Statistically Speaking

Aug 01 2024 24 ep. 31 mins 423
Statistically Speaking Podcast artwork

Statistically Speaking is the Office for National Statistics' podcast, offering in-depth interviews on the latest hot topics in the world of data, taking a peek behind the scenes of the UK’s largest independent producer of official statistics and exploring the stories behind the numbers.

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Green Data: Measuring the Environment

Aug 01 2024 34 mins  
In this episode we explore how the ONS measures our natural environment and the green economy. Relevant datasets: ONS Environmental Accounts Transcript MILES FLETCHER Welcome again to Statistically Speaking, the official podcast of the UK’s Office for National Statistics. I'm Miles Fletcher and this time we're getting back to nature as we explore the work

AI: The Future of Data

May 19 2024 33 mins  
With the public release of large language models like Chat GPT putting Artificial Intelligence (AI) firmly on our radar, this episode explores what benefits this technology might hold for statistics and analysis, as well as policymaking and public services. Joining host, Miles Fletcher, to discuss the groundbreaking work being done in this area by the Office for National Statis

Communicating Uncertainty: How to better understand an estimate.

Mar 24 2024 33 mins  
The ONS podcast returns, this time looking at the importance of communicating uncertainty in statistics. Joining host Miles Fletcher to discuss is Sir Robert Chote, Chair of the UKSA; Dr Craig McLaren, of the ONS; and Professor Mairi Spowage, director of the Fraser of Allander Institute. Transcript MILES FLETCHER Welcome back to Statistically Speaking, the official po

ONS: Year in Review 2023

Dec 20 2023 27 mins  
In this episode Miles is joined by the National Statistician, Sir Ian Diamond, to reflect on what has been a busy and transformative year at the Office for National Statistics. Transcript MILES FLETCHER This is “Statistically Speaking”, the official podcast of the UK Office for National Statistics, I’m Miles Fletcher. This is our 20th episode, in fact, a mil

Health: Preparing for the next global pandemic

Nov 19 2023 31 mins  
The ONS led the way informing the UK response to the Coronavirus pandemic. But what lessons can be learned and how can we best prepare not only ourselves, but the rest of the world, for the next pandemic? Transcript MILES FLETCHER This is Statistically Speaking, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Podcast. I'm Miles Fletcher, and as we approach the darkest month

Communicating Statistics: Crossing the minefields of misinformation.

Oct 05 2023 49 mins  
In this episode we talk about the growth of data use in the media and the potential impact of misinformation on the public’s trust in official statistics. Navigating podcast host Miles Fletcher through this minefield is Prof Sir David Spiegelhalter, from the University of Cambridge; Ed Humpherson, Head of the Office for Statistics Regulation; and award-winning data journalis

International Development: Growing a Global Statistical System

Aug 28 2023 33 mins  
In this episode, we explore ONS’s work with other countries to raise the world's statistical capabilities. Transcript MILES FLETCHER Hello and welcome again to ‘Statistically Speaking’, the Office for National Statistics’ Podcast. I'm Miles Fletcher, and in this episode we're going international. Now it hardly needs saying that global issues, climate change, p

In The Field: Surveying the nation

Jul 30 2023 25 mins  
In this episode we chat to members of the ONS Social Survey Collection Division about the importance, and challenges, of getting the general public to take part in crucial surveys that help paint a picture of what life is like across Britain. Transcript MILES FLETCHER Welcome again to ‘Statistically Speaking’, the official podcast of the UK’s Office for National Stat

New Data: Transforming how we count the population

Jun 20 2023 22 mins  
In this episode we discuss how the ONS has been working to transform the way we count the population, using new datasets to give more accurate, timely, and detailed measurements. On 29 June 2023, the ONS will be launching a public consultation on its proposals for a transformed population and migration statistics system. Understanding user needs will be essential evidence i

Local data: How new data sources are helping to calibrate communities

May 09 2023 33 mins  
In this episode of Statistically Speaking we shine the spotlight on local data and look at how good statistics for small areas make for better targeted policy interventions, and more effective use of valuable public resources. Transcript MILES FLETCHER Welcome again to Statistically Speaking, the Office for National Statistics podcast. I'm Miles Fletcher and in this