Guidance

National Insurance number allocations to adult overseas nationals: Quality report

Updated 15 March 2021

Introduction

This document provides information about key aspects of the quality of the National Insurance numbers (NINo) allocated to adult overseas nationals statistical release in accordance with practices set out in the Code of Practice for Statistics. These statistics are badged as National Statistics.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) publishes a report of new NINo registrations to adult overseas nationals on a quarterly basis. This report is based on statistical analyses of administrative data generated from the Adult NINo Allocation and Registration service administered by DWP. The NINo statistical publication is referred to as “NINo statistics” in this document.

This quality report provides a brief summary of key aspects of the quality of the NINo statistics publication to engender trust in the statistics and help users understand the strengths and uses of the data. The report is structured around the fourteen principles under the three pillars of the Code of Practice for Statistics:

• trustworthiness
• quality
• value

The UK Statistics Authority has re-designated these statistics as National Statistics, at November 2020. This outcome is the result of work undertaken by the statistics team responsible for the publication in order to address a list of recommendations the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) set out in in their judgement in January 2017, when they judged that the National Statistics status would be temporarily suspended.

Before reading this report, we recommend readers read the NINo statistics background information and methodology document.

1 Trustworthiness

T1: Honesty and integrity

1.1.1. DWP statisticians abide by the Code of Practice for Statistics, limiting access to statistics during production, to only those involved in production and quality assurance (QA) of the statistics, ensuring statistical integrity. Access to statistical products is managed in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics. Pre-release access (PRA) 24 hours in advance publication is granted to a specific group of staff from key areas of the department related to NINo allocation and registrations, in line with the categories for access set out in the PRA Official Stats Order. PRA is kept to the minimum number of staff possible and is made public at the same time as the statistics. Staff involved in the publication of the statistics are provided with clear guidance for granting and handling PRA. The PRA list is reviewed every quarter ahead of each publication, and business need for access needs confirmation from all those in the list and it is reviewed to check if it is still valid. If there is no confirmation or if there are changes in the named individuals, a new business case needs to be submitted. The business case is a standard form that needs to be completed for Head of Profession (HoP) approval.

1.1.2. Sourced from data collected from administrative systems, NINo Statistics are part of a set of government statistics designed to measure migration to the UK. The Data team that prepares the raw data for analysis applies data cleaning and high level QA procedures to the data and operates under strict data security standards. The team only provides access to the data to staff with a business need to do so, after having undergone data handling and information security training.

1.1.3. Staff involved in the production and publication of the statistics, follow strict guidelines to ensure that unpublished statistical information, is not revealed prior to publication. Outside the group of staff that are involved in the production and publication of statistics, those involved in PRA activities have signed a business case that clearly lays out the reasons for why the PRA is granted. The PRA list is kept to a minimum and is only granted to those with an immediate need upon release of the statistics, to contribute to a public, departmental, or ministerial, response to the statistics. Members in the PRA group contribute a unique aspect in the nature of their role, which is not covered by others on the list. The PRA rules and guidance are made clear to all and members must not use the statistics for any other purpose during the 24-hour PRA timeframe. The guidance also describes actions to be taken in scenarios of accidental exposure of statistical information to third parties (internal or external) prior to release date.

1.1.4. The statistics team has adopted a transparent approach for the production and QA processes for the NINo Statistics. The data production, statistical methodology and QA processes are readily available to the public in in the background information and methodology document. All statistical material and statistical commentary are produced objectively and impartially. The statistics team work independently and maintain full responsibility for the production and publication of the statistics. A full statistical series is released via Stat-Xplore, with free access to all. Statisticians follow a rigorous QA and countersigning process to ensure conclusions of findings from new statistics and accompanying statements and commentaries are accurate and objective. The statistics, statements and commentaries are presented in a way that helps users digest the information, while ensuring clarity on impartiality and objectivity of the statistics. The department’s Head of Profession for Statistics is regularly updated and engaged as necessary on all matters relating to the NINo statistics.

