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Part 1: The National Statistical System The first part of the Framework applies to the operations of the National Statistical System as a whole. The focus of concern is applying quality standards that promote the coordination of statistical activities between MDAs . The nine quality elements are mainly concerned with ensuring the integrity of the statistical system in Tanzania and promoting the extent to which users trust official statistics. 7
The National Statistical System Quality Element UN NQAF Element Link to existing policy, guidelines or practice How the quality element is assured and recommendation (if any) 1: Coordination of the National Statistical System 1.1 The National Statistical System, its objectives, how it is constituted and how it is coordinated is set out in legislation
1.1
New proposed
Statistics Legislation
The new proposed Statistics Legislation includes this
provision.
1.2
The role of the National Bureau of Statistics (for the
Mainland) and the Office of the Chief Government
Statistician (for Zanzibar) in coordinating the National
Statistical System is set out in legislation
1.2
New proposed
Statistics Legislation
The new proposed Statistics Legislation includes this
provision.
1.3
There are formal and documented processes in place to
coordinate the National Statistical System including:
planning, implementing, regulating and evaluating the
development, production and dissemination of official
statistics and ensuring their quality
1.3
New proposed
Statistics Legislation,
TSMP Component A
The new proposed Statistics Legislation provides for
coordination and accountability mechanisms.
1.4
There are formal and documented processes in place to
ensure cooperation among the members of the National
Statistical System
1.4
New proposed
Statistics Legislation,
TSMP Component A
The new proposed Statistics Legislation provides for
coordination, accountability and cooperation mechanisms.
1.5
There are formal and documented processes in place to
decide on priorities for the production of official
statistics
1.5
New proposed
Statistics Legislation,
TSMP Component A
The new proposed Statistics Legislation provides for
processes for deciding on priorities
1.6
There are formal and documented processes in place for
setting guidelines for the production of official statistics,
for promoting the harmonisation of statistical
information and for avoiding the duplication of work
within the National Statistical System
1.6
SMSG and CDOS;
TSMP Component A
NBS has prepared CDOS to establish concepts, definitions
and classifications for statistics and SMSG to set out
guidelines and standards for statistical processes. These need
to be extended to MDAs and other data producers
1.7
There are formal and documented processes in place for
setting standards for statistical activities throughout the
National Statistical System
1.7
SMSG and CDOS;
TSMP Component A
NBS has CDOS in place to establish concepts, definitions
and classifications for statistics and SMSG to set out
guidelines and standards for statistical processes. These need
to be extended to MDAs and other data producers
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The National Statistical System (ct’d) Quality Element UN NQAF Element Link to existing policy, guidelines or practice How the quality element is assured and recommendation (if any) Coordination of the National Statistical System 1.8 There are formal and documented processes in place to promote the sharing of technical knowledge and the implementation of good practice among the members of the National Statistical System 1.8 SMSG and CDOS; TSMP Component A Support is being provided to NBS and MDAs under STATCAP supporting implementation of TSMP 1.9 There are guidelines in place to support the exchange of unit records or other data between members of the National Statistical System 1.10 MOUs in place with some data providers MOUs need to be extended to other data providers
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Part 2: Agencies responsible for the production and dissemination of official statistics
This part of the Framework is concerned with the organisation and management of agencies
that are responsible for the collection, compilation, dissemination and archiving of official
statistics. It sets out 125 separate quality elements, divided into 17 categories or sections. The
categories covered are:
2.1
The management of relations with both data users and the providers of the source
data;
2.2
The management of different statistical standards, both national and international;
2.3
Assuring the professional independence of statistical operations;
2.4
Assuring the impartiality and objectivity of statistical operations;
2.5
Assuring the transparency of statistical operations, so that users are able to
understand how different statistics have been collected and compiled;
2.6
Assuring the confidentiality and security of statistical data obtained from
individual respondents;
2.7
Assuring the commitment to improve the quality of official statistics throughout
the agency;
2.8
Making sure that there are adequate resources for statistical operations;
2.9
Making sure that different statistical methods used throughout the agency are
sound and in line with international recommendations and good practice;
2.10
Making sure that statistical operations are planned and carried out in a cost
effective and efficient manner;
2.11
Managing the overall burden on respondents so that response rates are maintained
at a high level and the information collected is as accurate and reliable as
possible;
2.12
Making sure that official statistics are relevant and useful and that this remains
the case in future;
2.13
Making sure that official statistics produced and disseminated by the agency are
accurate and reliable;
2.14
Making sure that the agency disseminates official statistics as scheduled and with
a minimal delay between the reference period and the time of dissemination;
2.15
Making sure that all official statistics are accessible and clear to all users;
2.16
Making sure that official statistics are coherent and can be compared between
sources and over time;
2.17
Managing metadata, that is descriptions of the procedures, processes and methods
used to collect, process, compile and analyse the data.
