Census Talk

Census Talk is the Office for National Statistics (ONS) newsletter for local authorities, community groups, census users and other stakeholders. Published quarterly, it features the latest news and information about the preparations and plans for the 2011 Census in England and Wales.

The latest, special edition of Census Talk takes an in-depth look at the Rehearsal Evaluation and how ONS will use lessons learnt to fine tune its plans for 2011.

The rehearsal tested the quality of the address register, the hub around which the whole census operation revolves, along with questionnaire delivery and collection, receipting, tracking and processing, plus recruitment, pay and training (outsourced for the first time), and, crucially, the online questionnaire. Publicity and engagement with target communities was also evaluated.

Topics covered by the Special Edition include:

  • Rehearsal highlights

  • Response rates

  • How stakeholders were involved

  • Questionnaire tracking and follow-up

  • Hard to count trends

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