Harmonisation Handbook Close Handbook Introduction to Harmonisation Benefits
Harmonisation Handbook Close Handbook Introduction to Harmonisation Benefits of Harmonisation Harmonised Principles NSHG Members Harmonisation Process Harmonisation Governance Roles and Responsibilities NSHG Harmonisation Case Studies Meetings and Workshops NSHG Terms of Reference Harmonisation Resources Harmonisation Team Details Version: September 2017, v 1. 3
What is Harmonisation? • it is a UK cross governmental programme • it aims to harmonise statistical inputs, processes and outputs across the Government Statistical Service • it aims to facilitate clearer and more robust comparison between data sources and to improve data quality Next Page Main Index
What is Harmonisation? Harmonisation is about making questions, definitions, variables and outputs across all official statistics comparable. Back Next Page Main Index
The Harmonisation Vision “All inputs, processing and outputs for the Census and surveys and all data from administrative records will be harmonised… …so that users can compare data from different sources with confidence… …and can merge and match data more easily… …taking account of international implications”. Back Next Page Main Index
Why Harmonise? The UK has a wide range of government surveys that provide sources of social and economic information. The Census is the largest and best known, but there are many others covering topics such as economic activity, income, expenditure, food, health, education, housing and transport. These surveys were designed at different times, to meet different needs, and have been commissioned by a range of departments. Consequently, the surveys were developed mostly in isolation from each other. This resulted in a lack of cohesion. Differences arose in concepts, definitions, design, fieldwork and processing practices, or “inputs”, and also in the way results are released, or “outputs”. Therefore data are often inconsistent and not comparable. Much work has already been done with the harmonisation of Government social surveys and work is now taking place to look at harmonising business statistics and administrative data. Several initiatives have been identified across the GSS that harmonisation can facilitate as part of the delivery of these programmes. Back Next Page Main Index
Harmonised not Standardised Back Next Page Main Index
Harmonisation v Standardisation There is a difference between Harmonisation and Standardisation: • standardisation involves adopting uniform questions, methodology, processes or outputs to measure an item • harmonisation brings together various types, levels and sources of data in such a way that they may be comparable The next page shows an example of how ethnicity has been harmonised within the UK. Back Next Page Main Index
Ethnicity Response Categories on UK Censuses What is your ethnic group? England White 1. English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish/British 2. Irish 3. Gypsy or Irish Traveller 4. Any other White background, please describe Scotland White 1. Scottish 2. Other British 3. Irish 4. Gypsy/Traveller 5. Polish 6. Any other White ethnic group, please describe Welsh and English forms differ in response order, the Northern Irish form has less options and the Scottish census enables reporting of Polish ethnicity. Standardisation would mandate use of the same question and not allow subtle, but necessary differences. Harmonisation allows this by providing output categories that allow for the aggregation of responses at UK level. The harmonised ethnicity principle recognises that differences are required at the national level, but enables comparable reporting at UK level: Northern Ireland White 1. White 2. Irish Traveller Wales White 1. Welsh/English/Scottish/Northern Irish/British 2. Irish 3. Gypsy or Irish Traveller 4. Any other White background, please describe UK Output White Irish Traveller Back Main Index
Benefits of Harmonisation The use of harmonised principles can provide a range of benefits including: • cost savings and efficiencies by avoiding duplication and providing more outputs from less investment • comparability and coherence within time series and between separate datasets • help to support a wider reuse of survey structural information • help reduce respondent burden • increase options for data sharing and linkage of official statistics datasets • Improve data quality Next Page Main Index
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Benefits of Harmonisation also helps to comply with the specific requirements of the: UK Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 and the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. Link to complete versions: UK Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 Code of Practice for Official Statistics Back Main Index
Benefits of Harmonisation also helps to comply with specific requirements of the: UK Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007, Section 13 Back Main Index
