Dear colleague,

I am delighted that you have expressed an interest in two of the most senior posts in UK official statistics: the National Statistician and the Director-General of the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Statistics make a critical contribution to good government in a modern democracy. They assist in the formulation and evaluation of policies, support the management of public services and encourage and inform debate. High-quality statistics are an essential resource for business, academia and the wider community. With increasing emphasis on evidence-based policy making and effective performance management, statistics now have an even more important role to play then ever before and are subject to increasing scrutiny. It is therefore vital that all our statistics are of the highest professional quality and integrity.

We are seeking an established authority in the field of statistics, to succeed Karen Dunnell as National Statistician and to promote and safeguard the production and publication of official statistics. This is a crown appointment and one which is made at permanent secretary level. It offers an unrivalled opportunity to act as guardian of the UK’s official statistics, working across the full range of government departments and devolved administrations.

The National Statistician is a demanding, high-profile appointment, occupying a position of leadership within a recently revised structure. A role with considerable reach and influence, the postholder will primarily be concerned with leading and developing the Government Statistical Service (GSS), but will also engage in work internationally as Head of the National Statistical Institute. To succeed in this wide-ranging role, we are seeking an exceptional individual with profile and credibility in the field of statistics. To act as a figurehead for the quality and independence of all our official statistics, you will demonstrate the highest levels of personal and professional integrity.

The critical task of leading and managing ONS to deliver high quality, relevant economic and social statistics within its portfolio is delegated to the Director General. ONS runs around 100 surveys and issues around 450 Releases and 400 publications each year. The portfolio is broad and covers both social and economic statistics. As part of this, the postholder will lead the National Accounts modernisation and 2011 Census in England and Wales (henceforth Census 2011); moving forward, ONS’ economic statistics, in particular, have a significant and critical role in the development and monitoring of the UK Government’s macro-economic policy. The allocation of funds for local authorities and EU development funds is also based on ONS outputs. 

The Director General will lead more than 3,900 staff across three sites – London, Newport and Titchfield. To do this effectively, you will need exceptional operational leadership skills, combined with an appreciation of the role statistics plays in public life. While the quality of statistics is of crucial importance, ONS is delivering to a wide customer base and the context in which official statistics are applied is also important. You will need first-class stakeholder management and communication skills, combined with the ability to motivate and inspire a large team of professionals.

Together with the Head of Assessment, these postholders comprise the three most senior executives in the Authority, and will work in partnership to achieve critical objectives. Both National Statistician and Director General appointments offer the substantial opportunity to ensure that the UK has the capacity and capability to build on its excellent reputation in the field, and to take the reform agenda to the next level.

Full details on both roles are available on this site. For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at GatenbySanderson Juliet Taylor (0207426 3990), Andrew Timlin (0207 426 3970) or Mark Turner (020 7426 3990).

If you believe you have the skills and personal qualities we are looking for, we look forward to hearing from you.  

Sir Gus O’Donnell
Cabinet Secretary