APPROVED
Decree No 170 of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine
August 17, 2018
PRINCIPLES OF ACTIVITY OF UKRAINE'S STATE STATISTICS BODIES
Principles of activity of Ukraine's state statistics bodies are harmonized with the European Statistics Code of Practice that approved by the European Statistical System Committee on November 16, 2017, and are based on the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2014 and meet the principles of Professional Ethics Declaration adopted by the International Statistical Institute in 1985 (with changes, 2009).
I. IINSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE
(General management principles of the state statistics bodies)
The following factors have the significant impact upon the effectiveness of statistical institution's work and confidence to it: professional independence, coordination and cooperation, mandate for data collection, adequacy of resources, commitments to quality, statistical confidentiality and information protection, impartiality and objectivity.
Principle 1: Professional independence of the state statistical bodies is guaranteed by the provisions of article 5 of Ukraine's law on the state statistics according to which the interference of any other bodies and persons into the state statistical activity is banned, thus facilitating the reliability of statistical information.
Indicators:
1.1. The independence of the state statistics bodies on issues related to statistical information contents, selection of source to obtain it, statistical methodology, formats and dates to collect and disseminate data from the state statistical observations, etc. is specified by the legislation.
1.2. The requirements to professional qualifications and the position category of the head of the central executive body that implements the state policy in the sphere of statistics are specified by Ukraine's legislation and are met the European Statistics Code of Practice.
1.3. The head of the central executive body that implements the state policy in the sphere of statistics and, if necessary, within the scope of specific powers, the heads of the territorial and functional state statistics bodies have the responsibility for ensuring that statistical information is compiled and disseminated in an independent manner.
1.4. The decision on usage of the methods, standards, technologies for compiling statistical information, its contents and dissemination dates is approved upon the recommendation of advisory bodies of the specially authorized central executive body in the area of statistics exclusively by its head and, if necessary, within the scope of specific powers, by the heads of the territorial and functional state statistics bodies.
1.5. The long-term program for state statistics development and the annual plan for the state statistical observations are approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and made public. The progress reports are also regularly released.
1.6. Statistical publications are impartial and objective, they are clearly defined as statistical products of the state statistics bodies and are separated from the publications of other state bodies and local government bodies and do not contain political assessments.
1.7. If necessary, the state statistics bodies make comments on statistical information for the wide public as well as critical comments on it or its misinterpretation or misuses.
1.8. The procedures for appointing the head of the central executive body that implements the state policy in the sphere of statistics as well as the appointments of the heads of the territorial and functional state statistics bodies are transparent and based on professional competence criteria. The reasons for dismissals from these positions are specified by the legislation.
Principle 1bis: Coordination and cooperation. Cooperation in compiling statistical information at the level of the state statistics bodies with other co-producers of statistical information, administrative data providers, and respondents of the state statistical observations, international organizations and statistical services from other countries is based on the mutual respect principles, the established data exchange and cost optimization for carrying out the state statistical activity.
Indicators:
1.1bis The state statistics bodies cooperate with the public authorities, local government bodies and other legal persons in issues related to organization of activity connected with the collection and use of statistical information and administrative data.
1.2bis The cooperation is established with the bodies which are partners of the state statistics bodies in carrying out the state statistical activity, particularly in issues related to designing the coordinated long-term program to develop the state statistics including the elimination of actions overlapping and/or joint usage of information, if necessary.
1.3bis. The state statistics bodies continuously support and develop the cooperation with international organizations and statistical services from other countries, particularly with regard to information exchange and improvements to statistical methodology.
Principle 2: Mandate for data collection. The state statistics bodies have a mandate, which is clearly specified by legislation to obtain data for compiling statistical information. Respondents have the responsibilities that are clearly specified by legislation to submit data needed for compilation of statistical information to the state statistics bodies or provide an access to them at request of the state statistics bodies.
Indicators:
2.1. The mandate of the state statistics bodies to collect and access information from different sources for the development, processing and analysis, dissemination, storage, protection and usage of statistical information is specified by legislation.
2.2. The legislation specifies the right of the state statistics bodies to obtain free and make use of statistical information and administrative data for statistical purposes.
2.3. On the basis of Ukraine's law on the state statistics, the state statistics bodies have the right to obtain from all respondents subject to statistical observations the accounting records, other necessary information needed to conduct statistical observations including information with restricted access.
2.4. The state statistics bodies create the environment for simplifying the usage of other information for statistical purposes, for example data from natural and legal persons, while ensuring statistical confidentiality and information protection.
Principle 3: Adequacy of resources: The resources available to the state statistics bodies have to be sufficient to meet their needs.
Indicators:
3.1. The current statistical needs are fully provided both in magnitude and in quality with available human, financial, and material and technical resources.
3.2. The coverage, details and cost for compiling statistical information correspond to the needs for it.
3.3. There are procedures to assess the needs for the new statistical information taking into account the cost needed for its production.
3.4. There are procedures to assess the current needs for statistical information as a whole, that permit, if necessary, to stop or reduce the production of certain statistical information in order to free up the resources to produce other statistical information.