Benefits of Harmonisation. . and the Code of Practice for Official Statistics – Principle 4: Sound methods and assured quality Statistical methods should be consistent with scientific principles and internationally recognised best practices, and be fully documented. Quality should be monitored and assured taking account of internationally agreed principles. Practises 1. Ensure that official statistics are produced according to scientific principle. Published details of the methods adopted, including explanations of why particular choices were made. 2. Ensure that official statistics are produced to a level of quality that meets users’ needs, and that users are informed about the quality of statistical outputs, including estimates of the main sources of bias and other errors, and other aspects of the European Statistical System definition of quality. 3. Adopt quality assurance procedures, including the consideration of each statistical product against users’ requirements, and of their coherence with other statistical products. 4. Publish quality guidelines, and ensure that staff are suitably trained in quality management. 5. Seek to achieve continuous improvement in statistical processes by, for example undertaking regular reviews or releasing statistical work in progress such as experimental statistics. 6. Promote comparability within the UK and internationally by, for example adopting common standards, concepts, sampling frames, questions, definitions, statistical units and classifications (including common geographical referencing and coding standards). Make the reasons for any deviations from standard models publicly available. 7. Where time series are revised, or changes are made to methods or coverage, produce consistent historical data where possible. 6. Promote comparability within the UK and internationally by, for example adopting common standards, concepts, sampling frames, questions, definitions, statistical units and classifications (including common geographical referencing and coding standards). Make the reasons for any deviations from standard models publicly available. Back Main Index
GSS Harmonised Principles The GSS Harmonised Principles are formally approved documents containing sets of questions, concepts and outputs and provide a harmonised means of collecting information about a given topic. GSS Harmonised Principles are agreed by the National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG) or the Business Harmonisation Task and Finish Group (BHTFG) and are approved by the National Statistics Harmonisation Steering Group (NSH SG). GSS Harmonised Principles currently cover survey-related topics such as Demographic Information (age/sex/etc. ); Ethnicity; General Health, Benefits and Tax Credits, Turnover, Number of Employees, etc. A full list of GSS Harmonised Principles for both social and business topics are available on the next pages. Next Page – Social Topics Next Page – Business Topics Main Index
GSS Social Harmonised Principles Title Description Accommodation and Household Information GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on type of accommodation a household occupies, length of time they have been resident there, and availability of motor vehicles to the household. Benefits and tax credits GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on benefits and tax credits received by respondents. Consumer durables GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on electrical or electronic goods, such as televisions, computers, telephones and washing machines. Crime and fear of crime GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on crime, fear of crime and problems in the area, as perceived by respondents. Demographic information, household composition and relationships GSS Harmonised Principle for basic descriptive information about respondents, including age, sex and marital status. Also standard ways of categorising and describing households and families by their members and relationships. Economic status and industry GSS Harmonised Principle for questions used to classify respondents according to their industry, occupation and employment status. These are used to produce standard economic status and socio-economic classifications. Educational Attainment GSS Harmonised Principle for questions relating to qualifications held by respondents. Ethnic group GSS Harmonised Principle for questions for collecting information on how people describe their ethnic identity. General Health and Carers GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on general health. Also includes questions on basic caring for other people. Geography GSS Harmonised Principle containing links to GSS geography policy, Open Geography Portal and linked data. Housing costs and benefits GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on housing costs (rent and mortgages) and housing benefits. Income This harmonised principle has been temporarily removed, pending review Next Page Back Main Index