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Agencies responsible for the production and dissemination of official statistics Quality Element UN NQAF Element Link to existing policy, guidelines or practice How the quality element is assured and recommendation (if any) 2.1: Managing relations with data users and providers 2.1.1 Statistical agencies have identified their main stakeholders (providers, users and others) and the relationships between the agency and its main stakeholders has been defined
2.1 TSMP Chapter 2 Consultation with stakeholders has been strengthened under TSMP. 2.1.2 There are formal and documented processes in place to consult stakeholders on their needs and concerns and they are kept informed on how these are being dealt with
2.3 New proposed Statistics Legislation, TSMP component A Consultation with stakeholders has been strengthened under TSMP. 2.1.3 The agency has an external body that advises on setting overall statistical priorities 2.5 Statistics Act 2002 An Advisory Board has been established under the Statistics Act 2002, it is anticipated that a stronger external body will be established when the new proposed Statistics Legislation is in force. 2.1.4 Subject-specific user committees are in place 2.6 Mechanisms for consulting users are in place.
These are set up to discuss specific enquiries and other statistical activities, regular consultation needs strengthening 2.1.5 Appropriate strategies are in place to service user needs through a combination of print, electronic and other services to ensure users have appropriate access to the statistics they need.
2.8
Section 6.0 of the June
2010 Dissemination and
Pricing Policy
The policy needs updating to incorporate more recent
technological developments
2.1.6
A provider management policy is in place
2.9 Not yet in place Need to develop a provider management policy 2.1.7 Consultations take place regularly with provider organizations including other government departments and industry associations
2.10 Some meetings take place on an ad-hoc basis These need to be strengthened, especially for establishment surveys
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Agencies responsible for the production and dissemination of official statistics (ct’d) Quality Element UN NQAF Element Link to existing policy, guidelines or practice How the quality element is assured and recommendation (if any) 2.1.8 The agency has access to records maintained by government departments, corporations, businesses and other organizations that could be used for statistical purposes
2.11 Statistics Act 2002 The Statistics Act 2002 includes this provision 2.1.9 Memorandums of understanding or other arrangements are in place with providers to ensure that administrative data are suitable for statistical purposes
2.12 MOUs in place with some data providers MOUs need to be extended to other data providers 2.1.10 Continuing liaison with the main providers of administrative data is maintained to strengthen the statistical value and use of the data
2.13 There is regular, but ad- hoc contact with some providers The consultation process needs to be extended and documented 2.1.11 Well-documented work plans and budgets are in place and these are shared with Ministry of Finance to ensure the mutual understanding of funding requirements and trade-offs
2.14 TSMP and annual budgets for NBS prepared under the MTEF Annual budgets and work plans are published 2.1.12 There is a documented strategy to manage media relationships and to maintain regular contact with the media
2.15
June, 2010 June 2010
Dissemination and
Pricing Policy
At present this is mainly done on an ad-hoc basis and a formal
strategy needs to be developed
2.1.13
The agency responds to negative media reporting,
as appropriate, to ensure fair reporting of its
position.
