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National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG) Meeting Agenda: Wednesday 4th December 2013 at 11:00 to 13:15 hrs Meeting Room 3, at ONS, 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ Timing Agenda Item Paper No Presenter 1 1100 – 1105 Welcome and Introductions Jan Thomas 2 1105 – 1110 Review of Previous Minutes and Actions NSHG (13:3) 25 Jan Thomas 3 1110 – 1130 a) GSS SPSC Meeting Report NSHG (13:4) 26 Jan Thomas b) Review of Revised NSHG 2013 Workplan NSHG (13:4) 27 Becki Aquilina c) Census Update and Latest Plans Kanak Ghosh 4 1130 – 1200 Electronic Data Collection Presentation Presentation Nick Barford and Pete Betts 5 1200 – 1210 Country of Birth/Migration - Stage 3 Definitions NSHG (13:4) 28 Pete Large 6 1210 – 1220 Cabinet Office Standards Hub NSHG (13:4) 29 and presentation Julie Zielstra and Nicholas Oughtibridge 7 1220 – 1300 NSHG Topic Group Updates NSHG (13:4) 30 Topic Group Leads Benefits and Tax Credits Report Received Caroline Smith Classifications Report Received Michaela Morris Consumer Durables Report Received Laura Keyse Country of Birth & Migration Paper on main agenda Pete Large Crime, ASB and Social Capital No report received Nicola White Demographic Information Report received Karen Gask Economic Activity Nothing to report Debra Leaker Education Report received Karen Grierson EILR (incl. Sexual Identity) Report received Sian Bradford Health, Disability and Carers No report received TBC Housing and Tenure No report received Hugh Mallinson Income Nothing to report Richard Tonkin Integrated Household Survey Verbal update at meeting Tim Vizard Pensions Nothing to report Hazel Clarke 8 1300 – 1310 AOB Scottish Devolution Data Markers Jan Thomas 9 1310 – 1315 Next Meetings Wednesday 5th March 2014, between 1100 - 1330, ONS, Drummond Gate Office, London Wednesday 4th June 2014, between 1100 – 1330, ONS, Drummond Gate Office, London Jan Thomas

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Page 1: National Statistics Harmonisation Group...Kanak Ghosh . 4 1130 – 1200 Electronic Data Collection Presentation Presentation Nick Barford and Pete Betts 5 1200 – 1210 Country of

National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG) Meeting Agenda:

Wednesday 4th December 2013 at 11:00 to 13:15 hrs Meeting Room 3, at ONS, 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ

Timing Agenda Item Paper No Presenter 1 1100 – 1105 Welcome and Introductions Jan Thomas 2 1105 – 1110 Review of Previous Minutes

and Actions NSHG (13:3) 25 Jan Thomas

3 1110 – 1130 a) GSS SPSC Meeting Report

NSHG (13:4) 26 Jan Thomas

b) Review of Revised NSHG 2013 Workplan

NSHG (13:4) 27 Becki Aquilina

c) Census Update and Latest Plans

Kanak Ghosh

4 1130 – 1200 Electronic Data Collection Presentation

Presentation

Nick Barford and Pete Betts

5 1200 – 1210 Country of Birth/Migration - Stage 3 Definitions

NSHG (13:4) 28

Pete Large

6 1210 – 1220 Cabinet Office Standards Hub

NSHG (13:4) 29 and presentation

Julie Zielstra and Nicholas

Oughtibridge 7 1220 – 1300 NSHG Topic Group

Updates NSHG (13:4) 30 Topic Group Leads

Benefits and Tax Credits Report Received Caroline Smith Classifications Report Received Michaela Morris Consumer Durables Report Received Laura Keyse Country of Birth & Migration Paper on main agenda Pete Large Crime, ASB and Social Capital

No report received Nicola White

Demographic Information Report received Karen Gask Economic Activity Nothing to report Debra Leaker Education Report received Karen Grierson EILR (incl. Sexual Identity) Report received Sian Bradford Health, Disability and Carers No report received TBC Housing and Tenure No report received Hugh Mallinson Income Nothing to report Richard Tonkin Integrated Household Survey Verbal update at meeting Tim Vizard Pensions Nothing to report Hazel Clarke

8 1300 – 1310 AOB Scottish Devolution Data Markers

Jan Thomas

9 1310 – 1315 Next Meetings Wednesday 5th March 2014, between 1100 - 1330, ONS, Drummond Gate Office, London Wednesday 4th June 2014, between 1100 – 1330, ONS, Drummond Gate Office, London

Jan Thomas

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MINUTES OF GSS STATISTICAL POLICY AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE Tuesday 15 October 2013

Meeting Room 5/07, HMRC, London PRESENT Pam Davies (Chair – for Jil Matheson) NSO Mike Elkins David Fry Jacqui Jones Kieron Mahony Duncan Millard Ian O’Sullivan Becky Phillips (Secretariat)

MOJ DCLG ONS NSO DECC NSO NSO

Mark Wardell Sean Whellams

HMRC HMRC

Jennet Woolford ONS Tim Stamp DfT Andy Sutherland HSCIC APOLOGIES Tricia Dodd Tegwen Green

ONS NSO

Roger Halliday Scottish Government Jil Matheson National Statistician 1. Chair’s welcome and introductory remarks

1.1. Pam Davies welcomed members and introduced the delegates of members who could

not attend the meeting. 1.2. Apologies were received from Jil Matheson, Roger Halliday, Tricia Dodd, Iain Bell and

Keith Spicer.

2. Minutes, Actions and Matters arising from last meeting - GSS SPSC (13)25

2.1. The minutes of the last meeting (18 July 2013) were approved. 2.2. The majority of actions were either complete, update provided or due to be discussed

during the meeting. 2.3. David Fry raised the joint GSS / GDS working group looking at the style and future of

the Publication Hub. It was confirmed that this is something that Iain Bell is engaged with and is a matter for the Presentation and Dissemination Committee (PDC) to deal. The Chair offered to discuss with Iain Bell.

2.4. Duncan Millard referenced action 6 of the last meeting regarding nominating departments as a pilot for testing presentation tools across GSS. He mentioned that he had offered at the last meeting to explore with Iain, but acknowledged that neither he nor Iain has been able to follow up.

2.5. Jennet Woolford confirmed that she will update members on actions 7 and 8 at items 3 and 11 respectively.

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ACTION 1: Pam Davies to raise the GSS / GDS working group on the future of the Publication Hub with Iain Bell. 3. Update from the GSS National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG) – GSS

SPSC (13)26

3.1. Jennet Woolford introduced this paper and provided an overview of the key priorities from the annual workshop that was held a few weeks ago. This focused on strategic issues, raising the profile of harmonisation across the GSS / GSR and with other analytical groups across government and exploring links with well-being to become a new harmonised standard.

