ONS annual stakeholder satisfaction survey

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs an annual stakeholder satisfaction survey to understand how stakeholders access, use and value our statistics, analysis and services, and how effectively we engage and collaborate with users. 

We use information from responses to improve the services we provide to users. Following feedback received through last year’s survey, we have: 

• combined these findings with feedback from other mechanisms to inform the development of our refreshed approach to user engagement 

• ensured we effectively plan, coordinate and respond to consultations and user feedback, including how feedback informed our recommendation for a Census in 2031 and wide engagement for the subsequent topic consultation to ensure a diverse range of user needs were captured 

• been transparent about our priorities and challenges, for example through publication of our Economic Statistics and Survey Enhancement and Improvement plans and subsequent quarterly updates  

• published our priorities and a tiering model for our regular outputs and introduced a structured ‘waiting room’ approach to help protect quality by ensuring that the breadth of our change activity is appropriately sequenced and resourced 

• continued our programme of content and website transformation with new pages launched and prototypes published to support the transition to our new publishing platform 

• continued to gather user feedback to inform the roll out of our new ONS website 

This year’s survey ran between January and March 2026 and was promoted to professional users and producers of statistics from across the public, business, academia and voluntary sectors across the UK. 

The survey asked about: 

• use of, and satisfaction with, ONS statistics on different topics 

• whether ONS statistics meet user needs 

• perceptions of trustworthiness, quality, relevance and timeliness 

• awareness of, and engagement with, key ONS programmes and services 

• how stakeholders prefer to engage with the ONS and share feedback 

We received 135 responses, primarily from professional users, with local and national government the most represented sectors. While the response level was slightly lower than last year, the sample provided valuable insight into how a broad range of stakeholders use and experience ONS statistics and services.  

Use of statistics 

96% of respondents said they had used at least one ONS statistical topic listed in the survey. Stakeholders most commonly use ONS statistics to understand issues, inform others and support policy and decision-making. 

The most used topics were broadly consistent with those indicated in previous years, which were: 

• prices, inflation and the cost of living  

• population and migration 

• labour market 

• economic growth and GDP  

86% of respondents said ONS statistical topics fully or partially met their needs, a small decrease compared with last year. 

What works well 

Overall, sentiment towards the ONS remains strong. 88% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the ONS is a trustworthy organisation. 

There were notable improvements this year in perceptions of ONS statistics. The most positive shift in sentiment was to the statement, ‘The ONS produces statistics that reflect the needs and priorities of users', which saw an increase in agree and strongly agree (+8%). 

Webinars, events and direct engagement with ONS colleagues were particularly valued engagement channels.  

There is also strong appetite for engagement, with most stakeholders wanting to be kept informed about the ONS’s work and over half interested in opportunities to provide feedback.

Where improvements are needed  

Respondents provided feedback about areas where the ONS can improve, including: 

• timeliness and predictability of outputs, including some delays and changes to release dates making it difficult to plan and use statistics  

• fast, more responsive engagement, including clearer communication, earlier involvement and more consistent follow-up 

• gaps in local data, with demand for more detailed and more frequently updated information 

• website usability, particularly in finding, navigating and downloading data 

Some feedback reflects data needs that cannot currently be met, while other concerns relate to the timeliness, clarity and consistency of our outputs and engagement. 

Awareness and perceived benefits of the ONS’s plans 

56% of respondents said they were not aware of the Survey Improvement and Enhancement Plan (SIEP) or the Plan for Economic Statistics (ESP) before completing the survey.  

Amongst those who were aware of the plans, 67% of respondents believed ESP would benefit their work either partially or fully, whilst 66% thought the SIEP would fully or partially benefit their work.  

Positive views were typically linked to commitments to improving the quality and trustworthiness of economic data.  

Awareness of Census 2031 was 73%, with 55% of those who said they were aware of Census stating they knew how to input their needs. 

The insights from this year’s survey will inform activity across the ONS and shape how we strengthen our engagement with stakeholders. We are: 

• continuing our programme of content and website improvements, taking a user-centred approach to making our data and analysis easier to find and use 

• improving timeliness and delivery confidence by focusing resources on our critical statistics while being clear and transparent about where we are prioritising and sequencing change  

• strengthening how we listen and respond, improving follow-up from consultations and engagement, so stakeholders can see how their input has influenced decisions 

• refreshing our approach to stakeholder engagement, ensuring it is more consistent, inclusive and responsive 

• ensuring local government and other sectors are engaged in our prioritisation decisions and their impacts  

• increasing awareness and clarity of key programmes, including economic statistics and survey improvement work 

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the survey. Your feedback is vital in helping us improve our statistics, services and engagement. 

If you would like to discuss the findings or have any questions, please contact the ONS External Affairs team at external.affairs@ons.gov.uk.