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Devereux Review of the Office for National Statistics performance and culture

Published:
26 June 2025
Last updated:
26 June 2025

Annex A: Terms of Reference for the Independent Review of the performance and culture of the Office for National Statistics

1. Background

The Cabinet Office and the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) Board have commissioned a short, externally-led, review of the performance and culture of the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The review will consolidate relevant findings from other recent reviews, taking into account resource constraints, transformation challenges and changes in the pattern of survey respondents’ behaviours, to assess the effectiveness of the ONS in delivering its core statistics and major programmes and to evaluate its organisational culture, structure, and leadership capabilities.

2. Objectives

The primary objectives of the review are to:

  • Examine the causes of the recent performance challenges around the production and dissemination of core statistics.
  • Assess the efficiency and effectiveness of ONS major programme delivery, including the impact of its projects and initiatives.
  • Explore the leadership structure, culture and behaviours within the ONS, including the implementation of recent review findings to date, and identify further areas of strength and improvement.
  • Assess the effectiveness and efficacy of CO and HMT’s sponsorship of ONS, including improving current assurance mechanisms.

3. Scope

The review will focus on the following areas:

Reputation of core statistics:

  • Assess stakeholder concerns on the accuracy, timeliness, and relevance of core statistics (including but not limited to GDP, LFS, inflation etc.) produced by the ONS;
  • Examine the remedy action taken to date to improve the standing and reputation of core statistics produced by ONS;
  • Consider the internal governance and funding arrangements in place to prioritise the funding of the production of core statistics;

Programme Delivery:

  • Assess the effectiveness, efficiency and capabilities of ONS in delivering its key programmes and projects.
  • Identify any barriers to effective programme delivery and recommend strategies for improvement, including whether assurance processes should be strengthened.

Leadership structure, culture and behaviours:

  • Evaluate the existing senior leadership structure, culture and capabilities within ONS executive leadership, including how they influence performance and behaviours within the organisation;

Effectiveness of HMG oversight and reporting:

  • Assess the effectiveness and efficacy of CO and HMT’s sponsorship and support of ONS.

4. Methodology

The review will employ a mixed-methods approach aimed at avoiding duplication or repetition of any recent previous review, which may include:

  • Document review (including relevant policies, performance data, and previous reviews).
  • Stakeholder interviews (including ONS employees, stakeholders within government, and key users of ONS statistics). ONS will be able to input into this list.
  • Drawing upon existing surveys of employee satisfaction and perceptions of organisational culture.

The review will build on other recent reviews including (but not limited to):

  • 2024 Lievesley Review of the UKSA
  • 2024 Transformed Labour Force Survey lesson learnt internal report
  • 2025 IDS report for Inter-Ministerial Group on Digital and Data
  • 2022 Psychological Safety report by Labyrinth Consulting
  • 2018 – 2024 People Survey Results
  • 2024 + 2025 Employee Experience reports
  • MIND mental health results
  • 2025 Treasury Select Committee session + commitments to regular updates and flag issues
  • 2025 OSR review into Economic Statistics

5. Reporting and outcomes

The independent review will culminate in a short report that will be provided to Cat Little, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office and Sir Robert Chote, Chair, UKSA. It will:

  • Summarise key findings and insights within the remit of this review, avoiding where possible duplication with previous reviews regarding the performance and culture of the ONS.
  • Where appropriate, provide actionable recommendations to enhance areas within the scope of the review.
  • Suggest a framework for assurance on the implementation of any recommendations.

6. Timeline

The review is expected to commence on 26 March 2025 and conclude within approximately 6 weeks. A draft report will be shared for stakeholder feedback prior to final submission.

7. Governance

The review will be overseen by a steering group composed of representatives from the Cabinet Office and the UK Statistics Authority Board and other organisations as deemed necessary or appropriate. Regular updates will be provided to stakeholders to ensure transparency and engagement throughout the review process.

8. Confidentiality

All information gathered during the review will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for the purposes of this review.

This Terms of Reference document serves as a foundation for the independent review and may be amended as necessary to reflect any developments in the scope or objectives of the review.

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