This Statement is issued in accordance with the requirements set out under the Code of Practice for Statistics. Which sets out the Office’s intention to ensure scheduled revisions or unscheduled corrections to statistics and data will be released as soon as practicable, ensuring transparency.
The Information and Communications Unit endeavours to produce the highest quality statistics, with the information and resources available. However, improvements and consequential revisions can result due to the ‘live’ nature of our information systems, through basic human error and through the continual improvement of methods. In the majority of cases, revisions made will be the result of the Office obtaining fuller and more robust information.
Whilst it is rare that revisions are required for the Official Statistics produced annually, the website will keep users informed of any changes which are made. Where there has been a revision to a table, this will be recorded as a footnote to that table. Where a publication has been revised, only the most recent version will be available on the Office’s website and the title will indicate whether this is a revised publication.
Where a substantial methodological change is planned, or data are to be reclassified to a new definition, we will announce our intentions before the release of the statistics based on the new methods and/or definitions. In this event, the Office will provide background information and an explanation about the changes, as follows:
- we will publish a statement on the Office’s website, or in the affected publication, explaining that a methodological / reclassification has taken place and how this has impacted upon statistical data; and any subsequent changes to method and coverage.
It may take time before the full impact of a particular change is quantified, as it can require the collection and analysis of future data. In such cases, an attempt will still be made to give some guidance as to the likely effect and this will be revisited as new data allows for further analysis.
Errors
Many of the revisions we make are a normal, unremarkable and inevitable feature of statistical life and users are able to absorb and plan for those revisions accordingly. They reflect the receipt of fuller and more complete information. However, some revisions are ‘unexpected’, in the sense that they are the consequence of errors or weaknesses in procedures or systems, or are the result of errors in source material. Regardless of whether the responsibility lies with the office or elsewhere, we will follow the procedures described below.
Announcement of impending corrections
We will be open and transparent about the need for any unscheduled corrections. Once the need for a correction that warrants customer notification is ascertained, we will announce our intention to and the planned date of re-issue.
Dissemination of corrections
Decisions relating to the dissemination of unscheduled corrections will be made by the Lead Official for Statistics within the Office. In general terms:
Web versions of publications
As soon as possible after we ascertain that a correction is necessary and warranted, we will amend all current electronic versions which contain the affected statistic or text and re-populate the website. If the correction is minor or insignificant, in the sense of being inconsequential and hardly noticeable, we will insert the necessary changes without alerting anyone. Alternatively, we may accumulate minor corrections and make an update at the time of the next scheduled web publication to avoid making too many frequent but minor changes.
Paper versions of publications
Unless there are compelling reasons, we will not attempt to recall/re-issue any paper versions of a publication that contains the affected statistic or text if it has already been distributed. We will, of course, ensure that when further paper copies are issued, they will include any corrections that have been incorporated in the electronic versions.
However, if the error is substantial or significant, then we will, where practicable, notify the recipients by post, telephone or email, and point them to the revised version available on the web. If the publication has a long shlf-life, we will consider re-issuing a revised paper version.