As we approach the first anniversary of the partnership between the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and AMS Skills Creation, it is an ideal moment to reflect on what has been achieved together. 

Over the past year, this partnership has demonstrated the power of true collaboration: combining purpose, pace and shared values to deliver critical outcomes for ONS while creating meaningful social impact across communities in the UK. 

A partnership built on shared purpose 

ONS plays a vital role as the UK’s largest independent producer of official statistics, supporting government, businesses and citizens to make informed decisions. When ONS faced a significant shortfall in Field Interviewers at a time of heightened public and governmental scrutiny, the need was both urgent and complex. AMS Skills Creation was engaged to deliver a scalable, high‑quality workforce solution at pace, without compromising on inclusion, quality or candidate experience. 

From the outset, this was more than a resourcing programme. It was a partnership grounded in trust, transparency and shared accountability. Together, ONS and AMS Skills Creation designed an end‑to‑end attraction, assessment, training and onboarding model that focused on hiring for potential, not background, and building long‑term capability rather than short‑term fixes. 

Delivering at scale, with quality 

Over the course of the campaign, demand and delivery have been significant. The sourcing funnel demonstrates both scale and rigour, with strong conversion and retention at every stage. From close to 1000 screened candidates, just under 50% have been successfully progressed through assessment, training and onboarding to become starters.  

Importantly, performance outcomes have been exceptional.  

Quality has remained a constant focus. All associates are validated as job‑ready following a four‑week training programme, achieving a 100% validation pass rate against a target of 80%. All Associates have been assessed as performing well in role, exceeding performance targets and reinforcing the effectiveness of the Skills Creation training and support model. 

Delivery expectations have also been consistently met, with 100% of hires made within a 10‑mile radius of the required locations, ensuring strong community connection and sustainability in the workforce. 

Creating social value and improving social mobility 

Perhaps the most powerful outcome of the partnership is its impact on social mobility. This programme has opened doors to opportunity for individuals who are often overlooked by traditional hiring strategies. A significant proportion of hires come from lower socio‑economic backgrounds, with 81% state‑school educated and 26% holding caring responsibilities. Flexible, part‑time working has enabled people to re‑enter or remain in the labour market, providing stability and income at a time when it is most needed. 

Age inclusion has been a defining feature of the programme. Sixty percent of the workforce is over the age of 50, directly challenging age‑related bias in recruitment and demonstrating that experience, reliability and potential do not diminish with age. This has not only supported individuals but has also delivered tangible value to ONS through strong performance, commitment and retention. 

Gender balance has also been positive, with a female‑to‑male ratio of 6:10, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to opportunity for all. 

A collaborative model that works 

What has truly set this partnership apart is the way ONS and AMS Skills Creation have worked together. Regular governance, shared insight through performance reviews, and a joint commitment to continuous improvement have ensured challenges are addressed quickly and collaboratively. The most recent satisfaction surveys show candidate satisfaction has reached 100%, while manager satisfaction stands at 88%, reflecting a consistently positive experience for all stakeholders. 

Looking ahead 

As we mark one year of partnership, there is much to celebrate. Together, ONS and AMS Skills Creation have delivered critical resource at scale, achieved outstanding performance outcomes, and created genuine social value—particularly for the over‑50 population. 

This anniversary is not just a milestone, but a foundation. With shared ambition, proven delivery and a commitment to inclusive growth, the partnership is well positioned to build on this success and continue making a meaningful difference in the years ahead.