Principle 4: Commitment to quality: The state statistics bodies undertake the commitments to ensuring the quality of processes and statistical information and acting according to principles laid out in Quality Declaration of the European Statistical System.
Indicators:
4.1. In the state statistics bodies quality policy is developed and made available to the public. A structural unit is set up as well as tools are in place to deal with quality management.
4.2. The procedures are in place to plan, monitor and upgrade the quality of statistical processes including the integration of data from multiple sources by conducting the annual inventory of the state statistical observations.
4.3. The quality of statistical information is regularly monitored, assessed with regard to possible trade-off decisions on quality, reports on quality of the state statistical observations are drafted in line with the quality criteria for the European statistics.
4.4. There is a regular and thorough review of statistical information using external experts, if necessary.
Principle 5: Statistical information confidentiality: The state statistics bodies guarantee the confidentiality of data obtained from respondents as well as statistical information that is used to define information about a specific respondent and administrative data used for statistical purposes.
Indicators:
5.1. Statistical information confidentiality is guaranteed by legislation.
5.2. While being appointed, the experts from the state statistics bodies sign the document on commitments to non-disclosure of the confidential statistical information.
5.3. The legislation envisages the sanctions for violating the procedure to use confidential statistical information.
5.4. The methodological documentation on the protection of confidential statistical information throughout all the processes of statistical is prepared production, and released and made available to the wide public.
5.5. The necessary regulatory, administrative, technical and organizational measures are in place to protect the security and integrity of statistical information, its transmission in accordance with the proper formats and international standards as well as the European and national legislation.
5.6. The state statistics bodies ensure external users' access to anonymous micro-data for research purposes.
Principle 6: Impartiality and objectivity: The state statistics bodies compile and disseminate statistical information based on the science-based methodology in an objective, professional and open manner in compliance with all users' equal access to it.
Indicators:
6.1. Statistical information collection is made according to legislation and in line with statistical requirements.
6.2. Choices of sources and methods to compile statistical information as well as decisions on its dissemination are specified by the science-based statistical methodology.
6.3. The errors discovered in the disseminated statistical information are corrected at the earliest possible date; the corrections are made public.
6.4. Information about the methods and procedures applied by the state statistics bodies in the process of statistical information production as well as regulations specifying the activity of the state statistics bodies are released and available to the wide public.
6.5. Informing users about dates and time of statistical information release is pre-announced.
6.6. The state statistics bodies inform users in advance on significant revision or changes to methodology.
6.7. The state statistics bodies independently decide on time for release and contents of statistical publications. All users have equal access to statistical information at the same time.
6.8. Statistical information and statements made in press conferences are objective and non-partisan.
II. STATISTICAL PROCESSES
(Principles of launching statistical processes)
While consentaneously and constantly striving for innovations, in the processes of statistical production the state statistics bodies observe the European and international standards, norms and principles.
Principle 7: Sound statistical methodology: Modern and science-based sound statistical methodology based on international standards and recommendations is the basis for compiling the qualitative statistical information. This requires the relevant tools, procedures, rules, methods and experience that facilitate the enhancement of confidence to statistical information.
Indicators:
7.1. The overall methodological approaches applied by the state statistics bodies follow the European and international standards, recommendations and principles as well as best achievements of modern statistical practice while constantly striving for innovations.
7.2. The state statistics bodies employ the procedures that guarantee the application of agreed standard concepts, definitions and classifications and other types of standards.
7.3. Data from business register and sample frames used to carry out sample surveys of the population (households) are regularly updated and, if necessary, revised in order to ensure their high quality.
7.4. Detailed concordance exists between the national and European classifications.
7.5. The state statistics bodies is staffed with the experts with the relevant education.
7.6. The state statistics bodies implement a policy of continuous vocational training for staff. In order to explore the best practice and upgrade the education level, the experts from the state statistical bodies participate in international conferences, training courses, etc., cooperate with their colleagues at international level.
7.7. The improvements to methodology based on cooperation between the state statistics bodies and research institutions. The external experts make quality assessment and estimate the effectiveness of methods and, if necessary, give recommendations regarding the implementation of the best methodology.
Principle 8: Appropriate statistical procedures: Appropriate statistical procedures implemented throughout all processes of statistical production establish the basis for creating the qualitative statistical information.
Indicators:
8.1. When the state statistics bodies make use of administrative and other data as sources of statistical information, their definitions and concepts are significantly close to statistical methodology.
8.2. Prior to the conduct of the new/revised statistical observation, if necessary, the relevant reporting and statistical documentation is internally tested and piloted.
8.3. Statistical procedures implemented in the processes of statistical production are regularly monitored and, if necessary, revised.
8.4. Metadata connected with the statistical processes are used throughout all statistical processes and, if necessary, disseminated.
8.5. The errors, false records and other discrepancies revealed in the primary and statistical data are corrected with the subsequent warning of all respondents about it.
8.6. Agreements are made with the public bodies that are holders of administrative data to set out their shared commitments to the use of these data for statistical purposes.
