The Principles Governing the Activity of the State Statistics Bodies of Ukraine

The principles governing the activity of the state statistics bodies of Ukraine is a summary of statistics- related standards adherence to which ensures official statistical information are compile and disseminated on the basis of professional independence, impartiality, objectivity, reliability, economic and statistical confidentiality. 

The principles governing the activity of the state statistics bodies are harmonized with the Code of Practice of European Statistics approved by the Statistical program Committee on February 24, 2005, and based on the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics adopted by the UN Statistical Commission in 1994, and compliant with the principles of the Professional Ethics Declaration adopted by the International Statistical Institute in 1985 (revised in 2009).

I.  Institutional Structure

(Principles of the overall management of the state statistics bodies)

Principle 1: Professional independence – The professional independence of the state statistics bodies is guaranteed by provisions of Article 5 of Ukraine's Law on the State Statistics, which implies the prohibition of interference of any authorities and persons in the state statistical activity that ensures the credibility of the statistical information.

Indicators:

The independence of the state statistics bodies concerning the contend of the statistical information, choosing its sources, the statistical methodology, forms an timing for collecting and disseminating data from statistical observations, etc, is specified in law.

The requirements to the professional qualification and the category of the position of the head of specially authorized central body of executive power in the area of statistics are specified by Ukraine legislation and meet the Code of Practice of European Statistics.

The head of specially authorized central body of executive power in the area of statistics as well as, if necessary, within its power, the heads of territorial and functional bodies of the state statistics bear responsibility for the independent compilation and dissemination of the statistical information.

The decision regarding the use of methods, standards, technologies to compile the statistical information, its contend and timing for dissemination is adopted upon the presentation of advisory bodies of specially authorized central body in the area of statistics exclusively by its head as well as, if necessary, within the specified competence, by heads of territorial and functional state statistics bodies.

Long-term state statistics development program and annual plan of the state statistical observations are approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. 

Statistical publications are clearly distinguished as products of the state statistics bodies and issued separately from publications of other authorities, bodies of state administration, etc.

The state statistics bodies, if necessary, comment publicly on the statistical information including criticisms or misinterpretation or misuse.

Principle 2: Mandate for Data Collection –The state statistics bodies have a clear legal mandate to collect data in order to compile the statistical information. Respondents have clearly determined responsibilities to deliver data to the state statistics bodies for compilation of the statistical information or allow access to them at the request of the state statistics bodies.

Indicators:

2.1. The mandate of the state statistics bodies to collect, process, analyze, disseminate, store, protect an use the statistical information is specified in law.

2.2. The legislation allows the state statistics bodies to obtain and use administrative data for statistical purposes.

2.3. The state statistics bodies on the basis of legislation can demand the mandatory participation of respondents in the state statistical observations.

Principle 3: Adequacy of resources – The resources available to the state statistics bodies should be sufficient to meet the requirements of the state statistics.

Indicators:

3.1. Staff, financial and computing resources adequate both in magnitude and quality are available to meet current statistical needs.

3.2. The scope, detail and cost of producing statistical information are commensurate with needs.

3.3. Procedures exist to assess demands for new statistical information taking into account the costs of its production.

3.4. Procedures exist to assess the current needs in the statistical information in general, which allows, if necessary, for discontinuing or curtailing the compilation of certain statistical information in order to free up resources.

Principle 4: Quality Commitment – The state statistics bodies assume the responsibility to act in compliance with the principles fixed in Quality Declaration of the European Statistical System (ESS, hereafter).

Indicators:

4.1. The quality of statistical data according to the ESS quality components is regularly monitored, reports and reviews are developed and published.

4.2. Procedures are in place to monitor the quality of the collection, processing an dissemination of the statistical information.

4.3. Procedures are in place to use the quality indicators including tradeoffs with quality, and measures to guide planning for existing and merging statistical surveys.  

4.4. The methodological documentation regarding the quality of the statistical data is prepared which made public an accessible for the wide public. Staff is well trained in this issue.

4.5. There is a regular and thorough review of the basic statistical information using external experts where appropriate.

Principle 5: Confidentiality of statistical data – The state statistics bodies guarantee the confidentiality of the primary statistical data obtained from respondents and also statistical information allowing the identification of information about individual respondent and us of administrative data for statistical purposes.

Indicators:

5.1. The confidentiality of the statistical information is guaranteed in law.

5.2. The staff from the state statistics bodies signs legal statistical confidentiality commitment on appointment.

5.3. Penalties are prescribed by legislation for any violation of order to use confidential statistical information. 

5.4. The methodological documentation on the protection of confidential statistical information in the collection, processing, analysis, dissemination, protection, storage and use is prepared and made available for the wide public.   

5.5. Organizational and technical provisions are in place to protect the statistical information.

5.6. Procedures apply to external users accessing statistical microdata for research purposes. 

Principle 6: Impartiality and Objectivity – The state statistics bodies compile and disseminate the statistical information on the basis of scientifically-grounded methodology, in an objective, professional, and transparent manner in which all users are treated equitably.