3.2. Jennet also mentioned her concerns that the Group was not working as well as it could and there is a need to get the steering group right so that the team get the necessary support to pursue actions.

3.3. The following points were made in discussion:- • Members were keen to ensure priorities going forward are aligned with the strategies. • The Group seems to be focusing on a number of key priorities and it maybe more

beneficial to focus on one like Well-being, which is a good platform to start as ONS and DEFRA are already taking forward and good links already established.

• The Harmonisation Strategy that came to SPSC 18 months ago could be refreshed to be made more effective.

• The Group may also benefit from rebranding as Standardisation rather than Harmonisation and have clear ownership of all the elements rather than just some.

• With the GSS Strategy having been signed off, it could be passed to the Group to take the implementation plan forward. It would also be useful if they had a data sub-group (similar to the People Committee) to cover off issues of this nature.

ACTION 2: Jennet Woolford to ensure NSHG is reminded of the Strategy and what sections they are aligned to.

ACTION 3: Jennet Woolford to agree what priorities will be addressed now and in the future and that they are tied into the Data Strategy. 4. GSS Data Strategy Task and Finish Group (DSG) – GSS SPSC (13)27

4.1. Sean Whellams introduced this paper and confirmed the DSG has developed a final

strategy, in line with input received at the HoPs workshop, Methodology Symposium and Committee for Official Statistics.

4.2. Sean confirmed that a more detailed version of the Implementation Plan needs wider dissemination and this is just advanced sighting ahead of future sign off. It was the information on page 14 and 27 of the paper that he was seeking sign-off from the Committee.

4.3. There is a launch event being organised before the GSS Conference and is expected to include representation from HoPs, Departmental Directors of Analysis, Committee for Official Statistics, Open Data Institute and the RSS. Sean wanted to encourage attendance from anyone who could benefit from coming to the launch.

4.4. It was mentioned that is Jil leading on Data Scientists and BIS are launching Government Capability Strategy, which is consistent with Data Strategy.It is clear that the Heads of Analysis are keen to get on with it rather than continuing to review and discuss refinements.

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4.5. Sean also confirmed the Implementation Plan will be shared across relevant groups / leads for them to confirm where they are now and that they are content to deliver. The plan is to take the Plan to HoPs in December for comment and sign-off and then it will be brought back to SPSC in the new year as a below the line item so they can comment.

ACTION 4: SPSC members to email Sean Whellams directly with comments / feedback by 29 November 2013. 5. Proposed Task and Finish Group: Communicating Uncertainty and Change – GSS

SPSC (13)28

5.1. Kieron Mahony introduced this paper on behalf of the Good Practice Team (GPT) regarding their proposal to set up a GSS Task and Finish Group to develop generic guidance and a suite of case studies / examples around communication of uncertainty and change in statistical outputs.

5.2. The drivers for this piece of work originated from the GPT report, which outlines what they have done to date and Jil Matheson is very keen on communicating uncertainty. It was also mentioned that COS is also concerned about these issues.

5.3. that the following points were made in discussion:- • this work should be a trigger for engagement with the other analytical professions,. • the distinction between members and stakeholders is important and the TFG must

have user representation . It is anticipated that the TFG will circulate their analysis and emerging findings to members via correspondence before the next meeting in January 2014.

ACTION 5: Pam Davies to report back to GPT with the Committee’s views including in particular the need to involve the other analytical professions. 6. SPSC priorities and workplan – GSS SPSC (13)30

6.1. Ian O’Sullivan joined meeting via audio and presented this paper which provided outline proposals for a 2013/14 SPSC work programme. It is based on SPSC’s existing commitments in relation to implementation of the GSS 2020 Strategy and some priorities rolled over from its 2012/13 work programme.

6.2. Ian confirmed that the format has changed and now covers four main areas, which hopefully will help to monitor priorities going forward.

6.3. It was confirmed those deliverables identified as Amber and Red reflect lengthy priorities from the previous work programme and progress that has not been made to date.

6.4. Members were broadly happy with the content, structure and presentation of the work programme. They wanted assurance that high priorities ( including 2.2, 2.3 and 3.2) would be addressed first and aligned correctly and that some priorities can be downgraded or merged ( including 1.2 and 3.7).

6.5. Delivery of the new StatNet was also discussed and Pam confirmed that we are now in the final stages and it will be launched before the GSS Conference.

ACTION 6: Members invited to send any written comments to Secretariat by Friday 29

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November 2013.

ACTION 7: Secretariat to send updated version to members before next meeting in January 2014. 7. GSS IC Work Programme – GSS SPSC (13)29

7.1. Duncan Millard presented this paper and update on work completed to date. This has included ensuring International Liaison Officer’s (ILO) are in place, that ongoing compliance monitoring is all set up, ESS training is being delivered, and that generally the work has been moving in the right direction.

7.2. The evaluation of the work programme from last year was also used to inform the structure needed around the international work going forward. This includes continued focus on monitoring and compliance, getting buy-in across the GSS to embed international work and continuing to support the ILO network and learning across departments.

7.3. Members confirmed that they approved Work Programme and Risk Register and that it could be used a model for good practice across other committees.

8. Methodology Task and Finish Group – GSS SPSC (13)31

8.1. Kieron Mahony introduced the interim report of the Methodological Support Task and Finish Group on behalf of Tegwen Green and asked members to consider and agree the basic structure of the proposed framework (Annex A).

8.2. Members confirmed that it was important to ensure the proposal was fit for purpose. 8.3. Duncan confirmed that DECC are planning something similar and felt it was important

that the TFG liaised with DECC.

ACTION 8: TFG to liaise with DECC about their work on risk based Quality Assurance.

9. Quality Improvement Fund Sub-Group – GSS SPSC (13)32

9.1. Jennet Woolford presented this paper that provided an overview of 2012/13 QIF funding, including the outcomes of the funded projects.

9.2. Jennet confirmed that the feedback confirmed it was not easy to see what QIF funding achieved. Hence, it has been agreed that in the 2014/15 round the final report of funded projects will need to include information about its benefits to the wider GSS.

9.3. The Committee agreed that the criteria for the 2014/15 round should include reference to current and strategic quality issues.

10. Future of the Publication Hub – GSS SPSC (13)33

10.1. Pam Davies presented this paper on behalf of Iain Bell that updated members on the future of the Publication Hub. This paper has been discussed at to COS and the Authority Board, with the latter endorsing plans to commission further work and to continue to work with GDS to prepare final proposals.

