European Statistical System Competence Profile for staff supporting the ESS

1. European Statistical SystemCompetence Profilefor staff supporting the ESS Workshop Southampton University 25 June 2010

2. Wesley Miles, National Statistician‘s Office, UK • Development of learning and development policies, activities and processes for govt statisticians • Also at the ESS level with Euro counterparts

3. Current collaboration with Eurostat and other NSIs (task force of 11 members - since 2007): ESS Learning and Development Framework – we hope to launch in 2011 • Aims to raise the overall quality of European statistics according to the principles in the European Code of Practice • 10 projects - including: ESS Competence Profile; ESTP courses; impact assessment tools; study visits to Eurostat; portal; E-learning and mentoring

4. Key component of ESS-LDF is the development of the ESS Competence Profile • ‘Core’ areas of knowledge and skills important for people working in the ESS, and supporting the ESS from their parent organisations • A useful reference point when developing the specific needs of a job with ESS elements – and also helps to promote common standards at international level

5. Important to complement, and not duplicate, statistical competences developed at the national level • Keep it simple and practical so that implementation is easy • Map onto ESS learning and development activities included in the ESS-LDF

6. Shared good national practice to get ideas about structure/presentation (13 countries) • Five steps to design the ESSCP: 1. Content/target audience 2. Set up glossary of terms for key terms 3. Establish levels & competence descriptions 4. Pilot 5. Review/update

7. Two levels: • Contributing (at least 2 year’s experience) 2. Escalating (at least 4 year’s experience) • Driven by Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes at the European level • Eight Competence descriptions (broken down into various descriptive competences):

8. Role and functions of the ESS (legal basis) • European Statistics Code of Practice • Quality declaration of the ESS • EC rules and procedures • European level networking • European data harmonisation (legislation and methodology) • European Classifications • European customer requirements

9. Pilot study • Five countries: Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, UK (mix of junior and senior grades from different statistical fields) • Comment on competences most important • Identify any gaps • Share general observations

10. Pilot study • Very worthwhile - has helped to improve ESSCP “A useful tool for identifying core K/S/A at Euro level. Will use this as a reference point in order to improve professional competences. Will help to pinpoint learning and development needs. Can easily integrate into my performance management system.” • We will develop guidance with case studies to help show how the ESSCP can be used in different situations, eg for management aims and individual development • Task Force meeting next week in Wiesbaden to discuss the next steps • Geneva Conference – 14-16 Sept 2010 • Copies of current draft available from Wes