European Statistics Code of Practice – revised edition 2011

Source: http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-manuals-and-guidelines/-/KS-32-11-955

The European Statistics Code of Practice for the National and Community Statistical Authorities was first adopted by the European Statistical System Committee (ESSC) in February 2005 and promulgated in the Commission Recommendation COM(2005)217 on the independence, integrity and accountability of the national and Community statistical authorities.

The Code is based on 15 principles concerning the institutional environment, statistical processes and outputs. It aims to ensure that statistics produced within the ESS are not only relevant, timely and accurate but also comply with principles of professional independence, impartiality and objectivity. A set of indicators of good practice for each of the 15 principles provides a reference for measuring the implementation of the Code. The Code was revised in 2011 and adopted by the ESSC on 28th September 2011.

1. Professional independence
2. Mandate for data collection
3. Adequacy of resources
4. Commitment to quality
5. Statistical confidentiality
6. Impartiality and Objectivity
7. Sound methodology
8. Appropriate statistical procedures
9. Non-excessive burden on respondents
10. Cost effectiveness
11. Relevance
12. Accuracy and Reliability
13. Timeliness and Punctuality
14. Coherence and Comparability
15. Accessibility and Clarity

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