Scottish Government

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN GROUP

OUR AIM

To provide relevant and reliable information, analysis and advice that meet the needs of government, business and the people of Scotland.

OBJECTIVES

1. To produce statistics and analysis relevant to user needs by

• Developing our understanding of customer requirements to ensure statistics are kept relevant and analysis is well targeted;
• Developing the range of statistics and analysis we produce;
• Where practicable improving timeliness;
• Providing more statistics disaggregated by age, gender and ethnicity;
• Developing more data for small areas through the Neighbourhood Statistics project;
• Contributing to production of comparable statistics across the UK and internationally.

2. To ensure effective use of our statistics by

• Contributing more directly to policy processes inside and where possible outside government;
• Improving access to and presentation of data and analysis;
• Improving the advice provided on statistics.

3. To work effectively with users and providers by

• Maintaining arrangements to consult and involve users and providers;
• Involving users and providers in planning developments in outputs and processes;
• Minimising the burden on data providers through dropping or streamlining collections as appropriate, to ensure the benefits of the information justify the costs of collection.

4. To develop the quality of statistics by

• Assuring and improving quality as an integral part of data collection and analysis and through regular reviews in line with National Statistics quality strategy;
• Developing statistical methods, systems and classifications;
• Working with the rest of the Government Statistical Service to develop joint approaches/solutions where appropriate.

5. To assure the integrity of statistics by

• Maintaining and promoting integrity through implementation of the National Statistics Code of Practice and related protocols;
• Safeguarding the confidentiality of data subjects.

6. To ensure the efficient and effective delivery of statistics products and services by

• Making best use of all sources including administrative sources;
• Working with other analysts to maximise the contribution of our own and other analysts' work;
• Ensuring value for money;
• Making best use of Information and Communications Technology;
• Ensuring effective communication within the Statistician Group.

7. To develop our workforce and competences

• Ensuring recruitment of staff with the necessary skills and potential;
• Ensuring development of expertise amongst existing staff;
• Promoting and upholding the standards of the statistics profession.

This is a National Statistics publication

"This is a National Statistics publication. It has been produced to high professional standards set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice Protocol - see www.statistics.gov.uk/about_ns/cop/default.asp

These statistics undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference."

Details of pre-release access will be provided in the Scottish Government Statistics Website under 'Forthcoming Releases'.

Enquiries on the SHS 2007 Annual Report should be addressed to:

Telephone: 0131 244 8420;
Fax: 0131 244 7573
e-mail: shs@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

General enquiries on Scottish Government statistics can be addressed to:

Telephone: (0131) 244 0442;
Fax: (0131) 244 2223
e-mail: statistics.enquiries@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Advice on specific areas of Scottish Government statistical work can be obtained from staff at the telephone numbers given below:

Scottish Government Statistics contacts

Other contacts for Scottish statistics

For general enquiries about National Statistics in the United Kingdom Government contact the National Statistics Public Enquiry Service on

020 7533 5888
minicom: 01633 812399
Email: info@statistics.gov.uk
Fax: 01633 652747
Letters: room DG/18, 1 Drummond Gate, LONDON SW1V 2QQ

You can also find National Statistics on the internet - go to www.statistics.gov.uk

If you would like to be consulted about new or existing statistical collections or receive notification of forthcoming statistical publications, please register your interest on the Scottish Government ScotStat website at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/scotstat

Current contact points, e-mail addresses and the publications listed below as well as a range of other statistical publications can be found on the Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk/stats

Further information on the General Register Office for Scotland is available on the website www.gro-scotland.gov.uk

Most recent Statistical Publications relating to the Scottish Household Survey

Publications without a price indicated are available free of charge from the SHS Team at the address above.

Complaints and suggestions

If you are not satisfied with our service, please write to the Chief Statistician, Mr Rob Wishart, 3R.01, St Andrew's House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG, Telephone: (0131) 244 0302, e-mail rob.wishart@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. We also welcome any comments or suggestions that would help us to improve our standards of service.

Crown Copyright

Brief extracts from the Crown Copyright material in this publication may be reproduced provided the source is fully acknowledged.