T2: Independent decision making and leadership

1.2.1. The NINo statistics meet Government Statistical Service (GSS) standards of impartiality, separating statistical commentary from any political, press or ministerial statements. Subsequent statements by the government using NINo statistics data and non-governmental users are encouraged to do the same.

1.2.2. The department’s Head of Profession for Statistics is regularly updated and engaged as necessary on all matters relating to the NINo statistics, and signs off every release before publication.

T3: Orderly release

1.3.1. NINo statistics are published quarterly in February (covering data to the end of December), May (covering data to the end of March), August (covering data to the end of June) and November (covering data to the end of September). The precise publication date is pre-announced in the statistical release calendar well in advance of the 4-week minimum required by the Code of Practice for Statistics.

1.3.2. In the event of any requirement for changes to the pre-announced release dates, the statistics team has clear guidance on engaging the department’s Head of Profession for Statistics to agree alternative dates and announce these along with reasons for change as promptly as possible.

1.3.3. Access to the statistics during production is restricted to team members that are involved in the production and QA of the statistics. The PRA group are sent the NINo statistics 24-hours prior to publication as per the PRA guidelines. The statistics team maintains accurate records of all PRA members.

1.3.4. The final version of the statistics publication is made available to a PRA group 24-hours in advance of publication. This is done in accordance with the Pre-release Access to Official Statistics Order 2008, which states that eligible members of DWP staff are granted pre-release access during the 24-hour period before publication. This is for the sole purpose of enabling those who could reasonably be expected to, to be held to account and answer questions immediately upon release of the statistics, as stated in the Order. The PRA list is published at the same time as the report. The team follows a rigorous process of assessing business needs for granting PRA to individuals and maintains detailed records of those included in the PRA group along with justification of their access. The PRA group is reviewed regularly and kept to the minimum. The PRA group is provided with clear and detailed instructions for sharing the statistics with third parties before the release time, including any discussions/comments that could provide indications of the statistics. In case of accidental share of the statistics or indications with other parties the PRA group is instructed to immediately contact the Head of Profession for Statistics.

1.3.5. The lag between the end of a reporting period and publication date for the NINo statistics is usually just under 2 months. There is a trade-off between timeliness and other quality dimensions, in particular accuracy, accessibility and clarity. It is important to strike the right balance between ensuring that the data and statistics have been properly quality assured and explained, and releasing the data promptly. The 2-month period between the end of the reporting quarter and the release date is the minimum time period required to maintain this balance.

1.3.6. The NINo statistics, including the statistical bulletin, accompanying documentation and supplementary ODS data tables on GOV.UK, and a statistical data series that goes back to 2002 via Stat-Xplore, are released to all users at 9:30am on a week day (usually a Thursday).

1.3.7. The name and contact information of the lead statistician and those responsible for the production of the statistics are provided in the published release.

1.3.8. Policy, press and ministerial statements referring to the NINo statistics are issued separately and independently of the statistics release.

1.3.9. There are no scheduled revisions to the NINo statistics.

1.3.10. Unscheduled revisions are made when a substantial error has occurred during the processing and dissemination of the data. For such revisions, the statistical team follows the department’s revision policy for statistics which adheres to the Code of Practice for Statistics. In dealing with amendments to the published statistics, the statistics team is provided with clear guidance and procedures to follow. A revision note is provided for users on the same gov.uk page that hosts the statistics, and any known users that could have been impacted by the inaccuracies in publication are contacted specifically and provided with explanations on amendments.

1.3.11. Substantive changes to the content of the statistics are included in the pre-announcement and, from June 2020, a release strategy details past changes made to the release and planned upcoming changes.

T4: Transparent processes and management

1.4.1. DWP has made the production methodology, publication processes and approach to quality for the NINo Statistics transparent, as evidenced by this quality report, background information and methodology document and the release strategy that are made publicly available. Users are encouraged to provide their feedback and improvement suggestions for these statistics via different channels (see the user engagement section in the background Information and methodology document.

