The award celebrates good practice in UK official statistics, recognising outstanding innovations and developments that improve the user experience. It is named in honour of the late Sir Harry Campion, the first director of the Central Statistical Office, the forerunner of the Office for National Statistics and RSS President from 1957-59.
The judges considered this a project of global significance, on a topic that has been a subject of public interest and concern, with an increasing number of accounts of people suffering from the impacts of long-Covid. It is a good example of statisticians working collaboratively and quickly to fill important data gaps.
The panel considered this to be a hugely important and technically demanding piece of work, with a clear public benefit, that lies behind many other valuable statistical products. It has tracked community infection rates through modelling methodologies that are sophisticated, innovative and communicated clearly. The survey has become a crucial resource during the pandemic and has had an important impact on policy.
Dev Virdee, Chair of the Campion Award committee, said: ‘The last few years have been tough for government statisticians in ensuring we have the range and quality of statistics needed to respond to the pandemic and also that their regular outputs are maintained. They have risen to the challenge superbly. This year’s winning and highly commended teams are to be congratulated for the positive impact they have had on policy-making, providing the data needed to make well-informed decisions.’
Sir Robert Chote, Chair of the UK Statistics Authority, added: ‘The COVID-19 Infection Survey team are very worthy winners of this year’s Campion Award. They have continued to set a world-class standard in pandemic analysis with their expertise, innovation, and diligence. Their survey has been a critical tool for policymakers and I am delighted to see them recognised, together with the ONS Health Modelling Hub and Health Methods and Analysis Hub for their brilliant work on long Covid. Many congratulations to both teams.’