Global assessments/peer reviews – some issues seen from an assessor‘s point of view

1. 5 Global assessments/peer reviews – some issues seen from an assessor‘s point of view Heinrich Brüngger Management seminar on global assessment Yalta, 23-25 September 2010 Session 5

2. Assessor‘s preparation • Not only about the system of statistics in a country; should include some familiarity with the present economic and political situation of the country, its recent history, and its culture • If possible, should not be the first visit to the country (earlier visits may have been for professional or other reasons)

3. Assessor‘s attitude during visits • Interviews should have some room for dialogue, and not exclusively carried out by assessor asking questions and others replying • Assessors should give some limited feed-back already during the interviews; this is a legitimate expectation from participants

4. Main organizational issues • Need for on the spot translation basically doubles the time necessary for interviews and limits the possibility of breaking up into parallel groups • Need for clear arrangements ex-ante about sessions for which on the spot translation is necessary, and for structuring the time-table accordingly • Participants should be encouraged to speak English, even if this is not perfect

5. Main organizational issues (ctd.) • As many stakeholders as possible, and NSI staff from several levels, should have the possibility to freely interact with the assessors in a professional dialogue • Presence of superiors may be perceived as obstacle to free expression (by NSI staff, and by representatives from other stakeholders)

6. Erroneous perception about GA objectives • The objective of the GA is not to make a ranking or league table across countries, but to identify gaps and to help the statistical system in the country to improve and progress • While the ultimate benchmark is the same for all countries (fundamental principles, Code of practice), the selection of priority steps for improvement will clearly differ between countries

7. Key information: lessons learnt from recent attempts for change • A very important piece of information is about recent attempts for improvement, and the obstacles that were overcome or not overcome • A list of on-going projects (as opposed to current production) is also very helpful • Please portray a honest picture including possible negative aspects; the assessors will not use this information against individual persons, but only to better design the steps for improvement

8. Lessons learnt from recent changes (ctd.) • It is also important to learn how the NSI is prepared for possible government decisions for budgetary cuts (priority setting; criteria), and, if such events occurred recently, how the cuts were identified and implemented • Assessors do not know when the best opportunity for certain changes that involve actors outside the statistical system (e.g. changes of the law) will arise; they need the advice of the management on this issue

9. GAs require a big organizational and professional effort from the NSI over a substantial period; the GAs with my involvement were really prepared by the host countries in a very thorough and interactive way • Thank you very much