Taking part in a survey

Why surveys are done

Social surveys are a bridge between the people and the government. A good survey can provide accurate information about people’s experiences and situation, which can help to make sure that government policies and services take account of everyone’s needs. Good survey research depends on the co-operation of the people selected to take part.

How people are selected for our surveys

We cannot include everyone in the country in every survey as this would be too expensive and take too much of everyone’s time, so we select a sample of a few thousand people to represent the country as a whole. For example, for our household surveys, addresses are chosen at random from the Post Office’s list of addresses throughout the country. All our surveys use random sampling to make sure that all groups of people are properly represented and everyone has an equal chance of being able to help with our surveys. Once a person or household has been chosen we cannot substitute other people because we could not be sure that we were talking to a representative cross-section of society.

What the surveys involve

Most of our surveys involve interviews, either face-to-face or by telephone. Most of our interviews take place in people’s homes but we also interview in other places, such as schools and airports. Each survey is different and our interviewers will tell you more about the survey that you have been asked to take part in. Some of our surveys are quite quick, others are longer – but we are happy to make an appointment if necessary. Most of our surveys are straightforward and do not require any special knowledge on your part. Occasionally we may ask you to keep a note of an activity such as travel or household spending, but our interviewer will explain everything fully.

Are the surveys confidential?

Yes, All information given is treated in confidence. The information is never used in any way that allows people to be identified. No identifiable information about anyone is passed to any outside bodies without their knowledge and agreement.

Are the surveys compulsory?

No, no-one has to take part if they do not want to, but we hope that, if people understand the importance of our work, people will choose to help us and make our surveys successful.

What happens to the survey results

The information given by everyone who helps with the survey is combined and reports produced summarising the findings. These are then used by other government departments and other public bodies to develop policies and identify service needs. Some surveys provide information that is used for producing key economic indicators for the country.

To view or download a copy of our leaflet “Ask the people” click here: Ask the people.pdf

For more general information about Social Survey Division and commissioning surveys contact:
SSD Project Support Branch Tel: +44 (0)20 7533 5500 or e-mail: ssdpsb@ons.gov.uk

To find out more about particular surveys carried out by Social Survey Division look under the Survey heading for each Theme or topic.

This page last revised: Monday, 29 October 2001