GSS Social Harmonised Principles (cont. ) Title Description Long-lasting Health Conditions and Illnesses: Impairments and Disability GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on long-term health conditions and illnesses for respondents. Also includes questions on impairments and disabilities. National Identity and Religion GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on national identity and religion. Personal Well-being GSS Harmonised Principle for questions and guidance for users wishing to add personal well-being questions to surveys. Qualifications GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on level of qualifications. (Currently in abeyance as awaiting ISCED definition). Selected job details GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on length of time since respondent last worked and the number of hours (paid and unpaid) worked. Sexual Identity GSS Harmonised Principle for questions and guidance for both users of sexual identity statistics and those organisations collecting data on sexual identity. Social capital This harmonised principle has been temporarily removed, pending review. Survey Reference Period GSS Harmonised Principle for information on establishing reference periods for surveys. Tenure GSS Harmonised Principle for questions on ownership, or otherwise, of respondent’s accommodation. Back Next Page – Business Topics Main Index
GSS Business Harmonised Principles Title Description Hours Worked and Full Time Equivalents GSS Harmonised Principle for collecting data on Hours Worked and Full Time Equivalents (FTE) Number of Employees and Number of Self Employed Persons GSS Harmonised Principle for collecting data on Number of Employees and Number of Self Employed Persons Total Turnover GSS Harmonised Principle for collecting data on Total Turnover for Short Term Indicators Back Main Index
Harmonisation Process Introduction For data comparability and coherence it is essential for data providers to use GSS Harmonised Principles. The Harmonisation Team at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for maintaining the current list of GSS Harmonised Principles. Occasionally, the need arises for a new principle, or the revision of an existing principle and in these instances there is an approved process to follow to ensure formal approval and dissemination. The harmonisation process outlines the stages that need to be followed by the topic lead. Topic leads will need to contact the Harmonisation Team for the full document including the templates to be used at each stage of the process. To see the process model and an explanation of each stage, please go to the next page. Next Page Main Index
Harmonisation Process Model A. Establish the need 1. Identify Stakeholders 2. User requirements 3. Key Issues 4. Benefits of developing Principle 5. Draft timetable F. Review and maintain 1. Periodic review: no action or identify need for revision or withdrawal 2. Inform GSS SPSC & Ho. Ps G. Revise /withdraw 1. Draft proposal written 2. Consultation with stakeholders 3. Final proposal written (Click on boxes for further information about each stage) B. Agree the need 1. Agreed by NSHG / BHTFG 2. Approved by NSH SG 3. Inform GSS SPSC & Ho. Ps C. Develop 1. Benefits of developing principle reviewed 2. Consultation with stakeholders/users 3. Proposed Principle drafted 4. Testing and further consultation 5. Final proposed principle produced E. Dissemination 1. Dissemination of Principle 2. Monitor use and implementation D. Agree Principle 1. Agreed by NSHG / BHTFG 2. Approved by NSH SG 3. Inform GSS SPSC & Ho. Ps Back Main Index
Harmonisation Process Stage A. Establish the Need This stage requires the identification of stakeholders, user requirements, any key issues, the benefits of developing the principle and a draft timetable. The Topic Lead must complete the template ‘Request for NSHG/BHTFG to Agree the Need for Harmonisation’ at Annex A, which requires information on: Identify Stakeholders • identify producers, users and other interested parties who will be able to help with the development of the proposed Harmonised Principle (or revision to existing one) • this should include the Devolved Administrations where applicable User requirements • who has requested the principle and what is the need • when is the principle required • provide evidence that the principle is required Key issues • if implemented, how regularly would maintenance be required, and what is the likelihood for change • describe any potential issues relating to implementation and how these can be mitigated Benefit of developing the principle • for both data providers and users: – illustrate the value added by the principle – describe the impact of not implementing the principle Draft Timetable • complete the draft timetable, including milestone dates against tasks to be undertaken Back Main Index