10.2. Members commented on the importance of keeping in mind organisations that are not on the gov.uk system, of linking to departments’ own web pages from the home page of gov.uk and whether using the Theme structure was appropriate.

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10.3. The Chair also confirmed that the Devolved Administrations are on board and willing to be part of these discussions.

11. Interim report from the Statistical Disclosure T&F Group – GSS SPSC (13)34 11.1. Jennet Woolford presented this paper on behalf of Keith Spicer that is an update of

the activities of the Statistical Disclosure Task and Finish Group. 11.2. The second meeting was held on 4 September and included representatives from the

statistics user community and from DWP. There are a number of things ongoing which the group are working to deliver including an e-learning package, licensing and open data.

11.3. The Group are next meeting in November where they will be looking at issues to do with births and deaths data.

ACTION 9: Jennet Woolford to send guidance, which was presented at the last meeting, to Andy Sutherland. 12. Points arising from Summary Reports from Sub-Committees and Sub-Groups –

GSS SPSC (13)35 12.1. Kieron Mahony presented this paper and invited members to comment. He also

confirmed that in future this item will be below the line unless members have a particular issue that they wish to raise at the meeting.

12.2. It was mentioned that attendance at the Business Registers Group has dropped off and it is actively seeking new members. SPSC Secretariat to follow this up to establish whether they require support.

ACTION 10: GSS Secretariat to contact Business Registers Group Secretariat to offer support in seeking new members. 13. Any other business

13.1. Pam Davies provided an update on the GPT. Tegwen Green from NSO and Nick Woodhill from MOD have successfully been recruited as G7’s. Members were previously informed that Liam Murray was joining the GPT in the G6 role, however, he has since secured temporary promotion within his division and it has now been agreed that Martin Ralph’s will join the team in the G6 role.

13.2. The launch of GSSNet (the new StatNet), originally planned before the end of October, will now take place in early November following final testing. David Fry mentioned that he is no longer able to put jobs on StatNet first and has to go through Civil Service Jobs (CSJ), which can be quite a lengthy process. The Secretariat agreed to check the process through with Craig Orchard and report back.

13.3. Becky Phillips provided an update on the SDMX workshop held on 11 October 2013, which was set up following feedback received from departments regarding progress being made with adopting SDMX. It was clear that most departments had made very little or no progress to date and the workshop was an opportunity for them to discuss SDMX with ONS experts. The workshop included a detailed presentation from National Accounts who are currently trialling SDMX, which included information on their project timetable and lessons learned. NSO will now compile the feedback received and action plans from each department on how they plan to take SDMX

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forward and potential barriers they face. This will then be shared with members via correspondence.

13.4. Duncan Millard mentioned the new Head of Assessment, Ed Humpherson, and that it would be useful for the Committee to know what areas he is particularly interested in. Pam agreed to get more information and report back to committee

13.5. Tim Stamp mentioned that the GSS Twitter Account seems to update quite sporadically. Pam agreed this needs to be reviewed and that she will get someone from the NSO to take ownership.

ACTION 11: GSS Secretariat to speak to Craig Orchard about advertising jobs on GSSNet and CSJ and report back to members.

ACTION 12: GSS Secretariat to share SDMX action plans with members via correspondence.

ACTION 13: Pam to obtain information on the new Head of Assessment and share with members.

ACTION 14: Pam to look into assigning ownership of the GSS Twitter Account to a member of the NSO team.

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National Statistics Harmonisation Group

NSHG Work Plan – December 2013

Executive Summary 1. The Harmonisation programme involves the harmonisation of survey questions, concepts,

classifications and outputs in order to make survey results more comparable. This paper is regularly presented to the NSHG and summarises the harmonisation initiatives currently in progress together with an overview of the current work programme.

2. Annex B contains a table summarising the terms of reference for the group and progress against the

associated activities.

Current Work Programme

3. Harmonisation Web pages – The ongoing update of the ONS Harmonisation web pages has continued alongside the launch of the new ONS website.

4. Sub topic groups - There are now thirteen sub groups reporting to the NSHG. The work of these Topic

Groups has been ongoing and the reports from these groups are presented to this meeting. A number of recommendations have now been ratified by GSS SPSC and HoPs.

• Benefits and Tax Credits • Classifications • Consumer Durables • Country of Birth/Migration and Citizenship • Crime, Anti Social Behaviour and Social Capital • Demographic Information, Household Relationships to include Civil Partnership • Disability; to include general health and carers (no current topic lead) • Economic Activity and Employment Status • Educational Attainment • Ethnicity, National Identity, Language & Religion (EILR) now combined with Sexual identity • Housing and Tenure, including Accommodation, Type/Length of Residence, Motor Vehicles & Housing

Costs and Benefits • Income • Pensions

The harmonisation team provide an induction process which includes all relevant links and information for new topic leads. However, following on from feedback from the Annual NSHG workshop held September 2013, an update of the respective topics progress will be included as part of the handover and provided for by departing topic lead or the harmonisation team. This will assist with continuity. Alongside this further feedback from members has resulted in the circulation of amendments or updates to standards prior to the NSHG meetings to ensure wider communication before the approval process, or additional time after the meetings to be allowed for consultation, if there has not been sufficient time beforehand. Annex A shows a list of standards by priority to be updated or amended as part of the bi-annual review which took place at the Annual NSHG workshop in September 2013.

5. GSS Harmonised Question Library (GSS HQL) – A final version of the UK Data Service Variable and Question Bank was re-launched during March 2013 and a link has been added to the ONS Harmonisation web-pages: http://discover.ukdataservice.ac.uk/variables A few ONS Business

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surveys have been sent to the UK Data Service Variable and Question Bank Manager to be added to the V&QB to compare differences. A Link to a demo on Youtube http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/harmonisation/harmonisation-programme/uk-data-service/index.html has been added to the harmonisation web-pages. ONS shall continue to work closely with the UK Data Service Variable and Question Bank team for future improvements and maintenance.

6. Raising the profile of Harmonisation and strengthening links – The Annual NSHG workshop identified various interest groups that need to be approached and consulted to raise the profile of harmonisation and to strengthen links;

- Government Social Research (GSR) - Government Economic Service (GES) - Government Statistical Service (GSS) - Research, Analysis and Statistical (RAS) - Royal Statistical Society (RSS) - Survey Control Unit (ONS) - Information Standards Board (ISB) - Survey Design - Open Data Initiative - Admin data and data linkage

A list of relevant stakeholders will be developed by the harmonisation team to ensure wider dissemination of information.