1.4.2. The quarterly production and publication of NINo statistics is carried out by the statistics team. The team follows an established work programme that sets out and prioritises changes in line of:

• user need, as set out through a thorough User Engagement strategy
• policy changes, such as the changes from the new immigration system coming to effect in January 2021 from the EU Exit
• public interest, for example to meet Freedom Of Information requests, such as the inclusion of detailed nationality level data in tables
• operational changes such as the new Apply for a NINO digital platform for new online NINo applications
• legislation changes such as the new accessibility standards that came into effect on the 23rd September 2020
• innovation and efficiency in the production of statistics, for example by centralising the way geographies are assigned
• or the wider transformation journey for migration statistics led by the ONS

1.4.3. Substantial financial and administrative resources are employed to enable effective production and QA of the NINo statistics. This includes development of the release each quarter in light of new user requirements, methodological updates or dissemination practices.

1.4.4. The statistics team is committed to providing high quality statistics. It has employed significant resources in documenting the whole NINo data journey and put in place rigorous production methodology and QA processes to achieve this. The team has optimised the production and QA processes to balance use of resource and quality outcomes in the production of NINo statistics.

1.4.5. The team works closely with operational teams and parties involved in data creation and data flow processes to maintain the high quality of the NINo statistics, acting promptly to ensure that issues that could impact timeliness and quality are resolved promptly. Ahead of the August 2020 release, the statistics team set up a new Quality Assurance group with a set of expert users in the department. The production methodology, QA processes and teams understanding of the data creation and methodology are explained in detail in the background information and methodology document.

T5: Professional capability

1.5.1. All DWP staff involved in the preparation of the Migrant Workers Scan (MWS) for statistical analysis and the production and publication of the NINo statistics are fully trained in information handling and data security.

1.5.2. Statistics team members have a clear understanding of all parts of the full NINo statistics production cycle, and have clear roles in carrying out these processes. The statistics team maintain detailed up-to-date documentation that ensures effective and secure production and publication of NINo statistics.

1.5.3. Each individual in the statistics team has appropriate analytical capabilities and data protection awareness for their roles. New team members undertake appropriate training that will allow them to operate in their role.

1.5.4. The statistics team is fully versed with the Code of Practice for Statistics and operate within the code throughout the process of production, publication and dissemination of NINo statistics.

T6: Data governance

1.6.1. The MWS is the only data source for the NINo statistics. It is extracted from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC’s) administrative data systems (in particular from National Insurance and PAYE Service (NPS)) and shared with DWP under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two departments. The Memorandum of Understanding makes clear the legal obligation of the handling, storing and further sharing of this data in line with the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and European General Data Protection Regulation. HMRC also supplied the MWS data to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

1.6.2. The NINo data extracted from administrative systems (HMRC’s NPS) and received by DWP is personal data as it is unmasked. All professionals in the data team involved in the data acquisition, storage and further use of the data by DWP colleagues are fully trained in data protection matters.

1.6.3. The DWP data team fully encrypts the data before it is made available to DWP statisticians. Statisticians access this data under strictly managed business cases and conduct their analysis in rigorous compliance with the UK and EU data protection regulations, using the data for the sole purpose of the NINo publication. All DWP staff need to undergo data protection training as part of the induction to the department and need to refresh this training on a yearly basis. The statistics team only shares summary level data ahead of publication with ONS which was used in the joint Migration Statistics Quarterly Report (MSQR) publication until August 2020 and was used in the November 2020 synthesis report. The ONS are no longer producing the MSQR and are moving towards an Admin Based Migration Estimate (ABME) approach. The existing governance, QA and sign-off procedures will remain in place. The IPS was stopped due to the impact of the coronavirus. The ONS have taken the decision to not restart the IPS for migration purposes and have accelerated their transformation plans to use admin data instead. DWP are working closely with ONS to continue to collaborate on the development of the new ABME approach.

1.6.4. The whole time series is published via Stat-Xplore, which allows low level data breakdowns to be available to users, while ensuring identity protection of individuals in the dataset, via the use of Key-Cell Perturbation techniques. Data tables published via gov.uk are a subset of the Stat-Xplore data set and are fully perturbed too. All figures published via the statistical bulletin document are a subset of, or derived from, the published excel tables and are presented as rounded numbers for clarity (see the Disclosure control section of the background information and methodology document.

