Committee publication · Correspondence · 13 July 2026

Letter from Darren Tierney, Permanent Secretary, Office for National Statistics on the ONS Strategy 2026-28, dated 1.7.26

From: Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Inquiry: The work of the UK Statistics Authority

Summary

Darren Tierney, Permanent Secretary at the Office for National Statistics, transmits the ONS Strategy 2026–28 to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee. The strategy prioritises quality over quantity, aims to restore trust in ONS statistics, and focuses on improving data accessibility, investing in people and technology, and planning toward the 2031 Census with expanded use of AI.

Key findings

ONS will pursue a renewed focus on quality over quantity, strengthening its portfolio of critical statistics rather than expanding volume of outputs.
The organisation is investing in foundational improvements: people development and data/technology infrastructure to make data easier to find, use, and understand.
Current priority is organisational recovery and restoring public trust in ONS statistics, despite external demand for faster and more frequent outputs.
Medium-term planning includes deliberate preparation for the 2031 Census, expanded use of technology and AI, and development of integrated census, survey, and administrative data systems.
Strategy is guided by UK Statistics Authority Board priorities and reflects ONS's pledge to deliver quality, trustworthy statistics.

Tone

Procedural

Topics

public-statisticsdata-governanceorganisational-strategytechnology-infrastructure

Key actors

Darren Tierney, Office for National Statistics, UK Statistics Authority Board, Simon Hoare, Penny Young

Notable line

“… our current priority is to enact change in a way that improves the quality of, and restores trust in, ONS statistics.”

Key Quotes

“The strategy sets out a renewed focus on quality over quantity, strengthening our portfolio of critical statistics.”
— Darren Tierney · describing ONS strategic priorities

“Whilst there is a demand for the ONS to produce more and faster, our current priority is to enact change in a way that improves the quality of, and restores trust in, ONS statistics.”
— Darren Tierney · addressing external pressure versus organisational priorities

“We are developing our essential services, with an emphasis on making our data easier to find, use and understand.”
— Darren Tierney · outlining service improvements

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Source · parliament.uk record ↗