7. Harmonisation Roadshows – The harmonisation team presented the Harmonisation Roadshow to BIS

on the 10th October 2013. No future roadshows are booked however the team will contact the various identified interest groups above to begin raising the harmonisation profile.

8. Web Data Access (WDA) – The aim of the project is to deliver an enhanced website capability for

organisations and individuals to use and explore ONS statistics more effectively by providing users with direct access to ONS data sources. Within the work there will be a key requirement for the harmonisation of dataset characteristics and the use of standard classifications.

9. NSHG Steering Group – An update paper to the GSS SPSC was tabled at the October 2013 meeting

to invite the views of the committee on whether the membership is sufficient to provide the necessary guidance or prioritisation. Furthermore, views are sought on whether suitable challenge can be provided when the chair and secretariat of NSHSG are the same as that for NSHG. GSS SPSC is invited to comment on whether the current organisation and membership is appropriate to achieve the aims of the group and to make recommendations, or, if not, to propose how the steering group can effectively meet the Terms of Reference. Committee members suggested since the GSS Strategy has been launched early November, it could be passed to the NSHG to take the implementation plan forward. It would also be useful if the NSHG had a data sub-group (similar to the People Committee) to cover issues of this nature.

10. Harmonising Business Standards – The Harmonisation team held two mini business harmonisation workshops at ONS in Newport. The mini workshops followed on from the presentation to ONS Collection and Production board meeting on 19/07/2013. The main purpose of the workshops was to gain ‘buy-in’ to harmonising business standards and to showcase the UK Data Service Variable and Question Bank. The next steps following on from the mini workshops are to add two business surveys to the VQB (first quarter 2014) as a pilot to identify the issues and form topic groups according to the issues. Alongside this the harmonisation team will develop a matrix to show different terms used for turnover, fulltime and part-time.

11. Harmonising Administrative Data – The harmonisation team are in the process of forming an implementation plan, but there are issues holding it up that are being worked through. In terms of the harmonisation strategy, the short and long term strategies have been agreed by the NSHG. The short

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term strategy is to identify priority data items which require improved metadata, and work with supplier/holders to improve the quality of the metadata. The long term harmonisation of administrative data strategy revolves around working with data providers to standardise the way administrative data is recorded, and will focus on; setting priorities, in consultation with stakeholders; working on influencing data suppliers, and improving metadata. The harmonisation team are looking to inviting a member of BY2011 to become a permanent member of the NSHG and to provide regular quarterly reports.

Becki Aquilina Classifications and Harmonisation Unit Room 2400 ONS Titchfield Tel: 01329 444017 Email: [email protected] Annex A

Priority Ranking

Topic Lead

High Priority (H) Demographic Information Karen Gask Crime and Fear of Crime Nicola White Economic Status, NS SEC and Employment Debra Leaker Internet Access Laura Keyse Medium to High Priority (M-H) Educational Attainment and Qualifications Karen Grierson General Heath and Carers Topic Lead TBC Long-lasting Health Conditions and Illness Topic Lead TBC Medium Priority (M) Benefits and Tax Credits Caroline Smith Income Richard Tonkin Sexual Identity Sian Bradford Medium to Low Priority (M-L) Consumer Durables Laura Keyse Low Priority (L) Accommodation, Household Information and Tenure

Hugh Mallinson

Ethnic Group Sian Bradford Housing Costs and Benefits Hugh Mallinson National Identity and Religion Sian Bradford Pensions Hazel Clark Selected Job Details Debra Leaker Social Capital Nicola White

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Annex B NSHG Workplan – Review December 2013 Term of Reference 1. To provide strategic direction for the design, development and maintenance of common statistical frames, definitions and classification for Statistics Key action Step(s) Previous reporting activities This reporting activity Person/area responsible Research project – Administrative sources A-Z of Harmonised standards Harmonisation Web-pages Harmonisation Strategy and Implementation Plan NSHG Workshop NSHSG Business Harmonisation

September 2013 Two NSHSG meetings have taken place. Some suggestions have been made by the group (see main text), however, membership and guidance issues have been raised to GSS SPSC Workshop to be held after NSHG quarterly meeting Business survey samples sent to V&Q Bank manager to add to bank and to be used as an example for Mini business workshops to be held September/October 2013

December 2013 No NSHSG meetings have taken place since the previous NSHG meeting in September. The GSS SPSC were asked to suggest nominations and wider membership to provide cross government feedback and direction or an alternative approach – non were forthcoming

NSHG members

Term of Reference 2. To be responsible for setting harmonised standards

Key action Step(s) Previous reporting activities This reporting activity Person/area responsible

NSHG Topic Sub Groups NSHG workshop to identify, review and prioritise harmonised standards

September 2013 COB and Migration timetable circulated to NSHG Data Markers paper of recommendations to be circulated at this meeting for agreement/approval

December 2013 Stage three target concepts for Country of Birth circulated to NSHG and corresponding members to be endorsed Data Markers consultation now complete. To be formally ratified by GSS SPSC and HoPs Interim standard for Well-being to be agreed by NSHG members

NSHG members

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Term of Reference 3. To oversee the development of guidance to support the National Statistician’s Guidance on the CoP Key action Step(s) Previous reporting activities This reporting activity Person/area responsible UK Data Service Variable and Question Bank will support the CoP by directing survey designers towards Harmonised standards

Youtube demo added to harmonisation web-pages Continued liaison with survey bank manager to improve usability and also to begin adding business surveys to bank

December 2013 Harmonisation team to re address the Quality Methods and Harmonisation Tool (QMHT) to see if it could be better highlighted.

ONS

Term of Reference 4. To be responsible for encouraging compliance to the Code of Practice Key action Step(s) Previous reporting activities This reporting activity Person/area responsible UK Data Service Variable and Question Bank will support the CoP by directing survey designers towards Harmonised standards Roadshows Harmonisation web-pages A-Z produced StatsUserNet community StatNet publications Other targeted articles (3Moons etc)

September 2013 Two Roadshows/workshops held since last NSHG in June and one organised at BIS in October 2013

December 2013 Roadshow presented to BIS and two Mini business Harmonisation workshops held during October. Future roadshows will be targeted to list of various interest groups identified during annual NSHG workshop in September 2013 Harmonisation team plan to compile a list of stakeholders for wider dissemination

NSHG members

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Term of Reference 5. To act as a board for new and/or cross-cutting harmonisation projects Key action Step(s) Previous reporting activities This reporting activity Person/area responsible NSHG Topic Sub Groups NSHG Workshop Business Harmonisation Workshop Watching brief of Beyond 2011 administrative data and data linkage as future harmonised topic groups. Watching brief of future harmonisation topics: Societal Wellbeing ,Alcoholic Consumption as part of the Heath,Disability and Carers,Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEETS).

