A former Aberdeen University boss has been named as the UK’s new national statistician.
Sir Ian Diamond has been appointed by the Queen as the next chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, the permanent secretary of the Office for National Statistics, and head of the Government Statistical Service.
The new role, which he will take on in October, emerged as the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) continues an inquiry into money that was paid to Sir Ian when he left Aberdeen University.
Sir Ian received a £282,000 payment for working his year-long notice period – despite retiring from the principal role in the same month that the notice period was activated last year.
He had spent seven years in charge at the ancient institution, before being replaced by Professor George Boyne as principal and vice-chancellor from August 1 last year.
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The SFC, which oversees higher education governance north of the border, is expected to report its findings in December.
Sir Ian, who succeeds John Pullinger at the UK Statistics Authority, previously held the role of chief executive of the Economic and Social Research Council. and is also a Fellow of the British Academy, Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Academy of Social Sciences.
Sir David Norgrove, chairman of the UK Statistics Authority, said: “I am delighted that we have appointed Sir Ian as the UK Statistics Authority’s new chief executive and national statistician.
“Ian brings with him enormous professional experience and particular expertise in census design and analysis.”
Sir Ian said: “The UK’s statistical system is one admired world-over and it is an enormous privilege to have been appointed as the UK’s national statistician.
“I’m looking forward to building on the work of John Pullinger, as we make use of rich new data sources to deliver the data decision-makers across the UK need.
“I’m particularly excited to be working with staff across the Office for National Statistics and the Government Statistical Service, as we empower our partners in parliament, academia, business and beyond with trusted and quality data.”