2.16
Section 5 of the June,
2010 Dissemination and
Pricing Policy
This is done as needed, but a formal strategy/guide is needed 2.1.14 Arrangements are in place to ensure that the media is able to play a role in disseminating statistics to a wide audience
2.17 Partly in place with some ad-hoc events This should be part of the media strategy
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Agencies responsible for the production and dissemination of official statistics (ct’d) Quality Element UN NQAF Element Link to existing policy, guidelines or practice How the quality element is assured and recommendation (if any) 2.2: Managing statistical standards 2.2.1 In collaboration with other agencies, where relevant, the agency develops, reviews, promotes and implements standards for different statistical products and processes
3.1
CDOS
Concepts and Definitions for Official Statistics prepared by NBS.
2.2.2
The work to develop and update statistical
standards is led by a person or unit with the
appropriate level of seniority
3.3 Organogram for NBS Department of Statistical Methods, Standards and Coordination in NBS and Standards and Methods Section in OCGS 2.2.3 The agency monitors the extent to which the different statistical processes use the relevant statistical standards.
3.4 Organogram for NBS However, a formal monitoring system should be strengthened 2.2.4 Where relevant, staff are made aware of statistical standards and any changes 3.5 On an ad-hoc basis There should be formal arrangements for informing the staff on some changes 2.2.5 Standards include a statement regarding the extent to which their application or use is compulsory or advisory
3.6 SMSG and CDOS Either of the link documents should identify which standards are compulsory and which are advisory 2.3: Assuring the professional independence of statistical operations
2.3.1 By law statistical agencies are required to develop, produce and disseminate statistics without interference from any government department, the private sector or any other persons or entities which may be considered as potential conflicts of interest
4.1 Statistics Act 2002 This is provided for in the current Statistics Act 2002 2.3.2 The statistical agency has a formal and documented process for dealing with actual, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest
4.3 Dealt with on an ad-hoc basis This needs strengthening and expanding
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Agencies responsible for the production and dissemination of official statistics (ct’d) Quality Element UN NQAF Element Link to existing policy, guidelines or practice How the quality element is assured and recommendation (if any) 2.3.3 The rules and procedures for appointing and dismissing the heads of statistical agencies are based on professional competence and are free from any political considerations
4.4 Statistics Act 2002 This is provided for in the current Statistics Act 2002 2.3.4 Processes are in place to ensure that the heads of statistical agencies are of the highest professional calibre and have sufficient standing to ensure adequate access to policy makers and other public bodies
4.5 Statistics Act 2002 This is provided for in the current Statistics Act 2002 2.3.5 The heads of statistical agencies have full control over any decisions on statistical methods, standards and procedures and on the content and timing of statistical releases
4.6 Statistics Act 2002 This is provided for in the current Statistics Act 2002 2.3.6 The responsibility for ensuring that statistics are developed, produced and disseminated in an independent manner rests with the head of the statistical agency
4.7
Section 5.0 of the June,
2010 Dissemination and
Pricing Policy
This is provided for in the current Statistics Act 2002
2.3.7
Procedures are in place for regularly publishing
statistical work programmes and for issuing
periodic reports to describe the progress that has
been made
4.8
TSMP and annual
budgets for NBS prepared
under the MTEF
Annual performance reports
2.3.8
Procedures are in place for ensuring that statistical
releases are clearly distinguished from political or
policy statements and are issued separately from
them
4.9
Section 5.0 of the June,
2010 Dissemination and
Pricing Policy.
Published statistical releases and publications
2.3.9
Statistical agencies are able to comment publicly on
statistical issues, criticisms, misinterpretations and
misuses of official statistics
4.10
Section 5.0 of the June,
2010 Dissemination and
Pricing Policy
This is provided for in the new proposed Statistics Legislation