8.7. An assessment is made as to accuracy and acceptability of administrative data for statistical purposes, the values of aggregated statistical indicators are compared to aggregated indicators derived from other sources, and there are checks as to their comparability and internal reconciliation.
Principle 9: Non-excessive burden per respondents: The burden per respondents has to be well-balanced meeting the needs of users and is not excessive at the same time.
Indicators:
9.1. The state statistics bodies survey respondents about information according to the range and details which are absolutely necessary.
9.2. The burden per respondents is spread as widely as possible over survey populations and monitored by the central executive body that implements the state policy in the sphere of statistics.
9.3. In order to simplify the procedures for seeking information from respondents, data are as far as possible used from accounting documents and e-means for information transmission.
9.4. To avoid duplicating information requests, administrative data and other data sources are used whenever possible.
9.5. To ensure a decrease in reporting burden per respondents, the measures are underway that assist in establishing and enlarging the information resources exchange with the public bodies which implement the activity connected with administrative data collection and usage.
9.6. While using data from other public bodies, the state statistics bodies indicate the source for obtaining data.
Principle 10: Cost-effectiveness: The state statistics bodies are to use the available resources in an effective manner.
Indicators:
10.1. The use of resources supplied to the state statistics bodies is monitored by internal and external auditors.
10.2. The capacities of information and communication technologies are continuously optimized for the processes of statistical production.
10.3. In order to reduce cost to run the state statistical observations, the measures are underway to maximally use administrative data and other data sources and relatively decrease the number of direct state statistical observations.
10.4. The state statistics bodies promote the dissemination and implementation of standardized solutions in order to increase productivity and effectiveness. The organizational and methodological approaches are continuously revised to undertake the state statistical observations for the effective use of resources and cost optimization.
III. STATISTICAL INFORMATION
(Principles of producing statistical information)
Statistical information that the state statistics bodies supply to users has to meet their needs and comply with the European quality standards. The quality of statistical information is defined depending on whether it is relevant, accurate, timely, punctual, coherent, comparable, accessible and comprehensible.
Principle 11: Relevance: Statistical information has to comply with the current and potential needs of users.
Indicators:
11.1. The consultations with users are held, the relevancy and practical usefulness of available statistical information are monitored to meet their current needs and the emerging priority needs are identified. Innovations are implemented to improve statistical information.
11.2. Priority needs of users are satisfied and this is reflected in the plan for the state statistical observations.
11.3. Satisfaction of users of statistical information is explored. The questioning of users are regularly conducted.
Principle 12: Accuracy and reliability: Statistical information has to be accurate and reliable.
Indicators:
12.1. Primary and aggregated data, intermediate results and output statistical information are assessed and validated as to reliability.
12.2. Sampling errors and other errors are analyzed and systematically documented according to the European standards.
12.3. The corrections are regularly analyzed in order to improve data sources, statistical production processes and output statistical information.
Principle 13: Timeliness and punctuality: Statistical information is released in a timely and punctual manner with the fixed periodicity.
Indicators:
13.1. The dates for releasing statistical information meet international standards and requirements.
13.2. Information about the dates for releasing statistical information is made public.
13.3. The periodicity of statistical information release takes into account users' needs as much as possible.
13.4. Divergence from statistical information release time schedule is publicized in advance, explained and a new data release date is set.
13.5. When considered useful, the preliminary data of acceptable accuracy and reliability can be released.
Principle 14: Coherence and comparability: Statistical information has to be consistent over time and comparable between regions, countries and provide users with the opportunity to combine and make joint use of data from different sources.
Indicators:
14.1. Statistical information is internally consistent and comparable (arithmetic and logical controls observed).
14.2. Statistical information is comparable over a reasonable time.
14.3. Statistical information and data from other sources are collected on the basis of the common standards with respect to coverage, definitions, measurement units and classifications.
14.4. Statistical information from different sources and of different periodicity is reconciled and comparable.
14.5. Cross-national comparability of data is ensured through regular information exchange between Ukraine's state statistical bodies and statistical services of other countries. Methodological studies are carried out in close cooperation with Eurostat, wherever possible.
Principle 15: Accessibility and clarity: Statistical information has to be presented in understandable form for users, disseminated in a suitable and convenient manner, available for all users on an equal basis and be accompanied with metadata and relevant explanations.
Indicators:
15.1. Statistical information and the corresponding metadata are presented in format that facilitates their proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons.
15.2. Statistical information dissemination makes use of modern information and communication technologies, methods, platforms and open data standards.
15.3. At users' requests, there could be special surveys, when feasible. Their results are disseminated according to current legislation.
15.4 Access to micro-data for research purposes is allowed and is subject to specific rules and procedures.
15.5. Metadata connected with output statistical information are documented and disseminated according to the European standards.
15.6. Users are kept informed about the methodology behind statistical calculations including the use and integration of administrative and other data.
15.7. Users are kept informed about the quality of statistical information with respect to the quality criteria for the European statistics.