3.2 Key aspects of Principle 1

Relevance

Official statistics must meet the diverse needs of various users, including government agencies, businesses, researchers, educational institutions, and the general public. This aspect includes:

• Addressing key issues: Ensure the collected, processed, and disseminated data address pertinent societal, environmental, and economic developments.

• User-centric approach: Regularly assessing and adapting to evolving user needs to maintain the relevance of statistical outputs.

• Timeliness: Providing timely data that can inform current decision-making processes.

Impartiality

Impartiality in official statistics is essential for preserving the integrity and trustworthiness of the data. This aspect includes:

• Freedom from interference: Ensuring data collection and processing remain free from unsolicited political or other external influences.

• Objective methodology: Employ scientifically sound and transparent data collection and analysis methods.

• Neutral presentation: Presenting statistical outputs objectively and unbiasedly, allowing users to interpret the data independently.

Equal Access

Equal access is essential for transparency and democratic processes—enabling citizens, policymakers, and other users to make informed decisions based on the same reliable data. This aspect includes:

• Simultaneous release: Providing all users with equal and simultaneous opportunities to access and use Official Statistics.

• Non-discriminatory dissemination: Ensuring no user group receives preferential treatment in accessing statistical information.

• Accessibility: Making statistics available in various formats and through multiple channels to accommodate user needs and capabilities.

Summary

By adhering to these key aspects of relevance, impartiality, and equal access, statistical authorities can:

• Effectively meet the needs of policymakers and the general public

• Maintain trust in official statistics

• Support informed decision-making across various sectors