Abstract

In decentralized statistical systems, strengthening the capabilities of Other Producers of Official Statistics (OPOS) is essential for ensuring consistent quality across the statistical ecosystem. In Abu Dhabi, the Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (SCAD), through its Statistical Training Institute (STI), has implemented a competence-based capacity-building programme targeting OPOS across government entities. Built on a structured competency framework, clearly defined statistical roles, and modular learning pathways, the programme combines workshops and applied learning to embed quality principles directly into statistical production. This approach moves beyond ad-hoc training and supports a shared professional understanding of statistical standards, responsibilities, and the Abu Dhabi Statistical Code of Practice.
The impact of this capacity-building strategy is reflected in measurable improvements within SCAD’s quality assurance system, particularly the Statistical Maturity Index (SMI) and the institutionalised quality assessment workflow. Since the introduction of systematic capacity-building interventions, SMI scores across participating government entities have shown sustained improvement, indicating strengthened institutional arrangements and closer alignment with quality standards. At the product level, SCAD’s quality assessment workflow—covering quality report writing, expert review, quality assessment meetings, and quality statements—creates structured dialogue between statisticians, quality experts, and producers. These discussions identify methodological gaps, documentation weaknesses, and process risks, which are then addressed through targeted capacity-building activities, reinforcing the link between assessment and learning.
Looking ahead, SCAD’s focus is on updating the Statistical Maturity Index to reflect the latest revision of the Abu Dhabi Statistical Code of Practice, ensuring that institutional-level assessments remain aligned with evolving quality principles. At the same time, SCAD aims to strengthen feedback loops between institutional assessments, product-level quality assessment outcomes, and training programmes delivered by the Statistical Training Institute. By systematically using assessment findings to inform training priorities, SCAD seeks to reinforce continuous improvement while maintaining clear distinctions between capacity building, institutional assessment, and product-level quality assurance.