UNITED KINGDOM
One of three Deputy National Statisticians has resigned from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), plunging the Agency into further difficulties.
Heather Savory (pictured) will join the UN Working Group on Big Data for Official Statistics this month, at the same time as her boss, National Statistician, John Pullinger is set to retire.
Mr Pullinger gave advance notice he would step down from his role in November, but in April it emerged that the recruitment process had not secured a suitable replacement for the £160,000 (A$292,000) a year post.
At the time the Agency said it was discussing the next steps in the recruitment process with the Civil Service Commission.
Ms Savory’s departure reduces the number of Deputy National Statisticians to two: Jonathan Athow, who is responsible for economic statistics, and Iain Bell, who is responsible for population and public policy.
Mr Pullinger said Ms Savory had brought great energy and determination to her role as Deputy National Statistician and Director General for Data Capability.
“I know she will continue to bring that commitment to the UN Global Platform — a project that is at the heart of the global ambition to mobilise the power of data,” Mr Pullinger said.
“Heather leaves ONS digital and data capability in a radically better place than it was four years ago.”
It is understood Mr Pullinger still plans to retire this month.
The Government said an update on the National Statistician post could be expected shortly.
London, 23 May 2019