September 2013 Business harmonisation workshops held and planned targeted mini workshops during September/October planned to demo two business surveys in V&QB. As a consequence of business workshop, plan is to assign topic lead for business harmonisation to begin work on harmonising business standards. NSHG workshop to be held after NSHG

December 2013 Business Harmonisation workplan and matrix to be developed Invite BY2011 to future NSHG and to provide quarterly reports

NSHG members

Term of Reference 6. To promote the use of harmonised standards for collecting and reporting statistics, and ensure that user needs are met Key action Step(s) Previous reporting activities This reporting activity Person/area responsible Engage with the Web Data Access project to ensure harmonisation and classification requirements are suitably incorporated. Promote use of UK Data Service Variable and Question Bank Harmonisation Web-Pages A-Z of Harmonised standards Promotional material and articles Harmonisation Roadshows Harmonisation in-box StatsUserNet community StatNet

September 2013 Harmonisation in-box and direct calls dealt with within three working days. Youtube demo of V&QB added to harmonisation web-pages Harmonisation presence and live V&QB demo at GSS Methodology conference A-Z of harmonised standards handed out at GSS Methodology Conference a

December 2013 Continues promotion of harmonisation via web-pages, roadshows/StatUserNet/StatNet etc etc On-going demos of the VQB

Mainly ONS NSHG members are also expected to promote harmonisation within their own departments and wherever possible

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National Statistics Harmonisation Group

Migration, Country of Birth and Citizenship Topic: Progress Report

• The Group is invited to endorse the proposed definitions of Stage 3 Target Concepts included in Annex A. These proposals reflect comments received by the MCOB Working Group.

• Work on this Topic has proceeded to timetable with the exception that two definitions

which were planned to be presented at this meeting have not been drafted and agreed by the Working Group. We expect to revisit these at the next NSHG meeting.

• Following agreement of the definitions of the Target Concepts, work is expected to start on developing and agreeing harmonised questions.

• I am concerned that a lack of resources will delay progress on this work in 2014 and would

welcome any suggestions from the Group which would address this issue.

Pete Large

Migration, Country of Birth and Citizenship Topic Lead

November 2013

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ANNEX A: Target Concepts in Stage 3 Target Concepts Proposed Approach and Definition Country of Origin We have not identified a use for it in official migration and related statistical

outputs. Following comments from the Working Group, we therefore propose that the concept does not require a standard definition and should be removed from the target concepts list.

Country of domicile Although this concept is used in Higher Education Statistics Agency administrative data, we have not identified a use for it in official migration and related statistical outputs. Following comments from the Working Group, we therefore propose that the concept does not require a standard definition and should be removed from the target concepts list.

Country of birth of parents (i.e. Country of birth of mother)

Following comments from Working Group members, this is not thought to require a concept separate from Country of Birth.

Intended destination A definition of this concept is not provided in this report.

Date of arrival in the UK

A definition of this concept is not provided in this report.

Length of stay / length of residence (intended length of stay)

Length of stay for UK residents covers the time spent in a destination country, including the journey outside the UK, whilst for overseas residents it refers to the time spent within the UK. This information is than used in deriving the Medium stay (3-6 months), Long stay (6 but under 12 months) and Migrants (over 12 months).

This definition is that included in the IPS Interviewer Instructions (p41) Source: IPS Interviewer Instructions www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/specific/travel-and-transport-methodology/international-passenger-survey-methodology/international-passenger-survey-interviewer-instructions-part-2---questionnaire.pdf

Country groupings (e.g. New Commonwealth)

This work has been taken forward separately by Migration Reporting Working Group and the Migration Statistics Unit, ONS. More information will be available shortly.

Foreign Population We have not identified a use for this concept in official migration and related statistical outputs. Following comments from the Working Group, we therefore propose that the concept does not require a standard definition and should be removed from the target concepts list.

Third Country Nationals

We have not identified a use for this concept in official migration and related statistical outputs. Following comments from the Working Group, we therefore propose that the concept does not require a standard definition and should be removed from the target concepts list.

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Target Concepts Proposed Approach and Definition Visitor For the purposes of population and migration statistics an overseas visitor is a

person who, being permanently resident in a country outside the UK, visits the UK for a period of less than 12 months. UK citizens resident overseas for 12 months or more coming home on leave are included in this category. Visits abroad are visits for a period of less than 12 months by people permanently resident in the UK (who may be of foreign nationality). Sources: Travel Trends 2012: Appendix A http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/ott/travel-trends/2012/rpt-travel-trends--2012.html#tab-Appendix-A--Definitions-on-which-this-report-is-based Background Notes and Guidelines for Long-Term International Migration Estimates www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/specific/population-and-migration/international-migration-methodology/background-notes-and-guidelines-for-long-term-international-migration-estimates.pdf

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NSHG (13:4) 29

National Statistics Harmonisation Group

Open standards for Government IT

Introduction

Open Standards and the Standards Hub is a new process for creating and implementing UK government standards using an open and transparent process

Issues for Discussion

• Introduction to the Open Standards process • What are the benefits of using the Open Standards

process • Work of the Metadata & Vocabulary Working Group

Next Steps

• Harmonisation Group to consider if its work would benefit from using the Open Standards process

• Whether sending a representative to the Metadata & Vocabularies Working Group would be of benefit

AOB

N/A

Date of Next Meeting (if applicable)

N/A

Author Name: Nicholas Oughtibridge Division/Directorate/OGD

Health and Social Care Information Centre and Chair of the Open Standards Data Panel

Date Author Name: Julie Zielstra Division/Directorate/OGD

The National Archives and Chair of the Metadata & Vocabularies Working Group

Date List of Annexes: (if applicable)

Annex A. Annex B.

