Without high-quality population statistics, making good decisions on resource allocation and proper planning for public services is almost impossible. But we know that producing statistics that are robust and reliable relies on us truly understanding the needs of people using them, and responding to those needs. Rich Pereira explains how we engage with our users to do this.
Users of population statistics are incredibly diverse, ranging from government policymakers, academics, and researchers to local authorities, businesses, charities, the media and, ultimately, the general public. But each of these users are unique and have different data needs. Policy makers want to be able to understand the data to ensure the right services are put in the right places, the public want to be able to trust the numbers they see in everyday life.
At the ONS, we work to make sure all our stakeholders can understand our numbers.
We regularly hold formal consultations and user surveys to gather feedback on products, proposed changes, and future statistical priorities. This direct input shapes both our longer-term output strategy and our immediate information supply. For example, at the time of producing the last set of population projections we ran an extensive user needs exercise, gathering intelligence on the types of projections we needed to produce.
Through a public consultation in 2023 and extensive engagement, a wide range of users expressed that the decennial census remains of enormous value in delivering the granularity and detail they need. This feedback helped inform the recommendation to Government on the future of population statistics and the need for a census in 2031.
We lead and participate in user groups and advisory committees in which in-depth discussions, sharing of expertise, and collaborative problem-solving are fundamental. Such shared discussion teases out some of the intricate methodological and data challenges we must meet, and guides our research to overcome these.
We run workshops, seminars, and presentations, for example our recent “Bringing Data to Life” webinar series on population statistics. This allows for real-time conversation, answering specific questions, and gaining a deeper understanding of how the statistics are being used. We also run regular population webinars.
We’ve also set up specialist advisory panels, such as the Migration Statistics Advisory Panel. These provide strategic guidance and – importantly – challenge on the development and dissemination of population and migration statistics.
And every quarter we circulate a Population Statistics Quarterly Update article. For updates on publications and events, including our planned new programme of webinars on population and migration statistics, please sign up to our monthly newsletter.
Enhancing Accessibility and Usability
We always want to make population statistics as easy to find, understand, and use as possible. We also want to increase knowledge of the implications of population change and what the numbers mean. How do we do this?
Firstly, through clear communication. Clarity in our publications, plain language, clear definitions, and good guidance alongside our data releases all contribute to this. A compelling story alongside the data and analyses help bring them to life.
In recent years we’ve also introduced innovative data visualisation. For example, our population projections explorer tool is a brilliant interactive way to get a feel for the data, what it means, and how it compares under different assumptions. This means complex concepts can be presented in an enjoyable and interactive way. Our releases use charts, maps, and infographics to help illustrate the story.
We now offer demography training. Our popular course in demography, looking at what our numbers mean; how are they put together; and what the implications of population change are. This course has already been delivered to government departments and to local authorities, with more sessions planned.
Sometimes we have to respond to questions and challenge. However, the ONS provides dedicated channels for user queries, including phone lines, email channels (pop.info@ons.gov.uk) and a press office function, ensuring that questions are answered and feedback is addressed promptly. We also publish metadata and technical documentation for our statistics which explain the methodology, limitations, and appropriate use of the numbers.
Shaping the future
Engagement and communication isn’t just an add-on for the ONS; it’s embedded in the way we develop, produce and disseminate our numbers. By listening and collaborating we can build trust in our statistics as a source for understanding the UK’s population and shaping its future.
Of course, it’s always important we hear from you. If you have any feedback on the ONS’ population statistics or want to hear more about any of these events, please get in touch.
Rich Pereira is the Deputy Director for Population Statistics