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PRISON STATISTICS SCOTLAND,2003

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE STATISTICAL SERVICES

Our aim

The aim of the Statistical Service is to provide relevant and reliable statistical information, analysis and advice that meet the needs of government, business and the people of Scotland.

Our Objectives

1. To ensure that all statistics work is relevant to meeting user needs by

• Improving the range of statistics and analysis we produce for users inside and outside of government (including for key cross cutting policy areas such as the economy, social justice, area regeneration, equality and rural issues)
• Reviewing and where practicable improving timeliness.
• Providing more statistics disaggregated by age, gender, ethnicity and other characteristics.
• Developing more data for small areas through the Neighbourhood Statistics project
• Maintaining comparability of statistics across the UK.

2. To make better use of our statistics by

• Contributing more directly to policy processes inside and where possible outside government. These include community planning, performance information, measurement of government targets, better policy making and modernising government objectives.
• Improving access to and presentation of data and analysis, through better use of the Web, improved publications and improved systems for holding and accessing background data.
• Improving the advice provided on statistics to Ministers and senior management within the Executive.

3. To develop the reliability and integrity of official statistics by

• Assuring and improving quality as an integral part of data collection and analysis and through regular reviews in line with National Statistics quality strategy.
• Developing statistical methods, systems and classifications
• Maintaining and promoting integrity through implementation of the National Statistics Code of Practice and related protocols.

4. To ensure the efficient and effective delivery of statistics products and services by

• Making full use of all sources including administrative sources.
• Minimising the burden on data providers through Survey Monitoring & Advice
• Ensuring value for money.
• Employing staff with the necessary skills and ensuring development of expertise amongst existing staff.
• Ensuring effective use of Information and Communications Technology.
• Managing, promoting and upholding the integrity of the statistics profession.

5. To plan effectively and work together by

• Producing and implementing an annual Scottish Executive Statistics Plan.
• Developing more co-ordinated working arrangements with other analytical services in and out of the Executive.
• Working with the rest of the Government Statistical Service to develop joint approaches/solutions where appropriate.
• Improving the involvement of users and providers, working on a partnership basis wherever possible.

This is a National Statistics publication

This Statistics Release has been produced to the standards set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice and Release Practice Protocol.
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/about_ns/cop/default.asp

National Statistics are produced to high professional standards. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference.

Details of pre-release access will be provided in the Scottish Executive Statistics Website under 'Forthcoming Releases'

Correspondence and enquiries

Enquiries on Prison Statistics Scotland, 2003
should be addressed to:
Venetia Radmore
Scottish Executive Justice Department
Justice Statistics Unit Branch 3
1 WR, St Andrew's House
EDINBURGH EH1 3DG
Telephone: 0131 244 2147; Fax: 0131 244 2623
e-mail: venetia.radmore@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

General enquiries on Scottish Executive statistics can be addressed to:
Ryan Stewart
Office of the Chief Statistician
Scottish Executive
3 Floor West Rear, St Andrews House
EDINBURGH EH1 3DG
Telephone: (0131) 244 0442; Fax: (0131) 244 0335
e-mail: statistics.enquiries@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Advice on specific areas of Scottish Executive statistical work can be obtained from staff at the telephone numbers given below:

Scottish Executive Statistics contacts

Other contacts for Scottish statistics

For general enquiries about National Statistics in the United Kingdom Government contact the National Statistics Public Enquiry Service on

020 7533 5888
minicom: 01633 812399
Email: info@statistics.gov.uk
Fax: 01633 652747
Letters: room DG/18, 1 Drummond Gate,
LONDON SW1V 2QQ

You can also find National Statistics on the internet - go to www.statistics.gov.uk

If you would like to be consulted about new or existing statistical collections or to receive notification of forthcoming statistical publications, please register your statistical interest on the Scottish Executive ScotStat web site at www.scotland.gov.uk/scotstat

Current staff names, e-mail addresses and the publications listed below as well as a range of other statistical publications can be found on the Scottish Executive Web site at www.scotland.gov.uk/stats

Further information on the General Register Office for Scotland is available on the website www.gro-scotland.gov.uk

Most recent Justice Statistical Publications relating to the Crime and Justice theme

Additional copies of these publications may be purchased from TSO Scotland, 71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9AZ, Telephone: 0870 606 5566, Fax: 0870 606 5588. Cheques should be made payable to 'The Stationery Office Limited'.

Complaints and suggestions

If you are not satisfied with our service, please write to the Chief Statistician, Mr Rob Wishart, 4 Floor East Rear, St Andrews House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG, Telephone: (0131) 244 0302, e-mail rob.wishart@scotland.gov.uk . We also welcome any comments or suggestions that would help us to improve our standards of service.

Brief extracts from the Crown Copyright material in this publication may be reproduced provided the source is fully acknowledged.

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