit
Peer Review visit was realised on November 3-6, 2015
Peer Review Team:
Mr. Gerry O’Hanlon, Former DG of CSO Ireland
Ms. Pilar Martin-Guzman, Former Director of INE, Spain
Mr. Ferenc Galik (Eurostat)

10. 2nd Round Peer Review- Visit
Meeting with related persons from TurkStat and representatives from stakeholders, academic communities, media, press and NGOs etc.
Peer Review Team met with the senior managers of TurkStat
for a general evaluation and shared their first impressions

11. Peer Review Report According to the Final Report;
Peer Review team concluded that TurkStat is highly compliant with the CoP
Compares favourably with other NSls in this respect
The two ONAs examined as part of the Review also exhibited very good levels of compliance
PR team identified some issues and challenges to improve or enhance the level of compliance with the CoP….

12. Current situation
Final report and Improvement Actions sent to Eurostat in May 2016
Eurostat’s comments regarding Improvement Actions were delivered to TurkStat in July 2016
Meetings held with departments and high level meetings realised for finalising improvement actions
Evaluation of TurkStat on Eurostat’s comments were sent in August 2016
“Final report was published in Eurostat web site”
Improvement actions are still on progress

13. Conclusions/Remarks
Improvement actions included in Official Statistics Programme, Strategic Plan and Yearly Plans of TurkStat
Visit of five days would provide a healthier process in terms of the review.
The time granted for the submission of the questionnaires can be extended.
Recommendations could be designed in conformity to SMART approach for ensuring the development of improvement actions in compliance with this approach.

14. Conclusions/Remarks
Self-assessment questionnaire is very long and some questions are not clear and repeating
Questions on ESS membership can be eliminated
guidelines would be useful
A study visit prior and in addition to the in-country visit as observer be beneficial
Annexing a template on the improvement actions to the methodology of the peer reviews be beneficial
Time constraint is a critical aspect during the PR activities

15. Thank you four your attention!!15