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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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?