Skip to main content
Guidance

Quality management approach

Updated 17 July 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbt-standards-for-official-statistics/quality-management-approach

Introduction

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) produces official statistics in line with practices required in the Code of Practice for Statistics. This statement sets out the department’s commitments on quality management (standard 5.8).

Quality assurance (QA)

DBT employs a coherent, systematic and effective internal quality assurance approach, to ensure that statistical outputs are:

  • of high quality
  • fit for purpose
  • used appropriately

The quality assurance process applies to all forms of evidence and analysis within DBT, including statistics. This is done in accordance with DBT’s internal analytical QA framework, and the guidance set out in the AQuA book. The 4 main principles of DBT’s internal analytical QA framework are as follows:

  • QA is, and should be treated as, an integral and continuous part in the analysis process
  • QA should be holistic and include both verification and validation
  • QA should be independent and proportionate
  • clear and proportionate documentation and guidance are necessary for every piece of analysis

In order to maintain data quality when working with data supply partners, DBT also defines quality in commercial arrangements with them.

Reviewing and improving

The Statistical Quality Maturity Model (SQMM) is a framework for assessing statistical quality at an output level. All official statistics at DBT are subject to biennial assessments using the SQMM across the following 5 themes:

  • sources
  • methods and systems
  • processes
  • quality
  • users, reputation and people

From this, a Statistical Quality Maturity Index is produced for each output, as well as action plans to drive quality improvement. Such an index is also produced at a department level to assess quality culture in DBT overall. This helps instil a continuous improvement culture across DBT.

DBT collaborates both internally and externally to improve the quality of our statistics, through both formal mechanisms, such as peer reviews, and informal mechanisms. This includes working closely with data collecting teams in other departments and participating in cross-government analytical communities. For more information on external collaboration, read our Public involvement and engagement strategy.

Quality of outputs

DBT is committed to transparency about the quality of its official statistical outputs. Each of DBT’s official statistical outputs contains a Background Quality Report to help users understand more about the data and methods used, covering:

  • relevance
  • accuracy and reliability
  • timeliness
  • accessibility and clarity
  • comparability and coherence

Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR).

Back to top