Harmonisation Process Stage B. Agree the Need This stage requires the agreement of the relevant harmonisation group; National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG) for social topics or Business Harmonisation Task & Finish Group (BHTFG) for business topics and the approval of the National Statistics Harmonisation Steering Group (NSH SG), before the principle can be developed. The GSS Statistical Policy and Standards Committee (GSS SPSC) and the Statistical Heads of Profession (Ho. Ps) are informed of this. Agreed by the NSHG/BHTFG • once completed, the template ‘Request for NSHG/BHTFG to Agree the Need for Harmonisation’ at Annex A, should be submitted to the NSHG/BHTFG via the secretariat • this will be presented at the next NSHG/BHTFG meeting or circulated for comment via correspondence depending on requirements • the NSHG/BHTFG will agree, reject, or request further information about the proposal • if the proposal is rejected the reasons for this must be stated by the NSHG/BHTFG Approved by NSH SG • once agreed by the NSHG/BHTFG the proposal will be submitted to the NSH SG for approval, again using the template at Annex A • this will be submitted at the next NSH SG meeting or by correspondence • the NSH SG will either approve the proposal to continue to develop the principle, request further information about the proposal or reject the proposal • if the proposal is rejected, the reasons for this must be stated by the NSH SG Inform GSS SPSC and Ho. Ps • the Harmonisation Team will inform the GSS SPSC and the Ho. Ps when a proposal is being considered Back Main Index
Harmonisation Process Stage C. Develop This stage details the steps required when developing or revising the principle. The Topic Lead must complete the template ‘Request for NSHG/BHTFG Agreement for Harmonised Principle’ at Annex B, which requires information on: Benefit of Developing Principle Reviewed • related benefits and projected costs detailed to illustrate the added value and potential burdens for both data providers and users • review of the process used to develop the harmonised principle included with the aim of ensuring the burden for all parties involved was minimised • explore the incorporation of associated costs/benefits of implementing and maintaining the harmonised principle when applied within different types of data sources (social and business surveys, administrative data). Consultation with Stakeholders/Users • contact key stakeholders (this must include representatives from the UK nations) • produce consultation plan with milestone dates and undertake the steps outlined • provide stakeholders with the consultation document, which includes information such as explaining why the principle/revision is required, and its benefits • provide a summary of feedback received from stakeholders, highlighting areas of concern from and how these will be addressed Proposed Principle Drafted • after considering stakeholder feedback, provide a draft proposed principle Testing and Further Consultation • any question testing undertaken detailing issues raised and what was done to mitigate these • details of any further consultation as a result of the question testing • if Data Collection Methodology (DCM) resource is required for question testing, please contact the Harmonisation Team Final Proposal Principle Produced The Topic Lead should produce the final proposal, detailing information such as: • the development process • Stakeholder/user consultation • questions and issues raised and planned resolutions • results of testing and feedback from stakeholders and UK nations for the proposal questions, definitions and outputs. • timetable for finalising the principle, including key milestone, risks, dependencies and contingencies Back Main Index
Harmonisation Process Stage D. Agree Principle At this stage agreement and approval of the new or revised principle will be sought. The principle will be formally approved by the NSH SG. Throughout this stage, and once the documentation has been received, the Harmonisation Team will take the proposal through each approval stage, requesting further information from the Topic Lead as required. Agreed by NSHG/BHTFG • the Topic Lead should submit the completed template ‘Request for NSHG/BHTFG Agreement for Harmonised Principle’ at Annex B (or Annex C for revised principles) to the NSHG/BHTFG via the Harmonisation Team (this will be through an NSHG/BHTFG meeting or via correspondence depending on time constraints) • if successful at NSHG the proposal will be passed to the NSH SG for approval • if unsuccessful, the NSHG/BHTFG will provide feedback via the Harmonisation Team for comments/revisions, as required, for the Topic Lead to address Approved by NSH SG • once agreed by the NSHG/BHTFG, formal approval will be required from the NSH SG for a new or revised Harmonised Principle. • the Harmonisation Team will submit the proposed Harmonised Principle, using the completed template at Annex B (or Annex C for revised principles), to the NSH SG at their next meeting or via correspondence, as directed by the NSH SG • the NSH SG will either approve or return the principle, requesting further information to support the principle • the NSH SG will notify the NSHG/BHTFG secretariat of its decision, who, in turn, will notify the respective Topic Lead Inform GSS SPSC and Ho. Ps • once formally approved by the NSH SG, the Harmonisation Team will assist the Topic Lead with preparing the new or revised Harmonised Principle for publication on the GSS website • the Harmonisation Team will inform the GSS SPSC and the Ho. Ps when a proposal has been formally approved Back Main Index
