The UK Statistics Authority has announced today that having established the key capabilities of the National Statistician role in an acting capacity, Emma Rourke will be leaving the Authority later this month to take up an exciting opportunity as part of the Whitehall in Industry scheme.
The recruitment exercise for a permanent National Statistician is well underway, with interviews scheduled for the end of January, and an appointment expected soon after. In the interim, arrangements are in place to ensure the continued smooth operation of the National Statistician’s Office. Darren Tierney, Permanent Secretary for the ONS will continue to oversee the ONS’s delivery and progress the organisation’s recovery work.
Acting National Statistician, Emma Rourke said:
“It has been an immense privilege to step into the position of Acting National Statistician and put in place the key capabilities of the role, ready for the permanent incumbent to take forward once in post. I’m now thrilled to take up an opportunity as part of the Whitehall in Industry scheme in Manchester, the city where I live and am passionate about, fostering greater collaboration between the Civil Service and other organisations.”
Deputy Chair of the UK Statistics Authority Board, Penny Young said:
“I want to thank Emma for establishing a clear focus for the National Statistician’s Office, working system-wide with producers and users on harmonisation and coherence, building statistical and analytical capability across government functions, and shaping international best practice. I wish Emma every success in her next venture and the opportunity to contribute to her local area.”
Cat Little, Civil Service Chief Operating Officer and Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary said:
“I am deeply grateful for Emma’s leadership in stepping up as National Statistician since May to lay the foundations for the new role and oversee changes with considerable personal care and application. With an external recruitment campaign in progress, a permanent National Statistician will be well placed to forge ahead building confident UK statistics for the future.”
Notes to editors:
- Sir Ian Diamond resigned as National Statistician in May 2025. Due to ongoing health issues, Sir Ian decided he was unable to give the full commitment he would like to drive the organisation forward.
- A review of the performance and culture of the ONS by Sir Robert Devereux was published on 26 June 2025.
- Darren Tierney was appointed Permanent Secretary to the Office for National Statistics on 5 August 2025.
- For enquiries about the ongoing recruitment of the National Statistician, please use Cabinet Office’s response form.
- For further enquiries please contact press@statistics.gov.uk or 03000 671 571