Vacancy: Methodological Assurance Review Panel sub-group on Migration Statistics members

The closing date for applications is 5 May 2025 at 23:55pm

The Methodological Assurance Review Panel (MARP) sub-group on Migration Statistics is to provide technical assurance on the development of migration estimates. MARP has been formed by the National Statistician to review and provide advice and assurance on methods used to produce official statistics, in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics’ guidelines on quality assurance through peer review.

Roles and responsibilities

As with the Methodological Assurance Review Panel, this sub-group will provide the same functions but specifically as part of the development of international migration statistics. Therefore, the purpose of the review panel is to:

• Provide external, independent assurance and guidance on the statistical methodology underpinning the statistical production and research of migration estimates
• Identify significant gaps and risks in methods and make suggestions for mitigation,
• Review the methods being developed and contribute to their continuous improvement,
• Provide oversight of methodological deep dives which ONS may undertake across its portfolio.

Reporting and Governance

The Methodology Assurance Review Panel sub-group on Migration Statistics (MARP sub:Migration) will provide independent technical advice to the National Statistician on the quality robustness of methods within long-term international migration estimates. This will be done via reports to the main MARP group and subsequently the National Statistician’s Advisory Panel on Migration Statistics.

The National Statisician’s Advisory Group on Migration Statistics is being established as well as a Migration Statistics User Group. Both of these groups will meet regularly.

Secretariat

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

Person specification

General Competencies

The panel will consist of up to 8 members. 2 members will be appointed to the National Statistician’s Advisory Panel on Migration on Migration Statistics, to be decided by the MARP sub-group. Please note that there is no remuneration for time on the Advisory Panel on Migration Statistics.

Members of the Committee will have the following general competencies:

• Technical knowledge of statistical methods, preferably within the context of 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.

The successful applicant will contribute sufficiently to Committee discussions and will be subject to follow a terms of reference, which are being developed by the Chair, and a non-disclosure agreement for official-sensitive information that may be shared.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Time commitment

The MARP sub-group on Migration Statistics will meet as and when required.

Timing of the appointments

The successful candidates will be appointed by 16 May, with their first meeting likely to be in August 2025. The other meeting dates for 2025 will be shared once approved by the Chair.

Location

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

Remuneration

These posts are remunerated at £500 per day. All reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed.

Please note that there is no remuneration for time spent on the National Statistician’s Advisory Panel on Migration Statistics for the 2 members who will be appointed to it from this group.

Period of appointment

The appointment will be for an initial period of two years. The possibility of renewal for a further similar period will be available at the discretion of the Chair.

Conflicts of interest

Candidates should not have interests that would be likely to conflict with their responsibilities as a member of the MARP sub-group. 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 successful, be open to misperception.