ONS Boss Steps Down After Controversy

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Sir Ian Diamond has resigned with immediate effect from his role as head of the Office for National Statistics, citing health issues. His departure coincides with mounting criticism of the ONS as concerns grow over the quality of its data and how the organisation is being run.

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Mounting Pressure on ONS Leadership

Sir Ian’s departure follows a period of mounting criticism. In recent months, the Office for Statistics Regulation highlighted concerns over the ONS’s ability to maintain high data quality. The report particularly criticised the Labour Force Survey, a key tool for measuring UK unemployment, which has suffered from declining response rates and methodological challenges.

Beyond this, internal staff raised issues with management, noting that warnings about problems were often ignored. An internal report revealed poor morale and a lack of confidence among those involved in developing the new online employment survey, which has seen repeated delays. Originally expected in 2024, the replacement is now unlikely to be ready before 2027. Here you can read more about the delay in fixing the labour force survey.

Impact on Data Quality and Decision-Making

The criticism of the ONS goes beyond individual surveys. A broader lack of trust in the data provided by the organisation has raised concerns within government and among businesses. Reliable statistics are essential for effective policy making and commercial planning, particularly for a data analysis company that depends on accurate national figures to guide research and insights.

For a data analysis company such as https://shepper.com/, access to reliable national statistics can complement real-time data collection and support informed decision-making. A consistent failure to provide trustworthy information has implications far beyond Whitehall.

Challenges Ahead for the Next National Statistician

The resignation has prompted a wider review, launched by the Cabinet Office and led by former civil servant Sir Robert Devereux. This review will explore the ONS’s leadership, structure, delivery of core statistics and its relationship with key government departments.

Though praised for his pandemic leadership, post-pandemic difficulties persisted. His successor must rebuild trust and ensure the delivery of accurate, timely data.