2 Quality

Q1: Suitable data sources

2.1.1. The MWS provides a good quality data source, suitable for the production of NINo statistics. For each reporting period, the MWS provides a 100% count of all overseas nationals who were allocated a NINo in order for them to be able to work or claim benefits in the UK. The NINo statistics using the MWS are produced under carefully designed methodology and are presented with precise definitions and detailed context. This enhances the understanding of the strengths and limitations of the statistics (see the quarterly statistical bulletin and related background information and methodology document).

2.1.2. The statistics team has well established working relationships with operational teams that provide the Adult NINo allocation and registration service that generate the NINo data in the administrative systems. The DWP’s data team are responsible for preparing the raw data for analysis and maintaining contacts with the HMRC team responsible for the extraction of raw MWS from HMRC’s NPS. These contacts and working relationships have allowed the team to build and maintain knowledge of the data journey and resolve issues within the data supply chain. For example, in 2019 the statistics team worked closely with the data team to review the geography allocations (replacing postcodes with census output areas (COAs)) at the data cleaning and initial QA stage. Given the nature of this data, this provided the best solution possible and led to an improvement in the quality of geography variables within the statistics dataset.

2.1.3. The provision of the MWS by HMRC is done under a Memorandum of Understanding document that clearly sets out the timing, definitions and format of data supply alongside the need for the data sharing. The document sets out clear legal obligations for HMRC and DWP and is signed by both departments.

2.1.4. The MWS is an administrative dataset generated through the rigorous NINo allocation and registration process (see the Data journey section of the background information and methodology document. The rigorous checks detailed in that document assure the statistical team of the quality of the raw MWS data at record level. It also provides reassurance for other calculations used in the methodology for producing the summary data. For example, the age group is based on the applicants age at registration date, and this is based on the applicant’s date of birth which is a mandatory ID Verification data item. The nationality and nationality groupings are based on the nationality declared by the applicant and verified during the “Evidence of Identity interview” during the application process.

2.1.5. No other existing data source, either published or held internally by government or other public sector body, contains the full dataset of new NINo registrations. When data is received by the statistical team, it is compared with data held by the NINo operational teams. This relates to operational activity such as NINo applications and interviews booked and attended, for comparison purposes and to further interpret any changes and trends in the data.

2.1.6. There are not known technical limitations in the data source and the statistics offer a complete overview of all new NINo registrations. The limitations of the data and statistics mostly relate to what they can be used for, as they are a by-product of the administrative nature of the data (the primary aim of recording has not been the production of statistics). The limitations of the uses of the data are clearly explained in the background information and methodology document. Some of the limitations of the data when used in the context of migration have been addressed by assessing the data alongside other sources of migration in order to better explain trends.

2.1.7. NINo statistics are provided as a cumulative time series going back to January 2002. Although there are no gaps in the data, operational changes have led to discontinuities in the data which are clearly explained, as well as the possible implications to users.

Q2: Sound methods

2.2.1. On receipt of the data from HMRC, DWP analysts clean the data, encrypt sensitive variables and sense check volumes before the data is made available for the production of these statistics. The scan is geocoded to allocate each case to a census output area (COA) by matching to the National Statistics Postcode Lookup. Further detail can be found in the methodology report.

2.2.2. NINo statistics are published on the same day as the Home Office’s Migration Statistics and ONS’s MSQR, when that was still in production. The MSQR pulled together data from the International Passenger Survey (IPS), the NINo Statistics and the Migration Statistics. Comparison of NINo Statistics to the Home Office’s migration statistics and the IPS are detailed in the background information and methodology document The DWP statistical team analysed data in the MSQR from all sources before publication to ensure any divergence in trends and changes from the NINo stats were clearly explained in the MSQR. The ONS are no longer producing the MSQR and are moving towards an Admin Based Migration Estimate (ABME) approach. The existing governance, QA and sign-off procedures will remain in place. The IPS was stopped due to the impact of the coronavirus. The ONS have taken the decision to not restart the IPS for migration purposes. The ONS are accelerating their transformation plans to use admin data as the basis for producing international migration estimates. DWP are working closely with ONS to continue collaborate on the development of the new ABME approach

