The Lievesley Review is an independent evaluation of the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA), led by Professor Denise Lievesley CBE. Initiated in June 2023 as part of the Public Bodies Review Programme, the review assessed the UKSA’s governance, efficacy, accountability, and efficiency.
The final report, published in March 2024, commended the quality of the UK’s official statistics and the dedication of the statistical system’s professionals. It also highlighted areas for improvement, including enhancing user engagement, promoting data sharing across government departments, updating technical capabilities, and ensuring coherence of official statistics across the UK. The UKSA has welcomed the recommendations and is considering steps to implement them.
Following its publication, ESCoE Director Rebecca Riley contributed to a Royal Statistical Society discussion forum around the review.
Her response supports the review’s recommendations and stresses the importance of leadership in data sharing and sustained investment in the statistical system.
“Barriers to data sharing are multifaceted, including misalignment of incentives and priorities, and fragmentation of the statistical system. The need for high-level leadership to cut through this seems clear.” – Rebecca Riley