Methodological Assurance Review Panel: Population Statistics Review Panel sub-group
The Population Statistics Review Panel (PSRP) is a sub-group of the Methodological Assurance Review Panel (MARP). It provides independent, expert assurance on the statistical methodology used to produce and develop population statistics.
The panel operates within the wider MARP framework, which supports the production of official statistics in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics, including the need for quality assurance through peer review. The panel advises on the methodological development of population statistics and provides robust challenge to help ensure methods are transparent, high quality and continuously improving.
The panel’s responsibilities include:
- providing external, independent assurance on the statistical methodology underpinning population statistics
- identifying significant gaps and risks in methods and suggesting ways to mitigate them
- reviewing methods being developed for population statistics and contributing to their continuous improvement
- providing technical guidance and challenge on papers and materials considered by the panel
The Population Statistics Review Panel will meet as required, with the agenda, timing and frequency of meetings set by the convener.
Terms of Reference
August 2026
Overview
The Population Statistical Review Panel (PSRP) provides independent, external assurance and guidance on the statistical methodology underpinning the PSRP.
Introduction
The PSRP is a sub-group of the Methodological Assurance Review Panel (MARP), established to ensure that the methods used in the PSRP are robust, transparent, and meet the standards set out in the Code of Practice for Statistics.
Functions
The Panel plays a key role in supporting the methodological integrity of the PSRP by fulfilling the following core functions:
- providing independent assurance and expert advice on the statistical methods used in the PSRP.
- identifying methodological risks or gaps and suggesting mitigations.
- reviewing and contributing to the development and refinement of PSRP methods.
- offering robust technical challenges and guidance to ensure methodological quality.
- communicating the Panel’s role in supporting the integrity of international migration statistics.
Reporting and Governance
The Panel reports to the Deputy Director of Population and Migrations Research and Development (PMRD), who also acts as the convener. Strategic developments and methodological direction advised by the Panel will be shared with MARP, which oversees the broader assurance of statistical methods across ONS.
Chairing
The panel is chaired by Ana Basiri, University of Glasgow.
Membership
The Panel consists of up to six members, selected for their breadth of experience and expertise. Members are appointed by the convener and substitutes will not be permitted to attend Panel meetings unless with an express invitation from the chair.
If specific expertise is required for a particular method extension, additional experts may be invited to present or respond to specific agenda items.
Transparency and Confidentiality
The Panel operates under a Confidentiality Undertaking signed by all members. While agendas and papers will not be published, minutes and redacted papers may be published in line with ONS guidance.
Code of Conduct
Panel members are expected to provide their expertise and advice on the topics they are asked to consider. Members are welcome to share papers in advance with colleagues on a need-to-know basis to develop their advice within the constraints outlined in the Confidentiality Undertaking which all panel members are requested to sign. If Panel members wish to share a paper more widely, this can be decided by the chair of the Panel on a case-by-case basis.
On occasion members will be asked to consider topics of a sensitive nature. In these instances, certain restrictions will apply. These will be clearly set out by the Panel secretariat in advance of receiving any papers. Members who feel they are not able to abide with the restrictions will not receive papers and will be asked not to attend the relevant meeting.
Secretariat
The secretariat will be provided by the ONS.
Meetings
The Panel meets as required, with frequency and agenda set by the convener.
Membership
| Member | Position | Declaration of Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Professor Ana Basiri (Chair) | University of Glasgow | • Co-chair (with John Curtice) of the Scottish Statistics External Board (ScotStat) • UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, director of the Centre for Data Science and AI |
| Dr. Fred Piel | Imperial College London | No relevant interest |
| Professor Jon Forster | University of Warwick | • Royal Statistical Society (Fellow) • Committee of Heads of Departments of Mathematical Sciences (HoDoMS; Vice-Chair)__ • Director of HoDoMS (see above; HoDoMS is a CLG) |
| Professor George Ploubidis | University College London | No relevant interest |
| Professor Arkadiusz Wiśniowski | University of Manchester | No relevant interest |
Regular ONS attendees
- Dominic Webber: Head of Population Estimation and Research
- Duncan Elliottt: Principal Methodologist
- Joe Southam-Gisby: Principal Researcher