2.2.3. As well as working collaboratively with the ONS and Home Office to ensure the NINo statistics are correctly quoted and reflected in the related publications, the statistics team is part of the GSS Migration Working group where issues and developments on the government migration statistics overall are discussed, and a consistent approach is used when required. The DWP Head of Profession also participates in the GSS Migration Steering group to discuss and agree strategy in the migration statistics agenda.

2.2.4. The methodology of the NINo statistics is detailed in the background information and methodology document alongside the strengths and limitations of data sources and NINo statistics for different types of uses of the data. This document is reviewed and updated to describe any changes to the methodology.

2.2.5. A key strength of the NINo statistics is that the NINo is a key identifier that is used in many other sources of data. Therefore, other sources of information linked to the underlying NINo data will be consistent with the NINo statistics. Also, migration statistics are becoming increasingly consistent through the greater use of MWS data. For example, for the annual release of the ‘Nationality of benefit claimants’, the statistical team uses the same MWS dataset. A related DWP source of data, RAPID, which contains data on NINo registrations from the MWS linked to other data from HMRC on taxes and income, is increasingly being used by the ONS to adjust their estimates on long-term migration.

Q3: Assured quality

2.3.1. NINo statistics draw their strengths from the 100% count of all non-UK adult nationals that have been allocated a NINo via the rigorous Adult NINo allocation and registration process. The strengths and limitations of the published NINo statistics are provided in the statistical bulletin and explained in more length and detail in the background information and methodology document.

2.3.2. The statistical team follows a thorough QA process at each stage of data analysis and the production of the release, documenting a QA checklist for auditing purposes. The checklist has been designed and applied in line with the standards set out in the Quality Assurance of Administrative Data guidance. A summary of the steps can be found in the background information and methodology document.

2.3.3. NINo statistics are validated through comparison to the other migration statistics reported by the Home Office and ONS and a considerable effort is made to explain any differences when there is sufficient evidence. A comparison of the NINo statistics to other sources has been detailed in the background information and methodology document. Use of management information data from NINo operational teams is also used to understand changes and differences with other migration data. Expert users also provided further reassurance via their participation in a new Quality Assurance group set up ahead of the August 2020 release.

2.3.4. The statistics team follows departmental guidelines on unscheduled corrections of statistics that could result from errors. Corrections are explained to users via a correction note in the same landing page alongside the release and are documented by the statistics team. There are no scheduled revisions.

3 Value

V1: Relevance to users

3.1.1. The NINo statistics provide a complete picture of new NINo registrations issued in a particular quarter to non-UK adult nationals and is therefore an important component in the governments set of migration statistics. The number of new registrations is a flow measure and is usually presented and considered alongside other flow measures, like the inflow migration from the IPS or the number of visas issued by the Home Office covering the same reference period. Each measure has their own strengths and bringing them together allows users to get a more complete and coherent picture of migration. The statistical team that publishes the NINo registrations is also responsible for the related annual release of the number of claimants of DWP benefits by nationality. This publication is a stock measure based on data from the MWS. Users consider this publication alongside other stock measures of migration and non-UK population activity and interaction with UK public services.

3.1.2. There are a wide range of individuals internal to DWP that use the NINo statistics data as an indicator of the new flow of activity from migrants within the labour market and the benefit system. More widely, other government departments use the data as one of the measures of immigration into the UK, and also of migrant activity when combined with other data sources. Because data is published at local authority level, local authorities use the data to understand the local picture and charities use the data to understand the activity of different nationalities.

