Over recent months, we have made an important change to how we share statistics on the Statistics Jersey website (www.stats.je). We have begun publishing the responses to additional requests for data, making them freely available for everyone to access.
This marks a significant step forward in openness and transparency. When we produce analysis in response to requests from organisations, States Members, public servants, the media or members of the public, the resulting data is now shared with the original requestor and then published openly, as soon as practical.
Our aim is simple: if data is useful to one person, it is likely to be useful to others.
Why we are doing this
Equality of access to official statistics has always been a fundamental principle of our work. Statistics are most valuable when they are shared, scrutinised and discussed using a common evidence base.
Until now, some useful analysis produced in response to specific requests may only have been seen by the person or organisation who asked for it. Recent improvements to our website now allow us to publish this material in a consistent and accessible way, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the same information.
This approach supports better informed debate, stronger analysis and greater trust in official statistics.
What kind of requests are we talking about?
User requested data most often involves further breakdowns of statistics that are already published. These requests do not involve new data collection, but instead need different ways of analysing or presenting existing datasets.
This might include:
- Alternative cross tabulations of published statistics
- Using different classifications, such as age groups or industry groupings
- Providing more granular cuts of data where it is safe to do so
For example, one request we’ve had recently was for more detail around statistics of physical activity, healthy eating and obesity, including how these change by characteristics such as ethnicity, parish of residence and whether people owned or rented their property.
These kinds of requests often support research projects, policy development, business planning or public discussion. By publishing the results, we ensure that anyone else interested in the topic can access the same evidence.
Sharing data that benefits everyone
Ian Cope, Chief Statistician, explains the thinking behind this change:
“If additional analysis is useful to one person or organisation, it’s likely useful to others. Publishing user requested datasets ensures everyone benefits—researchers, policymakers, businesses and the public alike. It also facilitates debate, when everyone has access to the same data underlying a topic, issue or proposal.”
This shared access helps move discussions away from partial information or assumptions, and towards evidence informed conversation.
For example, one requestor was interested in the decrease in fertility rates seen in Jersey, and whether it related to the increasing cost of living. They approached us to see if we had any data that could help understand whether lower income households were more likely to have children or not. With the data available at the time, Statistics Jersey were able to produce information on the number of births in households in receipt of income support compared to those in households not receiving income support over time.
Protecting confidentiality and trust
As with all of our statistical outputs, protecting confidentiality is essential. Before publishing any user requested dataset, we carefully assess it to ensure it does not disclose personal, confidential or commercially sensitive information. This includes considering whether the data could become disclosive when combined with other readily available sources.
Published requests do not identify who made the request or the purpose behind it. The focus is always on the data itself, not on the individual or organisation who asked for it.
When publication may be delayed
In a small number of cases, we may delay publication where doing so is clearly in the public interest.
For example, if data is being used as part of early policy development, releasing the analysis before the policy is drafted could create unnecessary speculation or disrupt the process. In situations like this, we will publish the data as soon as possible after the policy is released, ensuring that everyone can access the same information for discussion and scrutiny.
Not every request leads to a published dataset
It is also important to be clear about what this change does not mean. Not all requests we receive result in a new published dataset.
Many enquiries involve:
- Directing users to existing published statistics
- Providing advice on survey design
- Helping with data interpretation or appropriate use of statistics
We will continue to offer this support as usual. Publishing user requested datasets is an addition to our service, not a replacement for engagement and guidance.
Improving transparency and accessibility
By making user requested data publicly available, we aim to improve transparency, accessibility and confidence in Jersey’s official statistics. More open data means more people can engage with evidence, challenge assumptions and contribute constructively to discussion and decision making.
We encourage users to explore the newly published datasets on www.stats.je and to continue engaging with us. Your questions, requests and feedback play an important role in shaping how we develop and improve our statistical services for everyone.