User Engagement in Statistics Review
Drawing on colleagues' comments and past discussions, this review explores the relevance and importance of user engagement in statistical data production. Understanding different user groups, the dynamics of consultation and engagement, and areas for improvement are key aspects discussed.
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Presentation Transcript
Consultation and User Engagement Deana Leadbeter Chair, Health Statistics User Group Member of Exec of FoSUG (Forum of Statistics User Groups
Issues Giving a general overview not looking at specific data / stats issues: Why is user engagement relevant to this Review? What do we mean by consultation and user engagement What are the differences? Do we all understand the same thing by these terms? What is the current situation: What has worked well and needs to be supported and developed What needs to be improved. Way forward?
Introduction / Context Drawing on comments from colleagues not just my own views Some of these comments have already been mentioned: By myself in previous discussions / talks / papers By UKSA and other speakers in previous discussions / reports But will repeat briefly because: Not always clear that comments have been heard When there is some new initiative / new person, previous comments often not taken in account (not easily found and accessed?). (Both of these are very frustrating for users!) What is said in statements doesn t always happen in practice
Why is user engagement relevant to the Review UKSA established to promote and safeguard production of statistics for the public good which includes a wide range of statistics and involves a wide range of users. To achieve this, need to engage with users, at all stages of production, because: They understand the context and how statistics will be used => collaboration between users and producers in design can improve quality If official statistics are designed to be suitable for use in practice then it is more likely that they will be used, and used appropriately Users can see how statistics are being used in practice, so can flag up problems: Issues of misuse (for whatever reason) Difficulties in understanding Changes in practice that may affect data being collected or information being used
What do we mean by Users? an example from Health and Care, but similar situation in other areas Public (individuals and community groups) Media Users of the service (Patients, and their carers) Special interest groups Health, health care and social care professionals (not analysts) Statisticians, researchers, policy analysts etc Government Departments with responsibility for Health and Care Office for National Statistics Other Government Departments and organisations Parliament and Devolved Administrations Private sector
This means there are many different perspectives Recognise that it is a challenge for UKSA and other providers to: Understand the different user communities: Their needs Their different skills and expertise How to reach and engage with them And also a challenge to: Balance the requirements of different communities => Need to involve the user community (to improve understanding, reaching the communities and balancing the requirements)
How to involve the user community Different users have different requirements and ways of working so will need to involve them in different ways Requires ongoing communication so that discussions can happen at the time the issues arise not just when there is a consultation exercise Ideally should fit in with, and draw on, activities in which the users are already involved. (engagement in the user space) Users need to be given the opportunity to comment on issues they believe are important not just the questions as framed by the provider Users need to believe that their comments will be welcomed and used (so worth taking the time to comment) Producers need to believe that user comments will be relevant and helpful (so worth taking time to engage with them) culture shift?
How has UKSA performed against these criteria - Some general progress but ONS / GSS User Engagement Strategy for Statistics (published February 2021) ONS Theme Groups - see theme-based engagement webpage on the ONS website Engaging with our users - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk). But limited user involvement in these Review of the user engagement platform (StatsUserNet) hopefully leading to improvement But very little support for user group activities Some ONS / GSS projects to address the problem of not taking account of, and learning from, previous activities these need to be supported & extended Registry of Evaluations (mentioned at Launch of Review of the Code of Practice) User Feedback Loop
Also progress in specific areas e.g.health and care But not not in all areas UKHSSG (UK Health Statistics Steering Group previously the English Health Statistics Steering Group) was formed in 2016 following OSR (Office for Statistics Regulation) review into Health and Care Statistics in England. Objectives: Remove duplication, Harmonise methodology, Improve accessibility, Increase user engagement Progress with first 3 (which is helpful) but it just brings together providers so still more to do on user engagement Health and Care Theme Groups set up 15 groups but not all are functioning yet As they become established, intend to involve users, but not happening yet Active involvement of ONS statisticians in HSUG and in webinar series run by HSUG and RSS
Summary and Way Forward Some user engagement mechanisms have been put in place with some involvement of the wider user community but only very limited It is not yet clear whether the mechanisms that have been put in place will support full and ongoing user engagement (as envisaged by the user community) Varies considerably between different areas some good examples of engagement in health and care but not in other areas So Some progress but still quite limited So far is still very top down so need to support the initiatives that exist, but hope for more user involvement in future.
