The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has appointed a census engagement manager to support Burnley residents and help make Census 2021 a success.
Claire Stock, the area’s census engagement manager, will help organisations, charities, faith groups and community leaders within the borough raise awareness and the value to residents in taking part.
Claire, who has worked in education for the past eight years, said,
“I am really excited to be working with local communities to ensure that everyone is counted and therefore represented in the data. The data produced is used in so many areas of our lives, such as the provision of childrens’ services and doctors’ surgeries and in the planning of transport links. The information people include on their questionnaire will be used to make major decisions and to inform investment for the next 10 years.”
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that provides a snapshot of households in England and Wales, helping to plan and fund public services.
Everyone across England and Wales will be asked to take part and the information people give will decide how services are planned and funded. Ultimately, it ensures funds are invested in emergency services, health care, school places and other vital services.
Pete Benton, Director of Census and Survey Operations, said,
“The census engagement managers we have appointed have a critical role in making sure everyone understands why this is important and making sure all households across England and Wales know why it is important to take part and how to get the help they need.”
For the first time, it will be run primarily online, making it easy for most people to complete the questionnaire on any device – whether that be a computer, a mobile phone or a tablet. Local Census support centres will be offering help, while paper questionnaires will be available for those who need them. All staff will operate in line with the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance.
Including a new question on veterans of the UK Armed Forces, as well as voluntary questions, for those aged 16 and over, on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The census will be held on 21 March 2021. While results will be available the following year, all personal records will be locked away for 100 years and kept safe for future generations.
For more information, visit census.gov.uk
To reach your local census engagement manager, contact: claire.stock59@field.census.gov.uk or 07452 934872.
