Quantitative Research on Data Quality and Non-Response for Sexual Identity - AWARD

Background

This research is part of the ONS Census Transformation Programme. The aim of the Census Transformation Programme is to make the best use of all available data in England and Wales to enhance the provision of population statistics. It will provide an online census in 2021. As in previous censuses, there will be separate censuses in Scotland and Northern Ireland and the three census offices will work together to develop a set of questions that, wherever possible, deliver harmonised outputs across the UK.

The 2021 Census Statistical & Outputs Design (CS&OD) project is responsible for defining user needs from the 2021 Census and developing the statistical processes/methods to meet these requirements within the constraints of cost, time and quality. Requirements will be met by this project by the production of quality assured 2021 Census Outputs and integrated 2021 Outputs (which will utilise admin/survey data to enhance the multivariate Census information available, e.g. income, education, health).

In doing so, the Project will strike the balance between meeting these user needs and delivering affordable and accessible methods of dissemination.

The ONS 2021 Census topic consultation identified that there is a user need for data about Sexual Identityy, particularly in relation to planning services and allocating resources to support interventions for this community.

Values and strategic objectives for this procurement

This procurement will support wider research and testing plans to assess quality and non-response associated with asking Sexual Identity questions and will provide quantifiable evidence of the impact on overall response and data quality from the existing question about Sexual Identity in the 2021 Census