Ethnic Group Statistics: a guide for the collection and classification of ethnicity data

2003 guidance on how to collect and classify data on ethnicity in the UK. It gives you a simple, practical understanding of the subject and provides guidance on the best way to gather and collate ethnic group, national identity and religion data in your own area.

The full document can be accessed from the Downloads section.

Guidance for asking questions in Scotland

In December 2008 the Scottish Government published guidance on asking questions on ethnic group and religion/belief.

Please see the link to Scottish Government: Equalities Classifications in the External links section for more details.

Additional guidance on how to present religion data

In 2009, ONS published an addendum to the guidance advising on how to present data from the recommended religion questions. Because religion is a complex concept with different aspects such as affiliation, practice and belief it is important to be clear which concept data refers to.

The full document can be accessed from the Downloads section.

Future revisions to the guidance

ONS is now working on producing revised guidance on asking questions on ethnic group, national identity and religion which is due for publication in 2011.

Further information

If you need further information or assistance, please email us at equalitiesandwellbeing@ons.gov.uk