The Office for National Statistics has hit back at criticism that staff have been “partisan” in the production of certain statistics.
An independent report commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology under the previous Rishi Sunak administration in February 2024, published today, raised concerns about political impartiality in the ONS.
The report, which looked at data, statistics and research on sex and gender, says: “We recognise the high standards which the Office for National Statistics typically upholds. However, we have seen evidence of a partisan climate on certain issues, including gender, within the organisation.”
It calls on the the UK Statistics Authority to “consider undertaking a review of activism and impartiality within the civil service, in relation to the production of official statistics”.
Responding to the comments, an ONS spokesperson said: “The ONS has a long history of engagement with a wide range of stakeholders on all the census questions. We listened impartially and objectively to all voices and continue to do so to safeguard the production of official statistics that serve the public good in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics."
The review, led by Prof Alice Sullivan of University College London, aimed to identify obstacles to accurate data collection and research on sex and on gender identity in public bodies and in the research system and to set out good-practice guidance for how to collect data on sex and gender identity.
Its report stresses the need for political impartiality, pointing to the Nolan Principles and the UKSA’s Code of Practice.
The Nolan Principles state that holders of public office “must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias”.
The UKSA Code of Practice says: “People in organisations that release statistics should be truthful, impartial and independent, and meet consistent standards of behaviour that reflect the wider public good.”
Sullivan’s report says all government departments and bodies “should review their internal cultures and practices with the goal of upholding these principles”.
And it says ministers “should consider the vulnerability of government and public bodies to internal activism that seeks to influence outward-facing policy, including through staff networks, and whether stronger safeguards are needed”.
A government spokesman said: “This government is clear that the collection of accurate and relevant data is vital in research and the operation of effective public services, particularly when it comes to sex.
“We are grateful to Professor Sullivan for her work, which has been shared with relevant government departments and public organisations, including the ONS.”