CNSTAT Releases Seventh Edition of Principles & Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency

The Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has released a pre-publication version of the seventh edition of Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency, a report released every four years to coincide with presidential terms. The consensus study report provides an explanation of the federal statistical system and offers guiding principles and best practices for federal statistical agencies. The report outlines five guiding principles federal statistical agencies should adhere to in order to produce and disseminate relevant, timely, accurate and credible information to the public and policymakers: (1) produce information relevant to policy issues and society, (2) maintain credibility among data users and stakeholders, (3) build trust among the public and data providers, (4) retain independence from political and other undue external influence, and (5) pursue continual improvement and innovation. CNSTAT will hold a webinar on April 21 to celebrate the report’s release.