UK Statistics Authority

Official statistics play a vital role in supporting society and the economy – informing government policymaking and evaluation, guiding economic and commercial decisions, and enabling public accountability and debate. Trusted, high-quality statistics provide a sound evidence base for decisions across government and beyond.

The UK Statistics Authority (“the Authority”) is an independent statutory body, established under the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007. Operating at arm’s length from government as a non-ministerial department, it reports directly to the UK Parliament and the devolved legislatures. Its statutory objective is to promote and safeguard the production and publication of official statistics that serve the public good – including informing the public, supporting policy development and evaluation, and challenging the misuse of statistics.

The Authority has two executive arms:

• The Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK’s largest independent producer of official statistics and the recognised national statistical institute, responsible for statistics on the economy, population and society, and for conducting the census in England and Wales every ten years.
• The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR), the UK’s statistics regulator, which provides independent regulation, enhances public confidence in trustworthiness, quality and value, and sets and upholds the Code of Practice for Statistics.

Most official statistics are produced within the Government Statistical Service (GSS) – a network of statisticians across the ONS, departments, agencies and the devolved governments. The National Statistician leads this community as Head of the GSS.

Following Sir Robert Devereux’s 2025 review into ONS performance and culture, a new leadership model has been introduced. The ONS Permanent Secretary now leads operational delivery and acts as Principal Accounting Officer, while the National Statistician serves as the strategic head of the UK statistical system, leading the GSS and advising the Authority Board and Government on statistical matters.

We are seeking an internationally recognised leader in statistics to serve as National Statistician. You will provide expert advice to ministers, Parliament and senior officials, ensuring the trustworthiness and integrity of the UK’s statistical system, and representing the UK internationally.

You will bring:

• Deep professional expertise in statistics, methodology and research;
• Strategic insight and analytical capability;
• Excellent communication and influencing skills; and
• A strong commitment to the independence and public value of official statistics, and to the Civil Service values of honesty, integrity, impartiality and objectivity.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the UK’s statistical system and champion the role of evidence in public life and we would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in the role.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Office for National Statistics on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference OBWBA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Sunday 23^rd November.