Statistics New Zealand
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation Work Plan. 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2006
1 Links to Statistics New Zealand’s Statement of Intent
Statistics New Zealand’s main roles under the Statistics Act 1975 are to:
- Provide leadership for New Zealand’s official statistics.
- Be the key contributor to the collection, analysis and dissemination of official statistics relating to New Zealand’s economy, environment and society.
- Build and maintain trust in official statistics.
- Ensure that official statistics are of high integrity and quality, and are equally available to all.
Statistics New Zealand is a medium-sized organisation with approximately 780 staff, not including interviewers, working across five locations in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland.
Statistics New Zealand’s Statement of Intent:
- sets the outcomes that Statistics New Zealand aims to achieve for the official statistics system and for itself in the medium- to long-term
- details the actions that will be taken to achieve those outcomes
- sets out Statistics New Zealand’s forecast financial statements and performance objectives.
The New Zealand Disability Strategy links to the following Statistics New Zealand outcomes in its 2005 Statement of Intent:
Intermediate Outcome 1:
Official statistics are:
- user relevant
- objective
- authoritative
- responsive to emerging issues
- value for money, and
- coordinated across government.
Intermediate Outcome 2:
New Zealanders willingly provide information to government agencies for official statistical purposes.
Intermediate Outcome 3:
Official statistics are accessible by all.
2.1 Improving the Range of Data
Desired Outcome
The 2006 Disability Survey:
- provides a comprehensive picture of disability in New Zealand in 2006, that is internationally comparable
- meets user needs
- provides up-to-date data that is comparable with the 1996/97 and 2001 Disability Surveys
- allows changes to be measured between these survey periods.
Description
Statistics New Zealand is leading the development of a coordinated whole-of-government programme of official social statistics. The recommended programme includes a 5 yearly disability survey following each Census of Population and Dwellings. The 2006 Census will include filter questions to identify much of the population for the post-censal disability survey which will also be conducted in late 2006.
During the 2005/06 year, Statistics New Zealand will continue to consult with key users to identify their information needs for the 2006 Disability Survey. It is expected that the 2006 survey will be similar to that run previously in 1996/97 and 2001.
Statistics New Zealand will investigate options to pilot new filter questions developed by the Washington Group on Disability Measurement. This will enable Statistics New Zealand to evaluate the success of the new questions, which could potentially lead to a simpler means of identifying the disabled population in a way that is internationally comparable.
Measures and Timeframes
Finalise the output strategy for the 2006 Disability Survey by 30 June 2006.
Pilot test plan for Washington Group questions completed by 30 December 2005.
Links to New Zealand Disability Strategy Objectives and Action
Collect and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues - action 10.2.
2.2 Promoting the Use of Existing Data
Desired Outcome
Increased understanding of the well-being of disabled people, achieved through further promotion of data from the 1996/97 and 2001 Disability Surveys.
Description
Continue to promote the data from the 1996/97 and 2001 Disability Surveys through analysing and presenting results in analytical publications and appropriate forums to be used in policy, decision-making and evaluation processes.
Measures and Timeframes
Results are presented in a readily understood form, according to Statistics New Zealand’s presentation standards documented in the 2005/06 Output Plan.
All reasonable opportunities are taken up to provide further analysis and presentation of data on disabled people.
Links to New Zealand Disability Strategy Objectives and Action
Collect and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues - actions 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5.
3.1 Publishing Information
Desired Outcome
People with a range of disabilities can easily access information and reports of interest to the disability community in accessible formats, including on the Statistics New Zealand website.
Description
Ensure that the Statistics New Zealand website meets and maintains the standards of the e-government website guidelines.
Investigate opportunities for publishing appropriate Statistics New Zealand information and reports in formats accessible to disabled people.
Measures and Timeframes
Website complies with e-government guidelines for accessibility including provision of accessible formats. Compliance to be audited by 30 June 2006.
Links to New Zealand Disability Strategy Objectives and Action
Foster an aware and responsive public service – actions 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5.
Support quality living in the community for disabled people – action 8.3.
3.2 Collecting Information
Desired Outcome
Survey respondents with disabilities are treated with a high level of sensitivity and responsiveness.
2006 Census of Population and Dwellings respondents with disabilities are able to provide information in a range of modes.
Description
Identify any barriers from the New Zealand Disability Strategy perspective in Statistics New Zealand’s communication modes for all contact associated with survey collections (including face to face, telephone, fax, email, postal), and ensure that data collection modes and procedures are responsive to meeting the needs of disabled persons.
Provide an internet option for the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings.
Measures and Timeframes
Training and guidelines for household interviewers and other relevant staff in contact with respondents are regularly monitored to ensure a high level of awareness of the needs of respondents with disabilities (ongoing). Interviewers are observed annually.
Phone and household interviewers for the 2006 Disability Survey receive updated training to ensure a high level of awareness of the needs of respondents by 30 June 2006.
Evaluation of the dress rehearsal for the Census of Population and Dwellings by 31 July 2005. The census itself will be run in 2006.
Statistics on the uptake of the census internet option.
Links to New Zealand Disability Strategy Objectives and Action
Foster an aware and responsive public service - actions 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5.
Collect and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues - actions 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5.
4 Statistics New Zealand’s Disability Awareness
Desired Outcome
Disabled people are better able to access information and services, through Statistics New Zealand staff’s increased knowledge and understanding of disability awareness.
Description
Ensure that staff and managers are provided with information on Statistics New Zealand’s practices on disability awareness at appropriate opportunities, such as during the process of staff orientation and manager training.
Measures and Timeframes
The number of staff who have completed the Disability Awareness learning module as part of their orientation process, during the year ending June 2006.
Feedback from participants on the Disability Awareness learning module and any other awareness initiatives, undertaken during the year ending June 2006.
The availability of disability related policies provided to managers in the online Managers’ Toolkit.
Links to New Zealand Disability Strategy Objectives and Action
Foster an aware and responsive public services – actions 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3.
5 Recruitment
Desired Outcome
To remove any barriers to disabled people finding satisfying work opportunities in Statistics New Zealand.
Description
Document and assess Statistics New Zealand’s policies and processes at recruitment and selection, to ensure that they do not contain any elements that create barriers for disabled people interested in working within the business of statistics.
Provide managers with information about specialist employment agencies, for example, Mainstream, Workbridge and Emerge and promote placement of individuals with disabilities within Statistics New Zealand.
Measures and Timeframes
The number of people placed at Statistics New Zealand through a specialist employment agency at 30 June 2006.
The number of disabled people employed by Statistics New Zealand at 30 June 2006.
Links to New Zealand Disability Strategy Objectives and Action
Foster an aware and responsive public service – actions 6.1 and 6.2.
Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people – actions 4.1, 4.8, 4.9 and 4.11.
6 Workplace
Desired Outcome
Statistics New Zealand maintains a high level of safety awareness, a very low level of accidents and supports the needs of individuals with known injuries or disabilities.
Description
Continue to provide an Occupational Health Service on a regular basis, with particular emphasis on injury prevention and the special needs of individuals with known injuries or disabilities.
Ensure Statistics New Zealand staff and contractors responsible for Health and Safety support are responsive to the needs of disabled people.
Ensure that accommodation for staff meets the needs of individuals with known injuries and disabilities, including the new Wellington accommodation which will be occupied from November 2005.
Measures and Timeframes
All staff are assessed by an Occupational Health Service on commencement of employment.
Human Resources data on accidents, injuries (work and non-work) and usage of the Occupational Health Service is reviewed at least six monthly.
Links to New Zealand Disability Strategy Objectives and Action
Foster an aware and responsive public service – actions 6.1 and 6.3.