Small scale tests
Small scale test in Hampshire (2005)
The register of addresses used for the delivery of forms in the next census will need to be as accurate as possible. A small scale test was therefore conducted in 2005, to investigate the feasibility of performing a check of household addresses before the questionnaires are delivered.
The testing consisted of two phases. The main aims of phase 1 were to assess the effectiveness of performing a pre-delivery household address check, and to gain an understanding of the operational practicalities involved. The main aim of phase 2 was to gather initial information on what happens, within the postal system, to mail that is sent to the new addresses found during the check.
Small scale test in Lambeth (2006)
A second small scale test was conducted in Lambeth in 2006. This was a mini enumeration designed to allow ONS staff to gain practical experience of census field work. In a seven-week period during June and July 2006 staff tested two delivery methods in Lambeth: by hand and by post. Some staff remained to carry out a follow-up exercise that involved visiting addresses to determine why forms had not been returned.
The main practical objectives were to test the delivery and follow-up procedures proposed for the 2007 Census Test, to assess difficulties with access-controlled properties, and to quantify delivery and follow-up workloads.
Eight enumeration districts (four to test post-out, four to test hand delivery) covering around 1,800 addresses in total were used, which included blocks of flats, local authority housing and access-controlled properties. Approximately 25 per cent of questionnaires were returned.
The test has contributed to the development of refined procedures, training and workload for the 2007 Census Test, and highlighted the challenge of the increasing number of access-controlled premises.
