GSS web dissemination champions
Web dissemination champions lead the development of methods and best practice for communicating government statistics and data on online platforms with the aim of producing the best experience for our users. They meet to discuss all relevant aspects of disseminating online, including:
- all online platforms for disseminating official statistics publications – these are often on GOV.UK
- all interactive dissemination platforms for official statistics and data
- any cross-government initiatives for advancing the dissemination of statistics and data across multiple organisations
- the use of dashboarding tools to present data, statistics and management information
Typical topics of discussion include, but are not limited to:
- meeting accessibility legislation requirements
- effective use of coding methods (e.g. automation through R)
- problem solving existing publication processes
- new and novel online tools for publishing data
- opportunities to collaborate on the development of new methods
All web dissemination champions are members of the Web Dissemination Committee. Members are typically individuals close to the production of official statistics or other figures that are made available for a public and/or government audience. However, professions represented on the group go wider than statistics itself, for example covering other professions in the Analysis Function and Digital, Data and Technology communities.
You can contact your organisation’s web dissemination champion if you have any frustrations with, or would like support on, disseminating statistics on GOV.UK or any other platform. Organisations represented in our group are shown below in our ‘List of champions’. If you don’t think user needs are being catered for – let your champion know!
Main responsibilities
The main responsibilities for champions are to:
- attend quarterly Web Dissemination Committee meetings
In these meetings Champions share work going on across government related to the dissemination of statistics and data, including presentations by on-going projects that members may wish to learn from and contribute to. All champions are welcome to share work that has been happening in their organisation.
- act as a point of contact within their organisation
This means if anyone in their organisation has issues or queries related to the online dissemination of statistics they can go to their champion. To do this effectively we ask champions to make themselves known across their organisation as the Web Dissemination Champion.
Mailing list
Champions also get added to a mailing list. This mailing list is used to:
- ask for assistance in developing guidance or training
- share drafts of guidance to gather feedback
- promote guidance and training once it has been published
- share questions from our community in order to facilitate providing all members with support during our quarterly meetings
Want to be a web dissemination champion?
Each GSS organisation is encouraged to nominate at least one web dissemination champion.
If you would like to be a web dissemination champion please email: John.Wilkins@dft.gov.uk and Jessica.Dawson@dft.gov.uk.
Please read the privacy notice for champions before you sign up.
Web dissemination champions exist to ensure all Government Statistical Service (GSS) organisations are able to learn from each other to continually improve the way that government statistics and data are made available online. The need for organisations to do this is built into the Code of Practice for Statistics, most notably in the value pillar which sets expectations for accessibility, clarity and insight, and innovation and improvement. This ensures our statistics and data are useful, easy to access, remain relevant and support understanding of important issues.
Strategic aims
Web dissemination champions:
- encourage and set GSS best practice in publishing and disseminating statistics
- continue to develop our services in line with user requirements
- encourage a more consistent user experience across GSS online dissemination channels
- scan the horizon for new opportunities to innovate in online publishing, and promote these opportunities
- develop skills and maximise capability to produce good quality outputs that meet user needs
Operational responsibilities
Web dissemination champions:
- ensure good practice in announcing statistics is maintained
- gather user feedback and comments to inform and support new projects
- share best practice and develop new initiatives in statistical publishing and web dissemination
- work with the Government Digital Service and others across the GSS
- discuss and solve issues and problems as they arise
The following is a list of departments that have representation in the Web Dissemination network. A full list of members can be requested by emailing the secretariat Jessica.Dawson@dft.gov.uk.
| Acronym | Department |
|---|---|
| CO | Cabinet Office |
| DBT | Department for Business and Trade |
| DCMS | Department for Culture, Media and Sport |
| Defra | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs |
| DESNZ | Department for Energy Security and Net Zero |
| DfE | Department for Education |
| DfT | Department for Transport |
| DHSC | Department of Health and Social Care |
| DWP | Department for Work and Pensions |
| HMRC | HM Revenue and Customs |
| HO | Home Office |
| IS | Insolvency Service |
| MHCLG | Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government |
| MoD | Ministry of Defence |
| MoJ | Ministry of Justice |
| NHS ISD | NHS Scotland |
| Nisra | Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency |
| Ofqual | Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) |
| Ofsted | Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) |
| ONS | Office for National Statistics |
| ORR | Office for Rail and Road |
| OSR | Office for Statistics Regulation |
| SG | Scottish Government |
| UKHSA | UK Health Security Agency |
| VOA | Valuation Office Agency |
| WG | Welsh Government |
Basecamp
We have a Basecamp project for all people in government interested in presentation and dissemination of statistics and analysis. This has a message board where you can post and answer questions. We encourage all dissemination champions to join this.
Please email analysis.function@ons.gov.uk to ask for an invite link to be sent.
Chair
John Wilkins
Email: John.Wilkins@dft.gov.uk
Secretariat
Jessica Dawson
Email: Jessica.Dawson@dft.gov.uk