The UK Statistics Authority is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Madeleine Sumption as Chair of the Advisory Panel on Migration Statistics.
The new panel on migration statistics is being implemented in line with the recommendation from the Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority that the Advisory Groups working with the National Statistician should become more formal. The panel will provide independent advice to the National Statistician on the quality and utility of long-term international migration estimates.
Dr Sumption has a wealth of experience in immigration research and statistics, having played an important role within the Migration Statistics Expert Group in supporting the ONS’ development of long-term international migration statistics. She is the Director of the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory which provides impartial analysis of migration in the UK for public and policy audiences and Deputy Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee, an independent public body that advises the government on migration issues.
Why are we establishing the new panel?
The ONS’ priority outcomes for 2025/26 confirms the focus on top quality published statistics on population (including births, deaths, and migration) as well as actively engaging with users. The development of long-term international migration (LTIM) statistics over the last few years has meant a greater understanding of new data sources, as well as changing behaviours of migrants and how that affects the estimates. Until 2020, the International Passenger Survey (IPS) was primarily used to estimate LTIM and the use of ‘admin data’ was accelerated which enables estimates to be based on actual behaviours, rather than relying on self-reported intentions.
As methods have developed, there have been improvements to the way in which experts, colleagues in other departments and the public have been involved and engaged; this new Advisory Panel formalises an important element of engagement on migration.
Alongside this panel, there is a new technical panel which will focus on the methodology being used to produce international migration estimates. There will also be a Migration Statistics User Group which will ensure that organisations who use migration statistics are kept informed and can feedback directly.
Applying to be on the panel
We are keen to receive expressions of interest to be a member of both the Advisory Panel and the Methodological Assurance Review Panel international migration sub-group from those with an interest and background in international migration or methodological experts. Please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV, along with a two page covering letter that addresses the criteria set out in the role specification, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the general and specific requirements. Your cover letter should make it clear whether you are applying to be on the Advisory Panel, The MARP sub-group or both.
Two members of the technical methods panel will be invited to sit on the National Statistician’s Advisory Panel on Migration Statistics.
- Vacancy: National Statistician’s Advisory Panel on Migration Statistics members
- Vacancy: Methodological Assurance Review Panel sub-group on Migration Statistics members
The aim is to hold the first meeting in the summer and quarterly thereafter.
If you have any questions about the panel, plans for migration estimates or statistics, please get in touch with the ONS population statistics team.