Harmonisation Process Stage E. Dissemination This stage details the steps required in the dissemination and promotion of the new or revised Harmonised Principle. The Topic Lead and the Harmonisation Team must complete the template ‘Dissemination of New or Revised Harmonised Principle’ at Annex D, which addresses: Dissemination of Principle • the Topic Lead should complete a Dissemination Plan, outlining the dissemination methods and targeted audience and attach it to the Template at Annex D • the Topic Lead and the Harmonisation Team will disseminate the new/revised Harmonised Principle as detailed at Annex D Monitor use and implementation • ensure that outputs which use the harmonised question(s) (as identified in Stage C) are aware of the new or revised principle and have plans for its implementation • complete a summary report of implementation and use, identifying which stakeholders use the new principle, when it was adopted, or is planned to be adopted • if problems are encountered during implementation, record these and inform the Harmonisation Team Back Main Index
Harmonisation Process Stage F. Review This stage outlines how principles should be reviewed to ensure they are still required and fit for purpose. Periodic Review Once a Harmonised Principle has been formally approved, a desk review of the principle should be undertaken once a year by the Topic Lead. This may lead to a full review if required and will ensure the principle remains current and is reflective of user/producer needs. The review period can be more frequent if the Topic Lead deems necessary (i. e. if the subject matter is likely to evolve quickly or is subject to statutory changes). The Topic Lead is responsible for: • conducting a ‘desk review’ of the principle to gauge if a revision is required and for what reason, or if the principle is no longer required • liaison with Topic Group to discuss findings and evidence that a revision/withdrawal is required • if review identifies a revision is not required, the Harmonisation Team should be informed that no further action is required other than the date of the ‘next review due’ and adding this to the Harmonised Principle and re-publishing it • if the need for a revision or withdrawal is identified, the steps at Stage G. Revise/withdraw, should be followed Inform GSS SPSC and Ho. Ps The Harmonisation Team are to inform the GSS SPSC and Ho. Ps if the Harmonised Principle is to be revised or withdrawn as a result of a review. Back Main Index
Harmonisation Process Stage G. Revise/Withdraw This stage provides guidance for addressing principles that have been identified as needing revision or no longer required and should be withdrawn. The steps below should be followed: Draft Proposal Written If the principle is to be revised, a proposal covering the findings of the review, what needs to be changed, the benefits the revision will bring and a proposed timetable, needs to be written. This document will form the basis of the consultation with stakeholders. Consultation with Stakeholders The Topic Lead should ensure all stakeholders are consulted and views considered. The consultation should cover the following areas: • what the required changes are • reason for the changes • benefits of making the change • an overview of any testing required • a deadline for comments Final Proposal Written Following completion of the consultation a draft proposal of the proposed changes or withdrawal request must be prepared using Stage A as a guide. This is then submitted as detailed at Stage B. Agree the Need, via the Harmonisation Team, using the template ‘Request for NSHG/BHTFG to Agree the Need for Revision to Existing Harmonised Principle’ at Annex E. From this point on, the remaining stages in the process are followed. Withdrawal of Harmonised Principles Request for the withdrawal of an existing Harmonised Principle should use the template ‘Request to Withdraw Harmonised Principle’ at Annex F. Back Main Index
NSHG Roles and Responsibilities The National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG) is a cross government group comprising mainly (but not exclusively) government departments that produce statistics. The NSHG meets every four months to discuss harmonised principles and issues relating to harmonisation across the GSS. NSHG Topic Groups have been formed to take forward proposed harmonisation work, with each topic group being responsible for a number of topic-related Harmonised Principles. The membership of these groups will include expert members from relevant government departments across the GSS including the devolved administrations. The groups are led by a Topic Lead, who is responsible for guiding the work through the recognised Harmonisation Process and managing the flow of the work. The Roles and Responsibilities of NSHG members, Topic Leads and the Harmonisation Team are outlined over the next few pages. A complete list of the current Topic Groups and Leads and the Harmonised Principles for which they are responsible for are also listed. Next Page Main Index
Roles and Responsibilities The roles and responsibilities for NSHG members, Topic Leads, the Harmonisation Team and the current list of NSHG Topic Groups and Leads, can be found by clicking on the titles below: • • NSHG Members NSHG Topic Leads List of Topic Groups and Leads Harmonisation Team Back Main Index
