National Statistical

The relationship between statistics producers and users has often relied on structured, one-way channels. Now a new platform from the ONS is set to change that dynamic, encouraging greater collaboration between those who produce the statistics and those who depend on them. In this blog Dan Grace explains what the new StatsUserNetwork offers, who it’s for, and the potential it unlocks for anyone working with official statistics. 

Our vibrant and growing forum builds on an earlier version, bringing together a wide range of people who use or produce official statistics. With a community of around 500 members — spanning government departments, local authorities, academia, and beyond — it creates space for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you’re a government analyst working with migration data, a local planner modelling housing need, or a researcher exploring social mobility, StatsUserNetwork connects you with others facing similar questions and challenges. 

Why a Forum Like This Matters 

Official statistics underpin evidence-based decisions at every level, but despite the common ground between users, opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge are often limited by geography, time, or simply because they don’t know each other. StatsUserNetwork bridges that gap by providing an accessible space for ongoing exchange. 

Take local authorities, for example. Many councils face similar challenges but lack the infrastructure or budget to collaborate widely. On StatsUserNetwork, a data analyst in Liverpool can compare notes with a peer in Bristol, or a policymaker in Nottingham can draw lessons from Glasgow. This kind of peer-to-peer dialogue helps to drive innovative solutions, avoid duplicated effort, and strengthen the evidence base behind local decisions. 

Beyond Events: Keeping the Conversation Going 

StatsUserNetwork also helps extend the value of events, demos, and publications. It’s not uncommon to attend a webinar or launch, only to have questions surface days later when you’re hands-on with the data. Traditionally, that moment is where the conversation ends. 

But on StatsUserNetwork, it continues. Users can ask follow-up questions, engage directly with presenters or fellow attendees, and explore topics in more depth. It turns one-off interactions into lasting dialogue — supporting deeper understanding and a stronger sense of connection across the community.  

A Community of Diverse Voices 

The platform brings together a wide spectrum of users, each with their own expertise and perspective. And while their roles may vary, they share a common aim: to make sense of data and use it effectively. By interacting on StatsUserNetwork, these users can: 

• Share expertise — for example, how best to interpret complex trends 

• Co-design new statistical outputs that better meet shared needs 

• Identify gaps in available data and collaborate to fill them 

• Exchange best practice and informal peer support 

These conversations don’t just benefit individual users — they improve the overall quality, relevance, and responsiveness of the official statistics system. 

Organised by Theme, Driven by Need  

To make connections even more effective, the platform is structured around themed groups — from health and labour market statistics to population data and regional insights. This means users can focus on the topics most relevant to them and find others working on similar issues across organisations and sectors. Whether you’re interested in migration trends, crime statistics, or environmental data, there’s a ready-made community waiting for your input. 

A Platform with Long-Term Impact  

The potential of StatsUserNetwork goes well beyond individual questions or conversations. As the community grows, so does its collective insight. These cross-sector interactions help producers understand how statistics are used in the real world — what’s working, where improvements are needed, and how users are adapting data to meet local or emerging needs. 

Over time, this could lead to:  

✔  Faster feedback loops between users and producers 

✔  More responsive and user-focused statistical products 

✔  Stronger, more joined-up research and policymaking 

✔  A cultural shift towards co-creation in the official statistics space 

In this way, StatsUserNetwork is not just a forum — it’s a foundation for a smarter, more connected future for statistics in the UK. 

Ready to Join the Conversation? 

Getting started with StatsUserNetwork is simple. Head to the platform, sign up, and confirm your email. Once you’ve read the community guidelines, you’re ready to explore, ask questions, share your expertise, and connect with others who care about the role statistics play in shaping society. 

Interested in a demo of the forum? Sign up now on Evenbrite for a live training session.  

The community is growing — and your voice could help shape what comes next.