Indicators:

6.1. Choices of sources and methods to compile the statistical information are determined by scientifically grounded statistical methodology.

6.2. Errors discovered while disseminating the statistical data are corrected at the earliest possible data; corrected data are published.

6.3. Information on the methods and procedures used by the state statistics bodies for collection, processing, analysis, dissemination, protection, storage and use of the statistical information and procedures of work of the state statistics bodies are published an made publicly available.

6.4. Information about the date and the timing of statistical data releases are pre-announced.

6.5. All users have equal and simultaneous access to the statistical information, any privileged pre-release access of external users is limited, controlled and made public. In the vent of leaks occur, pre-released arrangements should be revised so as to ensure impartiality.

6.6. Statistical information and statements made in Press-conferences are objective and depersonalized.

Principle 7: Management and professional ethics – The activities of the state statistics bodies are logical and consistent. Moralities and behaviour standards of employees of the state statistics bodies are prescribed and ensured.

Indicators:

7.1. All activities by the state statistics bodies are considered as logically ordered processes.

7.2. Professional ethics of the state statistics bodies employees implies professional competence, scientific objectivity, impartiality, confidentiality protection, partnership elations with co-producers of statistical information, respondents and administrative data providers, respecting users' needs in statistical information compilation and dissemination.

7.3. Culture of behaviour of the staff from the state statistics bodies is supported with existing rules an also transparency of statistical processes. Transparency implies the dissemination of information about the status and conditions of statistical processes including pre-announcements of changes in them.

7.4. The methodological documentation about the process management and professional ethics of the staff from the state statistics bodies is prepared which is published and accessible to the wide public.

Principle 8: Effectiveness of activity- The effectiveness of activity of the state statistics bodies is characterized with the level of achievement of the planned outputs.

Indicators:

8.1. The state statistics bodies measure the results of their activity and satisfaction level of parties involved that participate in this activity and users using self-assessment indicators of activity of the state statistics bodies including those indicators that describe the implementation of status of the Long-Term Program to Develop the State Statistics, functioning quality management system, etc.

8.2. Performance analysis of activity and effective decision making are based on the reliable information only.  

8.3. The state statistics bodies compile reports about the results of their activity.

Principle 9: On-going improvements – The state statistics bodies improve their activity on the regular basis through the revision of Long-Term Program to Develop the State Statistics based on analysis of monitoring and auditing.

Indicators:

9.1. On-going monitoring of activity and self-assessment are carried out, using internal and, if necessary, external auditing.

9.2. The Long-Term Program to Develop the State Statistics is revised on the regular basis, as well as objectives and functions of the state statistics bodies.

9.3. Priorities for improvements to the state statistics bodies work are identified.

II. Statistical processes

(principles of statistical processes)

Principle 10: Sound statistical methodology – Up-to-date and scientifically grounded statistical methodology which is based on international standards and recommendations underpins the  compilation of the quality statistical information. This requires adequate tools, procedures, rules, methods and experience.

Indicators:

10.1.The overall methodological approaches applied by the state statistics bodies follow the European and other international standards, recommendations an principles as well as best achievements  of modern statistical practices.

10.2. The state statistics bodies make use of procures guaranteeing the use of coordinated standard concepts, definitions and classifications.

10.3. Data from the business register and framework for samples to conduct sample surveys of the population (households)  are regularly updated and, if necessary, adjusted in order to ensure high quality.

10.4. Detailed concordance exists between the national and the European classifications.

10.5. Experts with the relevant academic background are recruited to the staff of the state statistics bodies.   

10.6. Experts from the state statistics bodies participate in international conferences, training courses, etc. an cooperate with their colleagues at international level with the purpose of studying the best practice and improve their expertise.

10.7. The improvement of methodology is based on cooperation of the state statistics bodies with research organizations. External experts assess the quality and effectiveness of the methods and, if necessary, provide recommendations on implementation of the best methodology. 

Principle 11: Appropriate statistical procedures – The statistical procedures underpin the quality statistical information, starting from data collection and finishing with their final assessment.

Indicators:

11.1. Where the administrative data are used by the state statistics bodies, their definition and concepts are a good approximation to the statistical methodology.

11.2. The administrative data are assessed  in terms of their accuracy and meeting statistical purposes, consolidated statistical indicators are compared with consolidated indicators obtained from other sources, and their comparability and internal consistency are checked.

11.3. The inventories of forms of the state statistical observations are regularly taken, and their revision is made, if necessary. Before the conduct of the new statistical observation, the checking and testing of the appropriate statistical documentation are made. 

11.4. Survey design, sample population and weights of sample are well based and regularly reviewed and, if necessary, revised and updated.

11.5. Field operations, data entry and information coding are routinely monitored and, if necessary, revised.

11.6. Appropriate data editing and imputation computer software is used and regularly reviewed, revised and updated as required.

