Vacancy: National Statistician’s Inclusive Data Advisory Committee Chair

The closing date for applications is 26 May 2025 at 23:55pm

About the National Statistician’s Inclusive Data Advisory Committee

The National Statistician’s Inclusive Data Advisory Committee (NSIDAC) first met in October 2022 and was initially established to provide independent advice to the National Statistician on the ongoing implementation of the Inclusive Data Taskforce’s (IDTF) recommendations for improving the inclusivity of data and evidence, across the UK Statistical System. Going forward the NSIDAC will provide independent advice to the National Statistician on aspects such as:

• prioritisation of initiatives, providing scrutiny and challenge to the progress being made;
• guidance to improve the inclusivity of statistics about the UK population;
• guidance on research to develop new harmonised data standards, and consultation approaches for changes;
• improving data accessibility and engaging the public;
• continue collaborations to develop new workstreams across government to improve the inclusivity of statistics about the UK population.

NSIDAC members are a diverse group of senior academics, civil society leaders and governmental officials who collectively have wide ranging equalities expertise. A revised Terms of Reference for NSIDAC will be drafted with input from the incoming new chair.

Roles and responsibilities

The role of the National Statistician’s Inclusive Data Advisory Committee (NSIDAC) is to provide independent advice to the National Statistician on the ongoing improvement of the inclusivity of data and evidence, across the UK statistical system.

Reporting and Governance

Specifically, the committee has been created by the National Statistician to provide external advice to government and independent challenge, advice and scrutiny on the activities being undertaken across the UK statistical system to achieve improved data inclusivity.

Role specification

The Chair of the Committee will have the following key responsibilities:

• to provide strategic leadership of the Committee in order that it may effectively discharge its duties;
• to report back to the National Statistician on the priorities identified by the Committee for progressing the recommendations of IDTF;
• to report back to the National Statistician on new opportunities arising to promote inclusive data;
• to facilitate Committee discussions to encourage open debate, effective decision-making, and ensuring that all members have the opportunity to contribute their views;
• to represent the Committee publicly and with stakeholders as appropriate.

Essential criteria

• Strong leadership skills, with evidence of having provided visible leadership to a comparable organisation or committee;
• Strategic skills, including the ability to analyse complex issues and think clearly, strategically, and laterally, extracting the essence of an argument from papers or presented evidence;
• Influencing and communication skills, including an ability to develop and maintain relationships with groups with disparate views and agendas; and
• Team working and collaboration skills, including an ability to work with other members and to participate in robust debate, challenging constructively the opinions of others, and working to achieve a shared consensus.

Specialist skills and experience

Senior-level experience of ‘convening’ representatives of different groups and interests. The Chair will require first class ambassadorial, communication and presentational skills and the presence, demeanour, and integrity to command the respect of Committee members. The ideal candidate would have a strong understanding of the equalities landscape in the UK and how this relates to UK data and evidence.

Membership

Membership of the panel will provide for a mixture of interests and expertise. Members will be appointed for fixed terms either:

• via a process of open competition; or
• the nominated representatives of organisations, which have been invited to join the panel by its independent Chair as ex-officio members.

Additional advisors to the Committee

If specific occasional expertise is required additional ex-officio experts may be co-opted, by the Chair, to take part in the discussion at the meeting.

Secretariat

Staff from ONS will provide dedicated Secretariat support to the Committee.

Time commitment

The Committee will meet a minimum of five times each year either in person or on-line and it is anticipated that the Chair will also meet regularly with the National Statistician. The Chair may also be required to present to the UK Statistics Authority Board occasionally. This represents a commitment of approximately ten days per year. Preparation for and attendance at meetings comprises the majority of this commitment.

Timing of appointment

The successful candidate will be appointed by the end of September 2025.

Renumeration

The Chair will be paid remuneration of £5,000 a year. This position is non-pensionable. All reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed.

Period of appointment

The appointment will be for an initial period of three years. The possibility of renewal for a further similar period will be available subject to a performance review.

Conflict of interest and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere to and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully:

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government or which could be affected by access to market sensitive statistics;
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made;
• and/or – any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported;

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being considered. We will discuss with shortlisted candidates any interests likely to conflict with their responsibilities as Chair of the Committee, including any proposals to mitigate them.  Please declare any potential conflict of interest as early as possible in the selection process and disclose information or personal connections that might, if successful, be open to misperception.

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment but must be declared).

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website.