FCDO statistics: statement on revisions and corrections policy
Updated 6 November 2026
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This document sets out the FCDO’s approach to handling revisions to published statistics and correcting errors, in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics, to support the core principle of trustworthiness.
Scheduled revisions
Revisions to statistics can be necessary and valuable when they incorporate new or improved data. We recognise that frequent or unexpected revisions can be inconvenient to users and may undermine confidence in statistics, however in some cases the user need for timely figures makes it desirable to release statistics on a provisional basis before they can be finalised making subsequent revisions necessary.
Revisions may occur due to:
- availability of more complete or final data for example replacing provisional with final figures
- changes and improvements to methodologies
- changes or additions to source data
- changes to definitions
Generally, any revisions will be incorporated into the next scheduled publication for the statistical output.
Outputs affected by methodological changes will have a clear description of the change and an explanation on the scale, nature, cause and impact of the change, where possible. Where major changes to methods are proposed, we will look to consult users and announce these in advance, where possible.
Corrections
Whilst there are robust systems in place to minimise the risk of error in our statistical processes, we recognise that errors may occasionally occur. Errors will be corrected through the most appropriate channel under the guidance of the Chief Statistician. The Chief Statistician/Head of Profession will assess the impact of any correction on the interpretation of its statistical output and decide on the appropriate course of action for correcting it and alert our users.
Follow up
Users who identify potential errors in published statistics should contact the relevant statistical team (contact details are provided in each publication).
Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR).
You are welcome to contact us directly by emailing CentralStatsHub@fcdo.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can email OSR on regulation@statistics.gov.uk or contact them via the OSR website.