11.7. The corrections of errors and inconsistencies follow standard and transparent  procedures.

Principle 12: Partnership relations in the state statistics activity – Cooperation in compiling statistical information of the state statistics bodies and other co-producers of statistical information, providers of administrative data, respondents of the state statistical observations, international organizations and statistical services of other countries is grounded on mutual respect, smooth data exchange and cost-efficiency of the state statistics activity.

Indicators:

12.1. The level and details of the national statistics are limited with absolutely necessary information.

12.2. The reporting burden per respondents is measured and reduced, if necessary. 

12.3. The list of respondents covers the widest possible populations through using appropriate sample methods.

12.4. With the purpose of simplifying the procedures to obtain information from respondents, the data accessible from reporting documents are used as well as electronic means for information transfer.

12.5. When exact and detailed data are absent, the best methods for their estimates are used.

12.6. Mutual exchange of information resources is extended with bodies collecting and using administrative data.

12.7. The coordination of actions of bodies that are partners of the state statistics bodies in implementing the state statistics activity, particularly, in issues related to the development of  coordinated long-term programs to develop the state statistics including avoiding overlapping the actions, as well as joint actions and/or joint use of information, if necessary, is made.

12.8. In order to obtain comprehensive and unbiased statistical information and improve the statistical methodology, cooperation with international organizations and statistical services of other countries is established, in particular, in order to exchange the information.

Principle 13: Cost-effectiveness – The available resources of the state statistics bodies must be effectively used.

Indicators:

13.1. The use of resources by the state statistics bodies that are provided to them is controlled by internal and independent external auditors.

13.2. Standard operations related to processing of information (for example, data entry, coding, data validation) are automated to the extent possible. 

13.3. The capacities of information and communication technologies are optimal for data collecting, processing and disseminating.

13.4. Efforts are made to use administrative data to the extent possible in order to reduce costs for the conduct of the state statistical observations.

13.5. Organizational and methodological approaches to the conduct of the state statistical observations are revised regularly in order to ensure efficient use of resources and cost-effectiveness.

III.  Statistical Output

(principles of production of statistical output)

Principle 14: Relevance – The statistical data must meet the current and potential needs of users.

Indicators:

14.1. Processes are in place to consult users, monitor the relevance and practical utility of available statistical information to satisfy their current needs as well as identify their potential priority needs. Users' level of satisfaction with quality of statistical information is examined.

14.2. Priority needs of users are satisfied, this is reflected in the long-term programs to develop the state statistics.

14.3. The questioning of users regarding their satisfaction with statistical information is undertaken regularly.

Principle 15: Accuracy/reliability – The statistical data should be accurate and reliable.

Indicators:

15.1. Primary data, intermediate results an statistical outputs are assessed and validated in terms of their accuracy.  

15.2. The errors connected and not connected with sampling are analyzed and systematically documented according to the ESS quality components.

15.3. Analysis of data revision results is carried out routinely and used internally to improve statistical methods and procedures.

Principle 16: Timeliness and punctuality – The statistical data should be disseminated in a timely manner according to the established periodicity.

Indicators:

16.1. Timeliness of statistical data dissemination meets international standards and requirements.

16.2. A standard timing is set for the release of statistical information.

16.3. Periodicity of statistical data dissemination takes into account the users' needs as much as possible.

16.4. Any divergence from the dissemination time schedule of statistical information is published and explained in advance, and a new release date is set for data publication which also made public.

16.5. Preliminary consolidated data of acceptable quality are disseminated when considered useful for users.

Principle 17: Accessibility and clarity-The statistical data should be presented in a clear and understandable form, disseminated in a suitable and convenient manner, accessible to users in equal terms with supporting metadata and appropriate explanations.

Indicators:

17.1. Statistical data are presented in a form which facilitates their interpretation and meaningful comparisons.

17.2. The state statistics bodies make use of modern  information and communication technologies as well as hard-copy.

17.3. Custom-designed analysis  are provided and its results are made public. 

17.4. The use of microdata is allowed for research purposes. This access is subject to strict protocols.

17.5. Metadata are documented according to standardized metadata system.

17.6. Users  are kept informed about the methodology for statistical calculations and the quality of statistical information with respect to the ESS quality criteria.

Principle 18: Coherence an comparability – The statistical data should be consistent, comparable over time, by region and country. It should be possible to combine and make joint use of statistical data from different sources.

Indicators:

18.1. The statistical data are internally coherent and consistent (arithmetic and logical identities observed).

18.2. The statistical data are coherent or reconcilable over a limited period of time.

18.3. The statistical data from different sources are compiled on the basis of common standards with respect to a scope, definitions, units of measurement and classifications.

18.4. The statistical data from different sources are consistent and comparable.

18.5. Cross-national comparability of data is ensured through periodical exchanges between the state statistics bodies of Ukraine and statistical services of other countries; methodological studies are carried out in close cooperation with Eurostat, where possible.