National Statistician’s advisory committees and panels

The National Statistician has created a set of advisory committees and panels to provide advice on specific topics.

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Appointments

The Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority by Professor Denise Lievesley recommended that recruitment to the National Statistician’s advisory committees should be open and clearly advertised to encourage applications (recommendation 11). In line with the Authority’s formal response to the review, we have formalised the process of appointing members to these committees, under new and transparent guidance.

Panel Appointments Guidance

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Process for Appointments to the National Statistician’s Advisory Committees

1. Clear criteria for Appointments

  • Develop well-defined qualification and expertise criteria for potential committee members.
  • Ensure the criteria include a balance of technical, analytical, and user-focused skills.
  • Publicly share the required qualifications and experience, ensuring alignment with the National Statistician’s needs.

2. Transparent applications process

  • Introduce an open and widely publicised call for applications or nominations, detailing the role, responsibilities, and requirements.
  • Set up a dedicated web page outlining how candidates can apply or be nominated, ensuring clarity in the steps involved.
  • Include a clearly communicated timeline with key milestones (application opening, deadline, review, and appointment).

3. Publicise opportunities broadly

  • Advertise vacancies on the UK Statistics Authority website and professional networks, including stakeholder and user groups.
  • Ensure outreach to diverse communities to broaden the pool of applicants and reflect a range of user experiences and perspectives.

4. Structured and fair selection process

  • Establish a selection panel that includes both internal representatives and independent, external members to ensure balanced and objective decision-making.
  • Publish the selection process, including how applicants will be assessed against the criteria.

5. Publish Appointment outcomes

  • Publicly announce appointments, including a brief biography of the selected individuals.

6. Establish term limits for members

  • Fixed Terms: Members will serve for a standard term of 3 years, ensuring regular turnover.
  • Maximum Tenure: Members may serve up to two consecutive terms (6 years), after which they must ordinarily step down for a specified period before being eligible to reapply.
  • Exceptions: By exception, the National Statistician may wish to appoint members for a third and final term and will publicise the rationale for this decision.
  • Staggered Terms: Introduce staggered term appointments to ensure continuity, with overlapping terms allowing the committee to retain institutional knowledge.

7. Succession planning

  • Begin recruitment processes well in advance of term expirations to avoid gaps in committee membership.
  • Encourage outgoing members to mentor new appointees, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining the operational integrity of the committees.

Current vacancies

Vacancy: National Statistician’s Economic Statistics Classifications Technical Advisory Panel members
Closing date: 14 August 2026

Previous vacancies can be find on the Appointments section of our website.