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1

National Statistics Harmonisation Group Combined Topic Group Report – December 2013

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report

Benefits and Tax Credits Topic Lead Caroline Smith Topic Group Members Alice Jefferd (ONS); Alissa Goodman (IoE); Aruna Ramyead

(DWP); Bob Watson (ONS); Charlotte Turner (CLG contractor); Chris Cousins (DWP); David Feeman (ONS); Debra Leaker (ONS); Donncha Burke (DWP); Giles Horsfield (ONS); Hugh Mallinson (CLG); Jane Carr (DWP); Jenny Collins (CLG); Joanna Littlechild (DWP); Jonathan Knight (ONS); Kris Simpson (ONS); Laura Keyse (ONS); Lucy Chandler (ONS); Mark Herniman (DWP); Mike Bielby (HMRC); Nina Parry-Langdon (ONS); Noah Uhrig (Uni. Of Essex); Rachel Councell (DWP); Riaz Ali (DWP); Richard Tonkin (ONS); Roger Morgan (DWP); Sarah Levy (ONS); Simon Clay (DWP); Stephanie Yow (DWP); Steve Dunstan (ONS); Suzanne Cooper (CLG); Tracy Lane (ONS); Valerie Christian (DWP)

Reporting Period November 2013 Summary Status (An overview of the status of the work at this time) The proposed interim standards (version 5) were circulated to harmonisation group members for comment. The deadline was November 14th. The sub-group is waiting for feedback on the standards and has been answering questions as they have arisen. Following any updates these will be circulated to GSS and then added to the website. Progress made during this reporting period Product Name (including expected completion date) Status Interim Harmonised Standards (v5) Underway Work planned for the next reporting period Product Name Status Reviewing comments on v5 standards Planned Circulating final version to GSS Planned Key Issues and Risks (Summary of actual or potential problems along with risks, potential impacts and sensitivities linked to individual needs of UK nations) There is a key risk in placing the interim standards on the harmonisation website without a full impact assessment on what these changes may do to levels of benefit receipt. This has been partially mitigated through a small pilot conducted by NatCen on behalf of DWP which has provided very positive feedback on the changes made. Other Information (Any other relevant details) Minor changes to the circulated standards have been shared with the SLC Survey as they are finalising their next survey. These changes will be added to the finalised v5 standards.

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2

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report Classifications

Topic Lead Michaela Morris Topic Group Members Lindsay Prosser Reporting Period September 2013 – November 2013 Summary Status (An overview of the status of the work at this time) David Hunter, International Labour Office (ILO) has confirmed that the list of 100 common job titles suggested by CHU, for inclusion in to the International Standard Classification of Occupation 2008 (ISCO08) will be incorporated in November and he will then release a final version of the index. CHU has received a 1% sample (approximately 5000K records) of those that are economically active in England and Wales from Census, and are hoping to obtain the same from the Scottish Census. GHK consulting, the consultancy firm employed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) have requested an interview with CHU to discuss their findings on work carried out on 5 digit SOC. Progress made during this reporting period Product Name (including expected completion date) Status The list of International and Allied Classifications constructed by CHU is in the final stages of completion. It will be placed on the NS website within the month and will be reviewed bi-annually.

Ongoing

Analysis of Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data to improve throughput for automatic coding has been completed

Complete

Testing of Gcode (the new version of ACTR) has been successfully completed and a recommendation paper distributed.

Complete

A request for data has been submitted to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) for an extract of Destination of Leavers of Higher Education (DLHE) data.

Ongoing

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report

Consumer Durables Topic Lead Laura Keyse Topic Group Members Giles Horsfield (LCF, ONS); Laura Keyse (LCF, ONS) Steven

Dunstan (FRS,ONS); Debbie Curtis (FRS, ONS) Reporting Period October-December 2013 Summary Status (An overview of the status of the work at this time) The harmonised standard for consumer durables was published in August 2011 Progress made during this reporting period To be reported at the meeting Product Name (including expected completion date) Status Family Spending (LCF publication) Next edition

December 2013 Work planned for the next reporting period Product Name Status

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3

Key Issues and Risks (Summary of actual or potential problems along with risks, potential impacts and sensitivities linked to individual needs of UK nations) Other Information (Any other relevant details)

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report

Country of Birth and Migration See main paper for meeting as covers the update of work for this group since the last meeting.

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report

Crime, ASB and Social Capital A report has not been submitted for this Topic.

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report

Demographic information Topic Lead Karen Gask Topic Group Members

Nicola Haines, Vital Statistics Output Branch, Office for National Statistics Davie Hay, Department of Health Jos IJpelaar, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency Karen Hurrell, Equality and Human Rights Commission Laura Wilson, Social Survey Division, Office for National Statistics Tony Whiffen, Welsh Government Yolanda Ruiz, Department for Communities and Local Government

Reporting Period September to November 2013 Summary Status (An overview of the status of the work at this time) Gender identity: A paper proposing a new harmonised standard for gender identity has been circulated to the sub-group. The topic lead is awaiting comments on this and hopes to circulate this paper to the NSHG at the March 2014 meeting. Progress made during this reporting period Product Name (including expected completion date) Status Work planned for the next reporting period Product Name Status Key Issues and Risks (Summary of actual or potential problems along with risks, potential impacts and sensitivities linked to individual needs of UK nations) The main risk is insufficient resource being available to carry out harmonisation work required. We need to be vigilant that the usual workload does not detract from the time needing to be spent on harmonisation. Other Information (Any other relevant details)

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report Economic Activity

A report has not been submitted for this Topic.

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4

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report Educational Attainment

Topic Lead Karen Grierson Topic Group Members Andy Blinston, Tony Clarke, Michael Greer, Rachel Lloyd,

Debra Leaker, Matthew Bollington, Jane Carr Reporting Period 13th November 2013 Summary Status (An overview of the status of the work at this time) The desk review of existing research into qualification questions is almost completed. We are still awaiting the results of the Census Quality Survey to be published, these were expected in September but have yet to be published. Once these results have been reviewed the report will then be circulated with the topic group for comments. Progress made during this reporting period Product Name (including expected completion date) Status Desk review of existing methods for qualifications capture In progress Identification of potential resources In progress Desk review of other related questions – e.g. age left full time education

Not started

Work planned for the next reporting period Product Name Status Desk review of existing methods for qualifications capture Identification of potential resources Desk review of other related questions – e.g. age left full time education Key Issues and Risks (Summary of actual or potential problems along with risks, potential impacts and sensitivities linked to individual needs of UK nations) Lack of resource to test new questions developed for a simplified approach. Other Information (Any other relevant details)

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report Ethnic Group, National Identity, Religion and Sexual Identity

Topic Lead Ethnic group, National identity, Language, Religion and Sexual Identity

Topic Group Members Sian Bradford/Angela Potter-Collins Reporting Period September 2013 – November 2013 Summary Status (An overview of the status of the work at this time) Some time has been spent reviewing the analysis plan for the Census on EILR topics. Consultations have taken place with stakeholders and interest has been prioritised. Policy relevance has been sought in order to meet stakeholder needs and also to be able to add more benefit. A story on Gypsy and Irish Travellers using the Census data is planned for early January 2014 (date to be confirmed). A story on ‘Mixed identities’ within families is scheduled for early 2014 (date to be confirmed). The central analysis team is planning to publish a story on English proficiency by labour market in the new year. A quality assurance role in relation to EILR Census outputs continues. Progress made during this reporting period

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5

Product Name (including expected completion date) Status As above Complete Work planned for the next reporting period Product Name Status As above Ongoing Key Issues and Risks (Summary of actual or potential problems along with risks, potential impacts and sensitivities linked to individual needs of UK nations) None Other Information (Any other relevant details)

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report

Health, Disability and Carers The Harmonisation team is still in the process of finding a new Topic Lead for this group

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report

Housing & Tenure A report has not been submitted for this Topic.

