In recent weeks, we have submitted evidence to three parliamentary select committee inquiries as part of our work to ensure that statistics and data are at the heart of policymaking. We provided written evidence to inquiries from the Education Committee, the Science and Technology Committee, and the Treasury Select Committee. Across these submissions, we have drawn on the expertise of our members to illustrate the importance of statistical thinking to robust and effective policymaking across a range of policy areas.
Advocating for the best data practice at every stage
The Education Committee inquiry focused on the use of AI and EdTech in schools. Our evidence emphasised that statistical literacy is essential in an AI-enabled world, equipping students to understand, question and use data responsibly. Our response highlighted the potential of AI to support personalised learning and reduce teacher workload, while also raising important concerns around bias, transparency, infrastructure and the need for clear national guidance around AI use.
In our evidence to the Science and Technology Committee’s inquiry into innovation in the NHS, we underlined the fundamental role of statistical thinking in the safe and effective use of AI in healthcare. Our submission called for rigorous and ongoing evaluation of AI systems, improvements to health data infrastructure and data linkage, and a coordinated approach to maintaining public trust in the use of personal data.
Finally, we also submitted evidence to the Treasury Select Committee on student loans, focusing on the measurement of inflation used to set interest rates. Drawing on our long-standing work on price statistics, we argued that the Retail Prices Index (RPI) is no longer a suitable measure and recommended the use of CPI or CPIH, which provide more reliable and representative indicators of inflation.
Working together for data advocacy
Across these three inquiries, we have consistently highlighted the importance of high-quality data, rigorous statistical methods and transparent evaluation in underpinning effective policymaking. We have long championed the importance of evidence-based policymaking, and the need for strong statistical and data infrastructure to support it.
We are grateful to the members of the Education Policy and Public Engagement Advisory Group, Public Statistics Advisory Group and AI Task Force, who contributed their expertise to these submissions.
Read our evidence online at AI and EdTech in education, innovation in the NHS and student loans.