Working with the Office for National Statistics: Accelerating impact from research using ONS data

by Dr James Spurr, Senior Impact Manager, Office for National Statistics

In January 2022, members of the Office for National Statistics Secure Research Service (SRS) and Research Partnership teams, hosted a webinar with ARMA to discuss the challenges facing researchers looking to engage with policy makers and evidence societal and economic impact from their research using secure data. The webinar was attended by 60 delegates, representing 34 universities as well as research organisations from the private and public sectors.

The webinar was opened by Louise Corti, Head of Insights and Impact and James Spurr, Senior Impact Manager, who introduced the ONS SRS and described the opportunities for collaboration and impact. Through monitoring and measuring the outputs and outcomes of research for the public good, the team produce project-based and thematic case studies, host knowledge exchange events and run the annual ONS Research Excellence Awards.

Cliodhna Taylor, Head of Research Partnerships at the ONS introduced External Engagement opportunities within the Economic, Social and Environment Statistics Group (ESEG). The ESEG hold monthly Economic Forums featuring the ‘State of the Economy’ summary of latest trends and developments. The group also host the annual Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence (ESCoE) Conference, with opportunities for researchers to present and learn about the very latest in economic statistics.

Alex Clegg, Network Manager for the Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN), presented their mission to Broker, Collaborate and Learn with the message “we can do more working together”. Showcasing reports into “Surfacing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within Academic-Policy Engagement” and “Engaging with UK Government Areas of Research Interest”, UPEN’s network now includes two-thirds of Higher Education Institutes.

Rob Davies, Knowledge Mobiliser for the Cohort and Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources (CLOSER) at UCL and Capabilities in Academic Policy Engagement (CAPE) Fellow for the House of Commons Scrutiny Unit, discussed the growing need for Government departments and Parliamentary Select Committees to diversify stakeholder engagement, especially within the academic sector. The expansion of Areas of Research Interest into Parliamentary Select Committees has opened up opportunities for researchers to engage with policy makers.

Following the presentations, ARMA members divided into breakout rooms to address two questions. The following points were noted from across the delegates conversations:

Question 1: In what way do you help researchers formulate a quantitative research project that is most likely to be mpactful? 

• advocating for researchers who face significant challenges in presenting impactful research, helping reduce the red tape around identifying and applying for funding and finding resource to support impactful outcomes
• helping to identify the stakeholders from across the research and policy landscape, to help tailor the research and create bespoke messaging to the needs of the audience
• fostering and supporting relationships inside and outside of the research community, to facilitate feedback sessions and help answer queries
• being involved earlier in the research cycle, to identify research evidence beneficiaries, impactful research for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) applications and build connections such as with the ONS

Question 2: What has worked well for you when helping communicate insights from your academics’ research? 

• early engagement with the researchers and teams is crucial for building trust and rapport with researchers by being ‘visible’ and a ‘real person’ they can connect with
• working alongside the communications team to create bespoke, targeted content and a social media presence can help build networks and facilitate engagement
• working with the researcher to simplify their work for a wider audience through case studies and blogs
• seeking support from senior leaders within the organisation to broadcast key messages from the ‘Top Down’
• attending events, being visible and actively seeking opportunities to promote the research

A live recording of the event can be found here.

About the ONS Secure Research Service

The ONS Secure Reseach Service (SRS) is an accredited trusted research environment, using the Five Safes Framework to provide secure access to de-identified, unpublished data. If you would like to discuss writing a future case study with us, please get in touch: srs.dev-impact@ons.gov.uk

James Spurr is Senior Impact Manager for the Integrated Data Service and Platform at the Office for National Statistics. Prior to joining the ONS in early 2021, he worked in the sports sector for over a decade, conducting research with athletes and equipment manufacturers for the International Tennis Federation. James has a PhD in engineering through Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for Sports Engineering Research.