HLG-MOS Terms of Reference 2023-2025

I.              BACKGROUND

1. In the past, several existing international groups were involved in expert-level discussions on specific aspects of the modernisation of official statistics, such as methodology, information technology, software tools, and enterprise architecture, but there was no overall coordination of these activities. This is why in 2010, the Bureau of the Conference of European Statisticians (CES) decided to set up a forum at the level of chief statisticians: the group that is now the High-Level Group for the Modernisation of Official Statistics (HLG-MOS).
2. HLG-MOS provides a strategic vision for the modernization work and regularly updates its implementation strategy to stay abreast of the latest developments. The first vision was adopted by CES in June 2011. The terms of reference were reviewed in 2013, 2017, and 2020. The mission, values and vision were updated in 2018 and 2022.
3. The current terms of reference reflect a confirmation of the role and responsibilities of HLG-MOS based on experience gained so far. 

II.           MANDATE

1. HLG-MOS reports to the Conference of European Statisticians (CES). It therefore derives its legitimacy and mandate from this body. It prepares annual progress reports about recently accomplished and planned work, to inform and solicit comments from CES and its Bureau.
2. HLG-MOS defines its mission, provides a mid- and long-term vision, identifies priority areas and decides on the overall strategy. The activities under HLG-MOS are supported by a governance structure. This structure includes the Executive Board, expert groups, projects, and expert meetings. The current (2023) structure is presented in the Annex.
3. HLG-MOS identifies concrete tasks or activities to support its work that could be undertaken by groups of experts. Depending on the resources available and the capacity of the UNECE secretariat, up to four of such Modernisation Groups can be active. Their mandate and focus are revised regularly. The Groups are usually set up for a period of at least three years. After having verified the interest by a sufficient number of CES member countries and the availability of resources, HLG-MOS may establish new sub-groups. 
4. HLG-MOS identifies two annual projects to expedite work in emerging areas. These projects are chosen from proposals submitted to and approved by the Executive Board after having verified the interest by a sufficient number of CES member countries. Projects can normally be extended by maximum one year.
5. HLG-MOS oversees up to four regular Expert Meetings to share and discuss emerging issues and innovative practices, and to identify topics for future work in cross sectional topics of statistical production. It can mandate workshops to share the work and get input in current activities.
6. HLG-MOS tasks the Executive Board with implementation and monitoring the work programme of the HLG-MOS groups and projects, and with identifying and proposing new activities. HLG-MOS oversees its work and provides leadership and direction to the Executive Board. The role of the Executive Board is presented in the Annex.
7. These terms of reference are valid for a period of 3 years (January 2023 to December 2025), after which they will be reviewed by the CES Bureau.

III.        OBJECTIVES

1. The mission of HLG-MOS is to oversee development of models, frameworks, and sharing of information, tools and methods that support the modernisation of statistical organisations. The aim is to improve the efficiency of statistical production processes, and the ability to produce outputs that better meet user needs. HLG-MOS will discuss and collaborate with other bodies involved in related work, both within and beyond the official statistics community. Within the official statistics community, it will take a leadership and coordination role.
2. HLG-MOS will oversee and steer the work of relevant CES expert groups, and will coordinate and give leadership where needed, to other relevant international expert groups and United Nations regional commissions. It is responsible for stimulating development of standards and guidelines with global impact and overseeing activities undertaken in collaboration.
3. The objectives of HLG-MOS are:  
   1. To promote common standards, models, tools and methods to support the modernisation of official statistics;  
   2. To drive new developments in the production, organisation and management of official statistics, ensuring effective coordination and information sharing within official statistics, and with relevant external bodies;   
   3. To advise the CES Bureau on the direction of strategic developments in the modernisation of official statistics and ensure that there is a maximum of convergence and coordination within the community of official statistics.

IV.        PLANNED ACTIVITIES AND OUTPUTS

1. Each year in November, HLG-MOS decides on priority projects for the next year and activities undertaken by its sub-groups.
2. The main activities and outputs for the period up to the end of 2025 are:  
   1. To frame a collective strategy on developments related to the modernisation of statistical production and services, and to formulate and disseminate new ideas, proposals and projects in this field;   
   2. To organise annual workshops and meetings with representatives of relevant expert groups and projects, to help identify key priorities and tasks to implement the vision and strategy;   
   3. To determine an annual list of key priorities and their timeframes, and allocate them to relevant expert groups or projects. The resources will be drawn from consenting CES members; 
   4. To make the results of its work public via the UNECE website or a wiki site and other communication tools; 
   5. To maintain and support implementation of the necessary standards and models to support the modernisation of official statistics; 
   6. To actively promote relevant standards, methods and tools. 

V.           TIMETABLE

1. The results of annual collaborative activities and projects in key priority areas will be released at the end of each year.
2. A review, and, if necessary, revision of the key models and standards for statistical modernisation will be conducted on a regular basis.
3. CES plenary sessions will annually review the progress of work under HLG-MOS. 

VI.        METHODS OF WORK

1. HLG-MOS will meet at least once per year, usually back-to-back with other events. If needed, in-between meetings, it will work mainly via electronic communication and telephone or video conferencing. The continuous oversight is delegated to the HLG-MOS Executive Board that will monitor progress and alignment with the HLG-MOS mission, vision and priorities and meet on a monthly basis and when needed ad-hoc. 

VII.     MEMBERSHIP

1. The HLG-MOS members are at the level of heads (chief statisticians) of national and international statistical organisations. An appropriate geographical balance in the membership of HLG-MOS will be ensured.
2. The members of HLG-MOS undertake to devote the necessary time to adequately discharge their duties. Members will contribute according to their capacity sufficient in-kind or financial resources to execute the annual work programmes.
3. The members of HLG-MOS will select from amongst themselves a Chair for the term of two years. The term as a Chair is renewable for another two years.
4. The membership of HLG-MOS as of January 2023 is as follows:
   1. Anil Arora (Canada) – Chair;
   2. David Gruen (Australia);
   3. Pádraig Dalton (Ireland);
   4. Gian Carlo Blangiardo (Italy);
   5. Graciela Márquez Colín (Mexico);
   6. Angelique Berg (Netherlands);
   7. Mark Sowden (New Zealand);
   8. Dominik Rozkrut (Poland);
   9. Hoon Han (Republic of Korea);
   10. Ian Diamond (United Kingdom);
   11. Mariana Kotzeva (Eurostat);
   12. Paul Schreyer (OECD);
   13. Director of the UNECE Statistical Division.
5. Members of the CES Bureau may participate in HLG-MOS meetings as observers.
6. HLG-MOS may invite additional persons to participate in some or all of its activities, depending on priorities and interests, where their contributions would be of benefit to the work of the Group. These persons shall be representatives of other national or international organisations which demonstrate their commitment to actively contribute to the work of HLG-MOS and support the implementation of the strategy.
7. UNECE will provide the secretariat for HLG-MOS.