The Scottish Government

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SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE STATISTICAL SERVICES

OUR AIM

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

OBJECTIVES

1. To produce statistics and analysis relevant to user needs by

• Developing the range of statistics and analysis we produce;
• Where practicable improving timeliness;
• Providing more statistics disaggregated by age, gender and ethnicity;
• Developing more data for small areas through the Neighbourhood Statistics project;
• Contributing to production of comparable statistics across the UK and internationally.

2. To ensure effective use of our statistics by

• Contributing more directly to policy processes inside and where possible outside government;
• Improving access to and presentation of data and analysis;
• Improving the advice provided on statistics.

3. To work effectively with users and providers by

• Maintaining arrangements to consult and involve users and providers;
• Involving users and providers in planning developments in outputs and processes.

4. To develop the quality of 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;
• Working with the rest of the Government Statistical Service to develop joint approaches/solutions where appropriate.

5. To assure the integrity of statistics by

• Maintaining and promoting integrity through implementation of the National Statistics Code of Practice and related protocols;
• Safeguarding the confidentiality of data subjects.

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

• Making best use of all sources including administrative sources;
• Minimising the burden on data providers through Survey Monitoring & Advice;
• Ensuring value for money;
• Making best use of Information and Communications Technology;
• Working with other analysts;
• Ensuring effective communication within the Statistician Group.

7. To develop our workforce and competences

• Ensuring recruitment of staff with the necessary skills and potential;
• Ensuring development of expertise amongst existing staff;
• Promoting and upholding the standards of the statistics profession.

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

These statistics 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

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

Forestry Commission (0131) 314 6337

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

Additional copies of these publications may be purchased from:

Scottish Executive Publication Sales
Blackwell's Bookshop
53-62 South Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1YS
Telephone: 0131 622 8222
Fax: 0131 622 814
Email: Edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

Cheques should be made payable to 'Blackwell's Bookshop'.

Complaints and suggestions

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

ISBN 0 7559 4956 0

© Crown Copyright 2006

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

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