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Best practice for automated spreadsheets in R: Creating Accessible Spreadsheets with aftables

What is aftables? aftables is an R package for creating accessible spreadsheets. aftables implements the Analysis Function guidance for releasing statistics in spreadsheets. What does aftables do? aftables automates text formatting and layout of spreadsheets to meet accessibility requirements. Aftables currently generates Excel workbooks using openxlsx. How do I use aftables? aftables is available to […]

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Navigating a career in statistics: reflections from senior leaders

Since 2024, I have enjoyed being the sponsor for a Government Statistical Service (GSS) Fast Stream cohort. It’s been great to hear about the new skills they’ve gained and the experiences they are embracing to set them up for their future careers. In talking to them it’s clear they are ambitious, and rightly so! However, […]

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My apprenticeship journey at the Home Office

I joined the Home Office as a Data Analyst Apprentice in March 2023 and completed my apprenticeship in August 2024. Although I already had a BA in International Affairs, over time, I realised that data science was the career path I wanted to follow. My interest in maths and data led me to complete several […]

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From Curiosity to Cutting-Edge AI: My Journey in Data Science

The first time I encountered the power of data, I was mesmerized. It was not just numbers or statistics; it was a gateway to understanding the world in ways I never thought possible. My journey into artificial intelligence (AI) and data science has been an adventure—one filled with discovery, challenges, and innovation. Today, I have […]

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Growing public trust in statistics through collaborative communication and intelligent transparency

Simon Baugh, Chief Executive of the Government Communication Service (GCS), and Ed Humpherson, Director General for Regulation for the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR), recently presented together at the GSS Conference in Edinburgh. This blog highlights some of the key themes of the conference. Ed and Simon discussed with the audience how analysts and communications […]

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From Lunar House to Broadcasting House: My secondment to the BBC

Earlier this year, I stepped into the big and busy BBC newsroom, moving on secondment from the Home Office. Over the next few months, I worked as BBC Verify’s consultant statistician, fact-checking claims in heated election debates, ‘filing copy’ on interesting stories, and advising journalists about statistical best practice and presentation. Part of my role […]

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Automated data visualisation best practice in R: afcharts release

What is afcharts? afcharts is an R package for creating accessible charts. afcharts implements the Analysis Function data visualisation guidance. What does afcharts do? afcharts automates setting accessible colours, fonts and text sizing, axes labelling, and much more.  Currently, functions are available for styling ggplot2 plots. afcharts takes your charts from the ggplot2 defaults to […]

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Lessons I’ve learned from managing change

In my time at ONS, I’ve led some ambitious changes which have highlighted the fact that whilst crucial, change can sometimes be challenging. There are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way which I hope will help colleagues through managing change. Put people at the heart of change and put yourself in their shoes […]

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How to drive innovation

Analysts across the civil service face significant pressures to deliver demanding analysis at pace, which can get in the way of trying new things and making improvements to the way we work. In support of this year’s One Big Thing, Adrian Richards (HM Revenue & Customs) and Matt Gurden (Deputy Government Actuary) were joined by […]

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Ensuring Trust – My secondment to the BBC

Masuma Ahmed blogs about her experience on secondment to the BBC.

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