Vacancy: Methodological Assurance Review Panel member

The closing date for applications is 12 January 2026 at 23:55pm

The National Statistician’s Methodological Assurance Review Panel (MARP) is seeking to recruit a new member with specific economic statistics expertise.

About the Methodological Assurance Review Panel

The Methodological Assurance Review Panel (MARP) provides review, assurance and advice on the statistical methods used to produce official statistics, in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics’ guidelines on quality assurance through peer review. It reports directly to the National Statistician.

The panel focuses on ONS programmes where new or revised statistical methods are being introduced or changed. The reviews undertaken each year will change dependent on the various programme phases but will notably include 2031 Census. A vacancy has arisen on the panel for an economic statistician to ensure that the panel has a broad range of expertise and experience. This is especially important given the ONS focus on its Economic Statistics Plan.

Roles and responsibilities

The purpose of MARP is to:

• Provide external, independent assurance and guidance on the statistical methodology underpinning ONS statistical production and research.
• Identify significant gaps and risks in methods and make suggestions for mitigation.
• Review the methods being developed for major ONS programmes and contribute to their continuous improvement.
• Provide oversight of MARP subgroups which ONS may set up across its portfolio.

Reporting and Governance

The ONS Senior Responsible Owner for the panel is the Director of Methodology and Quality Directorate. The panel reports to the National Statistician.

The panel consist of the Chair and up to six other members, selected to give appropriate breadth of experience and expertise.

Secretariat

Staff from the Office for National Statistics provide dedicated secretariat support to the Chair and panel.

Person specification

General competencies

Members of the panel will have the following general competencies:

• Technical knowledge of statistical methods, preferably within the context of survey and administrative data;
• Ability to review methodology and advise on gaps, mitigation and improvements
• Experience in providing high quality advice and active engagement;
• Team working and collaboration skills, including an ability to work with other members and to participate in robust debate, demonstrating respectful views of all colleagues
• Willingness to engage with statistical proposals outside their specific domain of expertise
• Ability to provide constructive and candid advice while maintaining independence from the Office for National Statistics.

For this vacancy, the successful applicant will have:

• Knowledge of official economic statistics
• Expertise in one or more methods underpinning economic statistics production or analysis

The successful applicant will participate in reviewing papers and attending panel meetings, contributing to panel discussions. They will be subject to a non-disclosure agreement for official-sensitive information that may be shared by ONS.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Time commitment

The MARP meets as and when required with an expectation of a meeting every 2 to 3 months.

Chair and members will be available to attend face-to-face or online meetings as scheduled, and to spend some preparation time in advance to read and comment on papers. Some papers are dealt with virtually in between meetings.

Timing of the appointments

The successful candidate will be appointed by end January 2026, with their first meeting likely to be in February 2026, dates permitting. The other meeting dates for 2026 will be shared once approved by the Chair.

Location

Meetings are usually virtual, although the committee does, on occasion, meet in person with a venue provided, likely in London, for those attending.

Remuneration

The post is remunerated at £500 per day. All reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed.

Period of appointment

There are no formal term limits, but there will be a process of an annual review for members. Members may of their own accord stand down from time to time.

Conflicts of interest

Candidates should not have interests that would be likely to conflict with their responsibilities as a member of MARP. Please declare any potential conflict of interest as early as possible in the selection process and also disclose information or personal connections that might, if your application is successful, be open to misperception.