NSHG Members - Roles and Responsibilities Members include government departmental and other organisation representatives, harmonisation champions and Topic Leads. Your general responsibilities as a member of the (NSHG) are to: • attend and contribute to the four monthly NSHG meetings and the Annual NSHG Workshop • promote Harmonisation and act as a Harmonisation Champion within your department and business areas • respond to papers and documents circulated for comment, taking into account the responses from your department/business area (as a Harmonisation Champion) • respond to proposed new and revised Harmonised Principles, taking into account the views of your department/business area • provide feedback from your department when necessary regarding Harmonisation • provide input to the Harmonisation Strategy and Implementation plan • promote ‘Harmonisation by default’ (Harmonised Principles should be used in the first instance unless sufficient reason to do otherwise is provided) • promote the various harmonisation tools to your department/business area • raise ‘horizon scanning’ or other issues that may affect the work of Harmonisation • identify upcoming conferences/high level meetings that may be targeted for promotion of harmonisation • before leaving the NSHG, it is your responsibility to find a replacement member from your department/business area Back Main Index
NSHG Topic Leads - Roles and Responsibilities National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG) Topic Groups are formed to take forward proposed harmonisation work. Each topic group may be responsible for a number of Harmonised Principles. The membership of these groups will include expert members from relevant government departments and devolved administrations, across the GSS. Each group has a Topic Lead whose general responsibilities will include: • Managing the development of proposed Harmonised Principles and maintaining the current Harmonised Principles via regular review and ‘horizon scanning’ to ensure content remains relevant and current. • Providing updates for the GSS NSHG meetings on the progress of work, including which surveys the harmonised questions are used on and all topic group members. • Acting as subject matter expert by providing responses to topic related queries received by the Harmonisation Team. • Helping promote the benefits of using Harmonised Principles and encouraging user/producer buy-in to harmonisation. Back Main Index
Topic Group Contact Details Benefits & Tax Credits Business Consumer Durables Crime & Anti-social Behaviour Thomas Sims (DWP) thomas. sims@dwp. gsi. gov. uk 020 7449 7342 Ian Sidney ian. sidney@ons. gov. uk 01633 455542 Joy Preece (ONS) joy. preece@ons. gov. uk 01633 455372 Fiona Aitchison (ONS) fiona. aitchison@ons. gov. uk 01329 444694 Demographic Information Economic Activity Educational Attainment Emily Knipe (ONS) emily. knipe@ons. gov. uk 01329 447890 Chris Daffin chris. daffin@ons. gov. uk 01633 455858 Julian Austin / Tony Clarke (Do. E) Julian. AUSTIN@education. gov. uk Anthony. CLARKE@education. gov. uk 0114 207 5104 Ethnicity, Identity, Language & Religion Becki Aquilina (ONS) becki. aquilina@ons. gov. uk 01329 444017 Gender Identity Health, Disability & Carers Housing & Tenure Income Michelle Monkman (ONS) michelle. monkman@ons. gov. uk 01329 444986 Steven Webster (NSH Digital) steven. webster 1@hscic. gov. u k 0113 866 5603 Scott Edgar (DCLG) Scott. Edgar@communities. gsi. gov. uk 0303 444 2904 Matthew Minifie (ONS) matthew. minifie@ons. gov. uk 01633 455658 Migration, Country of Birth & Citizenship Hannah Mc. Connell (ONS) Hannah. mcconnell@ons. gov. uk 01329 444636 Personal Well-being Social Capital Matthew Steel (ONS) matthew. steel@ons. gov. uk 01633 455860 Eleanor Rees (ONS) eleanor. rees@ons. gov. uk 01633 451631 Back Harmonised Principles Main Index
Topic Group Contact Details Topic Lead Email Telephone Benefits and Tax Credits Thomas Sims (DWP) thomas. sims@dwp. gsi. gov. uk 020 7449 7342 Consumer Durables Joy Preece (ONS) joy. preece@ons. gov. uk 01633 455372 Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Fiona Aitchison (ONS) fiona. aitchison@ons. gov. uk 01329 444694 Demographic Information Emily Knipe (ONS) emily. knipe@ons. gov. uk 01329 447890 Economic Activity Chris Daffin chris. daffin@ons. gov. uk 01633 455858 Education Attainment Tony Clarke (Df. E) Julian Austin (Df. E) Anthony. clarke@education. gov. uk Julian. AUSTIN@education. gov. uk 01325 340593 (Tony) 0114 274 2440 (Julian) Ethnicity, Identity, Language, Religion Becki Aquilina (ONS) (temp) becki. aqualina@ons. gov. uk 01329444017 Gender Identity Michelle Monkman (ONS) michelle. monkman@ons. gov. uk 01329 444986 Health, Disability and Carers Steven Webster (HSCIC) steven. webster 1@hscic. gov. uk 0113 866 5603 Housing and Tenure Scott Edgar (DCLG) Scott. Edgar@communities. gsi. gov. uk 0303 444 2904 Income Matthew Minifie (ONS) matthew. minifie@ons. gov. uk 01633 455658 Migration, Country of Birth and Citizenship Hannah Mc. Connell (ONS) Hannah. Mc. Connell@ons. gov. uk 01329 444691 Personal Well-being Matthew Steel (ONS) matthew. steel@ons. gov. uk 01633 455860 Social Capital Eleanor Rees (ONS) eleanor. rees@ons. gov. uk 01633 451631