3.1.3. The statistical team has put in place an engagement strategy that focuses the production of the NINo statistics around the needs of the users. The strategy is based on the wider divisional user strategy that sets out the overall principles, whilst focusing on the particular channels and plans for the publication, laying out the current position and plans for further engagement and development, including specific timescales. Understanding what users need and use the NINo statistics for is crucial to ensure that the statistics remain relevant. As part of this strategy, the team leads quarterly user and stakeholder DWP migration user group meetings, where it engages with key users of the NINo statistics within the department, including operational teams, policy analysts, policy leads, and private offices as required. The statistical team has produced terms and conditions for the group to ensure that all those involved are active in their involvement and understand the responsibilities to the group. Sometimes external guests have been invited to the group, for example representatives from the ONS to discuss upcoming changes in the Migration Transformation Agenda.

3.1.4 In order to actively engage with other external users, the team has put in place a number of channels and feedback mechanisms, which are detailed in the Background Information and Methodology document. Feedback and views are reviewed and considered each quarter as part of the production cycle. The team also participates in GSS conferences and Migration Forums to communicate and gather views on recent and planned developments. The team will continue to work to find new and effective ways to engage more pro-actively with external users, including using existing migration forums and mailing lists.

3.1.5. The needs from internal and external users are considered alongside availability and quality of the data, available resources and other drivers for change such as the wider context for migration statistics, operational and legislative changes or changes in available dissemination channels.

3.1.6. The statistical team is actively involved in understanding the wider context for the NINo statistics, including setting up channels to become aware of operational changes, upcoming policy changes, or understanding the digital transformation of plans. For example, in order to provide a coherent story, it is crucial that the team is aware of the digital changes to the NINo application process or the implications of the EU Exit in terms of the process for registering EU nationals.

3.1.7. At times, the team has also been involved in the NINo Steering Board meetings, where decisions are being made at the highest level on NINo policy. This ensures the team are promptly aware of the implications potential changes may have on the data.

3.1.8. The team works very closely with the Home Office and the ONS as they are also key users of the NINo statistics and works in collaboration with them in the production of the MSQR. Whilst the ONS are no longer producing the MSQR and are moving towards an Admin Based Migration Estimate (ABME) approach. The existing governance, QA and sign-off procedures will remain in place for the ABME approach.

3.1.9. The DWP Head of Profession is a member of the GSS Migration Steering Group, which has responsibility to discuss and agree strategy in the migration statistics agenda, including the transformation of UK migration statistics. The GSS Migration Steering Group is currently steering the transformation journey, focused on setting administrative data at the heart of migration statistics.

3.1.10. The statistics team attends the Migration Working group meetings and feeds into the Migration Steering Group meetings, often deputising for the Head of Profession in representation of DWP. The current focus of discussions is around the transformation journey to set out a new migration statistics system centred around administrative-based data. NINo statistics are one of the key statistics based on administrative data so the statistics team has been involved from the onset in the transformation agenda, engaging with key stakeholders to explain how the NINo data can add value to the overall picture on migration, and the role of the team has been crucial to set out the strengths and limitations of the NINo data in comparison with other data. In particular, the team has emphasised the strengths of the NINo data, in contrast with other sources, in covering both applicants from EU and NON-EU, the timeliness of the data and the focus on individuals rather than visits. The Transformation Agenda may also lead to future developments in the content of the release and the statistics team will continue to keep users informed of the reasoning behind any changes.

3.1.11. Contact details for the lead statistician and other team members involved in the production and publication of the NINo statistics are made publicly available to users via the release. Users are encouraged to use these and other means for querying the published statistics and/or to provide any feedback they might have to ensure that the NINo Statistics continue to meet their evolving needs.

V2: Accessibility

3.2.1. The full data series of NINo statistics (going back to January 2002) is available to all users via Stat-Xplore. Stat-Xplore is fully accessible, and meets the accessibility legislation (The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018) requirements for the full period covered by the legislation. Stat-Xplore helps users to create data tabulations to their own requirements and download these for re-use. In addition, the statistics team provides on-request user help & support in deciding the best data extraction from the Stat-Xplore system according to the user needs and requirements. All the data is free and equally available to all, with no restrictions to access.

3.2 2. In November 2019, the NINo statistics were published via HTML for the first time, replacing the PDF format and ensuring the publication met the accessibility legislation. As part of the transition, the publication was updated to meet accessibility standards, including commentary around the charts and tables and ensuring the colour schemes take into account users with particular needs.

