Delivering The 2001 Census Results:
Innovation in dissemination
by Chris Denham, 
Head of Census Output and Geography (ONS)

The effort and cost of taking a Census is only worthwhile when results meet needs and are delivered effectively. This simple but fundamental point is a cornerstone of UK census policy, with a continuing emphasis on responsiveness to users, and a particular commitment in the 2001 Census to an innovatory approach throughout its cycle.

The most radical change will be unrestricted access to results. The standard area statistics in electronic form will be available free in effect to end users to meet the needs of modernised government and joint working. A user will be able to take whatever is needed from an integrated set of statistics, geography and metadata. There will also be radical changes in the form of statistical output and the way it is produced, whilst building on the strengths of the Census to provide information at local neighbourhood level, aided by the creation of a highly flexible geographical framework for statistical, not operational, purposes.

These new policies are in place, and users in the UK are becoming aware of the significant change in approach. This paper summarises how the strategy developed and outlines the project which will provide better access, but it also discusses the issues and opportunities which must be addressed before the Census results are delivered in 2002-03.

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This page last revised: 01 November 2005