Harmonised Principles by Topic Group Benefits & Tax Credits Business Consumer Durables Crime & Anti-social Behaviour Benefits & Tax Credits Hours Worked Number of Employees Total Turnover Consumer Durables Crime & Fear of Crime Demographic Information Economic Activity Educational Attainment Demographic Information Economic Status & Industry Selected Job Details Educational Attainment Qualifications Ethnicity, Identity, Language & Religion Gender Identity Health, Disability & Carers Housing & Tenure Income Under development General Health & Carers Long-lasting Health Conditions & Illnesses Accommodation & Household Information Housing Costs & Benefits Tenure Income (removed pending review) Migration, Country of Birth & Citizenship Under development Personal Well-being Social Capital Miscellaneous Personal Well-being Social Capital (removed pending review) Geography Survey Reference Period Back Ethnic Group National Identity & Religion Sexual Identity Main Index
Harmonisation Team Roles and Responsibilities The Harmonisation Team is based at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and is responsible for the management and promotion of Harmonised Principles across the GSS. The Harmonisation Team coordinates the cross government programme of work looking into harmonising inputs and outputs for use in National Statistics and is the Secretariat for the National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG) and the National Statistics Harmonisation Steering Group (NSH SG). Its main responsibilities are to: • • • • produce the Harmonisation Strategy and Implementation Plan create, implement and monitor the Communication Plan monitor the workplan against the NSHG Terms of Reference (To. R) and report to the NSHG disseminate Harmonised Principles once approved create ‘Harmonisation Tools’ to promote harmonisation conduct presentations across the GSS to raise awareness of Harmonisation act as secretariat for the National Statistics Harmonisation Steering Group (NSH SG) produce reports for the National Statistics Harmonisation Steering Group (NSH SG) organise, attend and contribute to the NSHG meetings and the Annual NSHG Workshop maintain NSHG membership list and identify gaps in stakeholders produce harmonisation case studies to promote harmonisation co-ordinate queries via the harmonisation inbox and the harmonisation helpline provide NSHG Topic Leads with guidance and support for their role liaise with the UK Data Service and the Variable and Question Bank Team maintain the Harmonisation and NSHG web pages on the GSS website maintain the Harmonisation Community on Stats. User. Net and Slack Back Main Index
Harmonisation Governance Government Statistical Service, Statistical Policy and Standards Committee (GSS SPSC) Heads of Profession (Ho. Ps) National Statistics Harmonisation Steering Group (NSH SG) National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG) ONS Harmonisation Team Main Index
Harmonisation Governance ONS Harmonisation Team The Harmonisation Team is the secretariat for the National Statistics Harmonisation Group (NSHG), providing all administrative support as well as guidance around the harmonisation process to members. The Team is also working on 3 projects; facilitating revision to existing harmonised social principles, facilitating development of new harmonised principles for business statistics and for administrative data (in the longer term). The Team has identified several business and administrative data initiatives occurring across the Government Statistical Service (GSS) that harmonisation can facilitate and is working with colleagues to develop harmonised principles as part of the delivery of these programmes. More information on the latest developments can be found on the GSS Harmonisation pages on the GSS website. If you have any further questions or suggestions, please email: harmonisation@ons. gov. uk. Back Main Index
Harmonisation Resources (Links opens the page in a web browser) • Harmonisation Web pages The Harmonisation pages are located on the GSS website and contain links to the Harmonisation principles and other information on harmonisation. • Variable and Question Bank An online resource where users can research survey variables and questions. • Stats. User. Net A site hosted by the RSS designed to stimulate engagement between users and producers of official statistics, where information and views can be shared. • Newsletter Produced after each NSHG meeting, to promote harmonisation to the GSS and wider community. • GSS Blogs Access to the GSS Blogs, where GSS members can register and engage with other members. Includes the Good Practice Blog, GSS Data Blog and the GSS Harmonisation Blog. • Harmonisation Diagrams and Posters Diagrams and posters that can be used to promote harmonisation. Main Index
Harmonisation Diagrams & Posters Back Main Index
Harmonisation Process Model Back Main Index
Harmonised Principles may take many forms, and still be comparable Tel https: //gss. civilservice. gov. uk/statistics/ methodology-2/harmonisation/ email: harmonisation@ons. gov. uk Back Main Index