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report

Income This Topic Group has nothing to report for this period.

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report

Integrated Household Survey A verbal update will be given

NSHG Topic Group Highlight Report

Pensions A report has not been submitted for this Topic.

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Electronic Data Collection (EDC)

Considerations for Harmonisation

Nick Barford EDC Online Methods Project Manager Peter Betts Data Collection Methodologist

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Outline

1. EDC overview • Key drivers and vision • Programme and project structure • Labour Force Survey (LFS) web mixed mode pilot

2. Considerations for harmonisation • Harmonised questions and mode • Mixed mode surveys • Mode effects • Designing questions for online or mixed mode surveys • EDC LFS content review • Issues and implications for Harmonised Standards • Examples

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EDC Vision “The EDC Programme will change the way ONS collects its data by moving away from paper surveys and face-to-face collections, to allowing individuals and businesses to interact with us simply, securely and speedily through on-line digital capability. This will enable us to make our processes more efficient and ensure we can provide trusted economic and social statistics into the future”

EDC Drivers

• Increasing respondent expectations for online services • Government Digital Strategy - “Digital by Default”

Respondent need

• Reduce respondent burden • Reduce data collection costs • Increasing competition

Efficiency

• Improve / protect quality – timeliness, accuracy, consistency… Quality

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• c. 70 Business Surveys, 15 Social Surveys + decennial Census - vary in size, frequency & subject • Large range of variables and data items - duplication and inconsistent definitions • Collection modes - traditional, antiquated ,inefficient • Stovepipes with little integration - specific surveys to feed particular statistical outputs, using specific systems and methods • Many inefficient data transforms, which cause transcription errors

Statistical Stovepipe Model (as is) ONS Vision

• Multiple, prioritised electronic collection modes – Hierarchy based on efficiency – Provide choice and flexibility to respondents

• Greater re(use) of Admin Data from OGD’s, Private Sector, Direct Data feeds from corporate systems • Integrated & coordinated via EDC Service Platform + Statistical Data Warehouse(s) • Underpinned by a Common Information Model i.e. common concepts, definitions, data models that draw on existing standards

Integrated Model (to be)

Cross-section of organisation

Shift away from Survey Paradigm!

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EDC Programme Structure

EDC Programme

Platform Project Developing the technology and infrastructure

Online Methods Project Developing the methods and understanding the impact:

Social Surveys LFS pilot

Business Surveys MWSS pilot

1. Standards & guidance for web designs 2. Web / mixed-mode questionnaire designs 3. Quantitative pilots to test mode effects

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Addition of a self-completion web mode!

FTF (current)

Tel (current)

Web (new)

Piloting LFS web mixed-mode

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Why the LFS?

• Reduce data collection costs Efficiency

• Respondents expect a web mode • Reduce respondent burden

Respondent need

• Access hard to reach groups • Stem falling response rates Quality

• LFS is a priority for other NSI’s: • ESSnet project: Germany, Norway, Finland,

Netherlands, UK • Australia, Canada, New Zealand…

International focus

Opportunities:

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Why the LFS?

• Self completion - removing the interviewer • Question type, wording, help, validation, order, routing… • +600 variables (900 inc. derived) • 30 min per person time constraint • Proxy response - 1 person respond for all relations vs. individual

Web questionnaire

length & design

• Dual sample vs. Sequential mixed-mode • Longitudinal design:

• switch modes between waves!? • rotate data between waves

• Weighting, imputation methods

Sample design & estimation

• Maintaining steady workload for field force • Allowing time for sub-sampling and allocation to field • Case management if switching modes

Operations

• Mode effects – selection and measurement error • Detection and treatment Quality

Challenges:

= Modularise!?

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Piloting LFS web mixed-mode

2013/14/15 Qual testing

2014/15

Quant Pilot 1:

Web Registration

2015/16

Quant Pilot 2:

Pilot Dual Sample

Design

2016/17

Parallel Run:

Full Dual Sample

Design

2017/18

Fully implement

Indicative approach & timeline:

• Agile, iterative research and development approach! • Findings will dictate direction and pace!

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Harmonised Standards and mode • These surveys were designed at different times, to meet

different needs, and were commissioned by a range of Departments. Consequently, they were developed to a significant degree in isolation from each other. This lack of cohesion leads to differences in:

• concepts and definitions • design • fieldwork and processing practices • outputs (content and format)

• Account has also been taken of concepts and definitions

developed for the 2011 Census of Population, although the different data collection modes and statistical methods and uses of the data mean there are inevitably differences in some cases.

• Factors influencing harmonisation activities [include] different modes of data collection

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Mixed-mode surveys

• Growing interest in use of alternative modes of data collection including internet

• But not web as a single mode: coverage bias, low response rates, selection and NR bias

• So need to mix with interviewer modes

• “It is important for a dataset to be comparable both within itself over time and with other survey datasets covering related population characteristics.”

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Mode effects on measurement error

• Mode effects: properties of mode affect responses – interaction between mode features, question

type/design, respondent ability & motivation • Satisficing • Social desirability bias • Also other causes of mode differences • Confounds between ME and coverage,

response/NR/selection effects

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Mixed-mode questionnaire design

• Unimode construction • Mode-specific construction • Mode-enhancement construction

• Uncertainties

– What is ‘equivalent stimulus’? – Illusory goal? – Pragmatic approach

13

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Review of LFS questions for mixed-mode

• Desk review of LFS questions (several aspects) • Assess need for redesign for web/mixed mode • Potential for mode effects/other causes of

differences in data • Propose changes for LFS (web and possibly

face to face and telephone) ... • ... and to Harmonised Standards? • Testing – qualitative, quantitative • Process for consulting/agreeing changes?

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Some issues we need to consider...

