The Scottish Government

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SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE STATISTICAL SERVICES

Our roles and aims

Our role is to provide Parliament, government and the wider community with statistical information, analysis and advice on most aspects of Scottish life. This information is provided mainly through statistical bulletins and news releases, and is used to improve decision-making, stimulate research and inform debate. We aim to provide an authoritative and impartial picture of society and a window on the work and performance of government, which allows the impact of government policies and actions to be assessed.

Our commitment to data suppliers

Confidentiality: Confidential data from statistical enquiries is handled in accordance with the Government Statistical Service Code of Practice and with the Data Protection Act.

Burden: Information is not collected unnecessarily, but only when there is a clearly identified need. Only the minimum amount of information is collected to meet this need.

Review of data collection: Data collection systems are reviewed regularly to ensure that the information is still required and that the collection system is operating cost-effectively. These reviews are conducted in conjunction with both users and suppliers of the data.

Liaison: Close liaison is maintained with major suppliers of statistical data, e.g. local authorities, by a system of liaison committees.

Feedback: Arrangements for major data suppliers to have access to the data (subject to confidentiality constraints) at no, or reduced, cost, is handled by the liaison committees or by direct consultation.

Our commitment to users

Integrity: We ensure the statistics produced are not presented in a way which is misleading. We also comprehensively check the data at all stages to safeguard standards of accuracy.

Openness: We are completely open about our methods of collecting and processing data and about the methodology used in published analyses.

Guides: We produce regularly updated information leaflets on Scottish Executive statistical publications. Copies are normally distributed with statistical bulletins or can be obtained from the address for general enquiries (see back page).

Release: We will provide on request all available statistical information, subject to confidentiality, reliability, pre-publication embargoes, and on sufficient resources being available to carry out the work involved. An appropriate charge may be made.

Timeliness: We guarantee that requests or correspondence will be given either a substantive reply within 7 working days or an acknowledgement to be followed up (by a stated date) with a substantive reply.

THE GOVERNMENT STATISTICAL SERVICE

The Government Statistical Service (GSS) is the major provider of official statistics in the United Kingdom and comprises statistical staff in many government departments and agencies working in partnership. Together they provide a quality statistical service to a wide range of users. The GSS mission is

"to provide Parliament, government and the wider community with the statistical information, analysis and advice needed to improve decision making, stimulate research and inform debate".

Each department produces its own statistical publications, and also contributes to GSS compendia publications and databases. Scottish Executive Statistical Services are part of the GSS, and are committed to adhering to its Code of Practice and high standards. We work with GSS colleagues across government to provide coherent and consistent official statistics.

GSS publications are grouped under the following broad subject headings: Compendia & Reference / Social & Welfare / Health & Care / The Economy / Commerce, Energy & Industry / Labour Market / Population & Migration / Education & Training / Crime & Justice / Environment / Transport, Travel & Tourism / Agriculture & Fishing / Other Government. This publication belongs to the Crime & Justice section.

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