James Benford

As Director General for Surveys and Economic Statistics at the Office for National Statistics, James Benford works across government and the ONS to build better statistics that work for everyone.

That includes modernising how statistics are produced and onboarding new data sources to improve efficiency, relevance and data quality. He also works with users of statistics to ensure the ONS is aligned on priorities and statistics respond to their needs. 

Previously, as Executive Director for Data and Analytics Transformation at the Bank of England, he contributed to modernising data and AI capabilities, enabling innovative approaches to statistical and regulatory data collections and analysis in all areas of the Bank. He has also served as Director of the Economics Group at HM Treasury, Director of Analysis at the Joint Biosecurity centre and as Private Secretary to Governors Mark Carney and then Andrew Bailey.