• Replacing interviewer function with letters, leaflets, general and Q-specific guidance, FAQs, helpline

• Missing data/item NR • Classifications e.g. SIC, SOC • Open questions (coded by interviewers) vs

categories presented to respondents • Length of questionnaire • Accessibility (e.g. tables/matrices, long

category lists)

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16

HH1/RIntro/R (Household relationships) CAPI/CATI

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HH1/RIntro/R (Household relationships) CAWI Blaise 5.0 (May 2013)

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HH1/RIntro/R (Household relationships) equivalents

Census 2011

Harmonised Set

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XMARSTA (Marital Status) CAPI/CATI

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20

XMARSTA (Marital Status) CAWI Blaise 5.0 (May 2013)

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XMARSTA Equivalents

Census 2011

Harmonised Set

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OPEN STANDARDS IN GOVERNMENT IT

Nicholas Oughtibridge and Julie Zielstra Open Standards Data Panel

4 December 2013

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Overview

• Definition

• Principles

• Structure

• Process

• New standards and challenges

• Benefits

• Questions

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Definition Open standards for software interoperability, data and document formats, which exhibit all of the following criteria, are considered consistent with this policy:

– Collaboration – Transparency – Due process – Fair access – Market support – Rights

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Open Standards Principles For software interoperability, data and document formats in government IT specifications

• Principle 1: We place the needs of our users at the heart of our

standards choices • Principle 2: Our selected open standards will enable suppliers to

compete on a level playing field • Principle 3: Our standards choices support flexibility and change • Principle 4: We adopt open standards that support sustainable cost • Principle 5: Our decisions about standards selection are well informed • Principle 6: We select open standards using fair and transparent

processes • Principle 7: We are fair and transparent in the specification and

implementation of open standards

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Open Standards Board and Panels Focus on making sure that open standards meet users’ needs and achieve a level playing field for open source and proprietary software and consider the ideas and proposals that users put forward through the Hub and will advise on which open standards to implement. Panels for software interoperability, data and document formats Board members are • Liam Maxwell, Government Digital Service (Chair) • John Atherton, Surevine • Adam Cooper, Bolton University • Matthew Dovey, Joint Information Systems Committee • Paul Downey, Government Digital Service • Lee Edwards, London Borough of Redbridge • Tim Kelsey, NHS Commissioning Board • John Sheridan, The National Archives • Jeni Tennison, Open Data Institute • Chris Ulliott, CESG

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Standards Hub

‘Provides a forum for agreeing the core set of essential standards that are generally applicable across the Government's common IT platform.’

http://standards.data.gov.uk/

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Open Standards Process

• Suggestions • Challenge • Proposal • Assessment/evaluation/decision • Implementation

– Government bodies must provide publicly available information on their alignment with compulsory open standards for software interoperability, data and document formats. Implementation plans for transition to the open standards or open standard profiles, within a specific timeline, must be published.

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New standards and challenges

• Persistent resolvable identifiers • Cross-platform character encoding

• URI patterns for identifiers • Multi agency incident transfer • Publishing data on government spending • IPv6 Standard Profile – Defining ‘IPv6

Capable’

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Benefits

• A small set of core standards applied consistently across government

• Make services better for users and keep costs down

• Supports work across organisational boundaries.

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QUESTIONS?

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National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG) Meeting Agenda:

Wednesday 4th December 2013 at 11:00 to 13:15 hrs Meeting Room 3, at ONS, 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ

Timing Agenda Item Paper No Presenter 1 1100 – 1105 Welcome and Introductions Jan Thomas 2 1105 – 1110 Review of Previous Minutes

and Actions NSHG (13:3) 25 Jan Thomas

3 1110 – 1130 a) GSS SPSC Meeting Report

NSHG (13:4) 26 Jan Thomas

b) Review of Revised NSHG 2013 Workplan

NSHG (13:4) 27 Becki Aquilina

c) Census Update and Latest Plans

Kanak Ghosh

4 1130 – 1200 Electronic Data Collection Presentation

Presentation

Nick Barford and Pete Betts

5 1200 – 1210 Country of Birth/Migration - Stage 3 Definitions

NSHG (13:4) 28

Pete Large

6 1210 – 1220 Cabinet Office Standards Hub

NSHG (13:4) 29 and presentation

Julie Zielstra and Nicholas

Oughtibridge 7 1220 – 1300 NSHG Topic Group

Updates NSHG (13:4) 30 Topic Group Leads

Benefits and Tax Credits Report Received Caroline Smith Classifications Report Received Michaela Morris Consumer Durables Report Received Laura Keyse Country of Birth & Migration Paper on main agenda Pete Large Crime, ASB and Social Capital

No report received Nicola White

Demographic Information Report received Karen Gask Economic Activity Nothing to report Debra Leaker Education Report received Karen Grierson EILR (incl. Sexual Identity) Report received Sian Bradford Health, Disability and Carers No report received TBC Housing and Tenure No report received Hugh Mallinson Income Nothing to report Richard Tonkin Integrated Household Survey Verbal update at meeting Tim Vizard Pensions Nothing to report Hazel Clarke

8 1300 – 1310 AOB Scottish Devolution Data Markers

Jan Thomas

9 1310 – 1315 Next Meetings Wednesday 5th March 2014, between 1100 - 1330, ONS, Drummond Gate Office, London Wednesday 4th June 2014, between 1100 – 1330, ONS, Drummond Gate Office, London

Jan Thomas

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Jan, Please find below a summary of the Compendium of UK Statistics Project. Please let me know if you would like more detail on any areas. Kind regards, Meghan Compendium of UK Statistics

Purpose: To pull together, in one place, the available comparable independent statistics, that the public can access when making their decision about Scottish Independence.

Scope: comparable statistics from across the GSS that are already published. Where comparability is an issue then links will be provided to the non-comparable equivalents but with metadata and caveats that provide warnings for users. This project will not develop new statistics to resolve issues of comparability.

Timing: The compendium will be published as four themes in 2014: Population & migration and the economy themes are due to be published in late January, social indicators in February and the environment in March. There will also be an update in the summer.

Content: - data for all four countries (where possible),

- in some cases, where appropriate, also the regions in England,

- headline messages of key figures,

- more detailed commentary with graphs for the key stories in each theme,

- links to where the statistics and metadata are published with a description of their comparability.

Working across the GSS: An advisory group is met for the first time on 1st October. The group includes representatives from the devolved administrations and other departments across the GSS. HoPs from departments such as DWP and DCLG have nominated contacts for this group and they will assist with data collection, quality assurance and advice on presentation.

In addition there is a monthly four nations progress catch up between Roma, Meghan, Roger Halliday, Glyn Jones and Norman Caven.

The ONS team: The project manager for this work is Meghan Elkin, who is leading a project team of 7 other fast streamers across ONS representing different business areas and topic expertise. Roma is the relevant DD. Meghan Elkin Crime Statistics and Analysis Crime, Regional and Data Access (CRADA) Office for National Statistics