Design for the census
The proposed design for the 2011 Census in England and Wales is summarised in an information paper entitled The 2011 Census: A Design for England and Wales first published in March 2004.
The paper highlights the statistical and operational strategic aims that helped to frame the design. It also outlines the major changes proposed from the 2001 approach and gives an indication of the benefits and risks.
Detailed requirements of users, such as topics and questions to be included and outputs to be delivered, are not yet finalised. These are not critical to the 2011 Census design because the proposed collection methodology is not dependent on the information to be collected and disseminated.
The design draws on experiences from the 2001 Census, current world best practice and changes in available technology. It also takes account of the comments received from respondents to a discussion paper published in October 2003.
It is important to note that the design remains a proposal at present, the elements of which will be subject to further research, building on comments received during consultation, and a detailed testing programme. The design has taken account of a number of important statistical policy issues that have emerged from the discussions surrounding the 2001 Census results.
The design includes the following major innovations:
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multiple enumeration approaches, targeted at specific areas, including post-out of questionnaires as well as hand delivery, supported by an accurate and up to date address register
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online completion of questionnaires
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tracking of each form from printing to processing through a robust form tracking system
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more functions for the call centre, acting as a hub for query resolution and the issuing of additional forms
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follow-up in teams, targeted on poor response areas
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use of technology in the field to monitor progress and direct the follow up operation
The strategic aims for the 2011 Census and areas of key research in England and Wales helped to frame the design. These are detailed in an information paper entitled 2001 Census: Strategic aims and key research in England and Wales, published in June 2004.