3.2.3. Commentary around the key stories and trends is reviewed frequently and the statistical team uses plain language and adequately explains acronyms to cater for non-expert audiences. The background information and methodology document. provides further detail on the methodology used to create the data and the detailed data journey and QA process to cater for the needs of more expert users needing to make further use of the data.

3.2.4. DWP offers a facility to obtain publications in alternative formats (for example, Braille, large print or audio) if required. For this users need to quote the title and ISBN of the publication and email stats-consultation@dwp.gov.uk.

V3: Clarity and insight

3.3.1. The statistical bulletin contains detailed and objective commentary on the current number and rates of change in NINo allocation to adult overseas nationals, in order to help users understand the key stories and trends. The statistical messages are illustrated by charts, visualisations and maps.

3.3.2. Line chart visualisations of the full data series are also used to provide further insight on how NINo allocations to adult overseas nationals have changed over time. Detailed commentaries and explanations are made available to explain major and significant changes throughout the time series. The bulletin distinguishes discontinuities in the data that arise from external factors. Examples of this include a change in the policy for migrants’ right to work, as well as operationally-driven changes such as the change in the way the Home Office requests NINos to the dependants of main claimants.

3.3.3. To support the appropriate interpretation of NINo statistics, detailed comparison of NINo statistics with other government statistics on migration into the UK is provided in the background information and methodology document, along with explanations on the strengths and limitations of the NINo statistics. In the MSQR and in the November 2020 synthesis report, where the NINo statistics are published alongside other Home Office and ONS statistics, any differences in trends from the various sources is clearly explained, and the DWP statistical team ensures the explanations are consistent with the stories in the NINo statistics publication.

3.3.4. In order to provide a comprehensive and coherent narrative for the migration statistics, the statistics team works collaboratively with producers of other migration related government statistics, in particular the Home Office and the ONS.

V4: Innovation and improvement

3.4 1. Innovation and improvements to statistical production/dissemination processes and products are a continuous part of the statistics team’s work and activities. Every quarter the team reviews user needs and takes into account wider developments in digital channels and available resources to decide on developments for the next and upcoming updates. Developments are discussed with key users at the quarterly user group and with other government departments in the working group meetings.

3.4.2. When changes are significant, they are added to the release strategy and disseminated wider in migration forums.

3.4.3. The statistical team contributes to developments to the wider set of migration statistics. For example, the team actively participates in the GSS Transformation Agenda aimed at making greater use of administrative data in the system of migration statistics.

V5: Efficiency and proportionality

3.5.1. The underlying NINo registrations data is a by-product of administering the NINo services so there is no extra burden to the citizens or need from them to submit any extra data for the production of the NINo statistics. Any further sharing of the NINo data from the MWS is done after the initial QA has taken place, to minimise efforts in quality assuring the initial data. The DWP statistical team works closely with HMRC so that any change in the data journey is discussed to maximise the efficiency of the process. For example, with the upcoming EU Exit and changes in the migration system, any changes in the data stream have been discussed with the data providers in HMRC and DWP.

3.5.2. Activities to engage with users and stakeholders are conducted in an efficient manner to ensure both the team and the users and stakeholders can maximise their input into the process and adequately plan when changes need to be considered.

3.5.3. Following a review of the full production and dissemination process in the autumn of 2019, the statistics team streamlined the production code and the QA processes, reducing the risk of human error in the production process, while significantly reducing involved resource levels.

3.5.4. The team has also been working towards further automating the publication process and has been adopting the use of Reproducible Analytical Pipelines (RAP) in the department, for the production of the NINo statistics.

3.5.5. To encourage the re-use of the data and information provided in the statistical bulletin, the publication is released alongside a set of supplementary data tables, published on the same landing page. Data can also be downloaded through the interactive tool Stat-Xplore, which is a shared tool across DWP and uses geographies and other linked data in an efficient manner and in a consistent manner with other DWP statistics.

ISBN 978-1-78659-251-4