The national statistician is the chief executive of the UK Statistics Authority, permanent secretary at the Office for National Statistics, and head of the Government Statistical Service. 

Diamond (pictured) was first appointed as national statistician in 2019, succeeding John Pullinger. During his term, he has been responsible for the UK’s official statistical system during the Covid-19 pandemic and has led the 2021 census in England and Wales.

Before becoming national statistician, Diamond was principal and vice chancellor of the University of Aberdeen. Prior to that, he was chief executive of the Economic and Social Research Council.

He has been reappointed to the role following an open competition.

Robert Chote, chair of the UK Statistics Authority, said: “Ian has provided fantastic leadership to the UK statistical system, delivering a successful census, addressing the demands of the pandemic and increasing cost of living, and driving ongoing digital transformation.

“The authority board is delighted that Ian has been reappointed and we look forward to continuing to work together to deliver statistics that serve the public good.”

Diamond said: “It has been an enormous privilege to be national statistician for the past three years, working with a truly wonderful group of colleagues and an excellent board, to drive through so successfully our ambitious plan: statistics for the public good. I am extremely excited by the opportunity to continue this work and take UK official statistics to a new level.”

The January 2021 issue of Impact included an interview with Diamond, where he discussed Covid-19 data collection, timely data and collaboration.