Quality management

Quality management requires comprehensive guidance of activities. The principles of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM principles) are employed by Statistics Finland as its overall framework for quality management. The quality management framework of the field of statistics is the European Statistics Code of Practice (CoP). The frameworks complement each other. The quality criteria of Official Statistics of Finland are also compatible with the European Statistics Code of Practice.

European Statistics Code of Practice (ESS CoP)

When compiling statistics, Statistics Finland observes the European Statistics Code of Practice (CoP) and the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) based on them.

The Code of Practice concerns the independence and accountability of statistical authorities and the quality of processes and data to be published. The principles are in line with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics approved by the United Nations Statistics Division and are supplementary to them. The principles are also compatible with those of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM).

Principles of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM)

The principles of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) are employed by Statistics Finland as its the overall framework for quality management. The EFQM model is applied as a self-assessment and development tool for Statistics Finland's management and strategic guidance, for instance.

Official Statistics of Finland

Official Statistics of Finland (OSF) are a collection of statistics describing society. They comprise around 250 sets of statistics. 

The producers of Official Statistics of Finland have approved a common quality assurance in which they commit to common quality criteria and quality assurance measures. The quality criteria of Official Statistics of Finland are compatible with the European Statistics Code of Practice. The good practices followed in the statistics are presented in Statistics Finland's Quality Guidelines for Official Statistics handbook.

Quality Guidelines for Official Statistics handbook

The Quality Guidelines for Official Statistics handbook is intended for all those interested in the operation of statistical systems, their users and producers.