Harmonised not standardised https: //gss. civilservice. gov. uk/statistics/ methodology-2/harmonisation/ or email: harmonisation@ons. gov. uk Back Main Index
Harmonisation https: //gss. civilservice. gov. uk/statistics/ methodology-2/harmonisation/ or email: harmonisation@ons. gov. uk Back Main Index
Harmonisation https: //gss. civilservice. gov. uk/statistics/ methodology-2/harmonisation/ or email: harmonisation@ons. gov. uk Back Main Index
Harmonisation Tel https: //gss. civilservice. gov. uk/statistics/ methodology-2/harmonisation/ or email: harmonisation@ons. gov. uk Back Main Index
Harmonisation Tel https: //gss. civilservice. gov. uk/statistics/ methodology-2/harmonisation/ or email: harmonisation@ons. gov. uk Back Main Index
LIFE’S A BEACH… Tel …WHEN YOU HARMONISE https: //gss. civilservice. gov. uk/statistics/ methodology-2/harmonisation/ or email: harmonisation@ons. gov. uk Back Main Index
Harmonisation Tel https: //gss. civilservice. gov. uk/statistics/ methodology-2/harmonisation/ or email: harmonisation@ons. gov. uk Back Main Index
Harmonisation Case Studies The Harmonisation Team have developed some case studies to support the use of harmonisation: 1. Meeting the European Systems of Accounting (ESA) 2010 Regulation - Purchases of computer software 2. Citizenship - Producing a single UK output Main Index
Case Study: Many businesses received the Annual Business Survey, Survey into Business Spending on Capital Items and Capital Expenditure Survey. The majority of companies were sampled for all 3 surveys and were asked to complete questions on acquisitions and disposals of capital assets. Different questions on computer software were asked on the 3 surveys causing confusion and despair for contributors. CONFUSED. COM because I am Survey into Business Spending on Capital Items (BSCIS) Annual Business Survey (ABS) Capital Expenditure Survey (CAPEX) Example of one of the old questions Computer Software - developed by your own staff to be used for more than one year Computer Software - value of computer software Computer Software - computer software and hardware All three surveys were reviewed during 2014 to meet the UK legal requirements for the European System of Accounts 2010 (ESA 10) and harmonised the questions for the Capital Expenditure Survey It’s a 10 from Craig ESA 10 Congruency between surveys is now easier Requirements captured NEW Question for all three surveys Computer Software programs - purchased or developed externally (bespoke) Back Main Index
Citizenship – Producing a single UK Output Case Study: It is a legal requirement to supply UK-level Citizenship Census data To Eurostat, as it is key dimension when considering stock and flow of migrants. However, the countries of the UK do not collect consistent information to determine citizenship. England primarily used passport held, and country of birth if necessary. Scotland primarily used country of birth, supported by national identify, year of UK arrival, and relationships data. Wales use passport held, and country of birth if necessary. Northern Ireland use passport held, with stated National Identity used to distinguish UK and Irish citizenship for those holding both passports. Considerations: Can be a UK citizen, but still have English, Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish nationality. Therefore cannot interchange citizenship and nationality. England Wales Census research shows National Identity is a poor citizenship proxy for non UK-born population alone. Solutions: ONS research Identified, via the Opinions Survey, that the concept of ‘citizenship’ is misunderstood, and that passport information is more likely to be accurate. National Records Scotland created an algorithm to predict citizenship using Country of Birth, National Identity, Year of UK arrival and relationship data, which was then compared to England Wales rehearsal data. Comparison found the algorithm a good proxy for citizenship so it was adopted. Outcome: Although not collected, the UK was able to supply a measure of citizenship to Eurostat using proxy variables that were demonstrated to be valid, reliable, and accurate, despite using different source information. Back Main Index
Harmonisation Team Contact Details Steve Ellerd-Elliott Chair of NSHG Charlie Wroth-Smith Head of Harmonisation Team 01329 444672 Becki Aquilina Social Harmonisation 01329 444017 Ian Sidney Business Harmonisation 01633 455542 Daisie Hutchinson Social Research 01329 444593 Alison Brookman Business Research 01633 726222 Mark Herniman Social Harmonisation 01329 444018 Joe Ellison Social Harmonisation 01329 444519 Email: harmonisation@ons. gov. uk Main Index
NSHG Meetings and Workshops The next NSHG meeting will take place on: Wednesday 8 th November 2017 at 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW 1 V 2 QQ from 11: 00 - 13: 30 pm The next Annual NSHG Workshop will take place on: Date to be arranged at 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW 1 V 2 QQ from 14: 00 - 17: 00 pm Meeting agendas, papers and minutes are available on the GSS Website. Main Index
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