Census

Better understanding the strengths and limitations of gender identity statistics

We are today sharing plans for our work to continuously improve the information available on gender identity statistics. This follows our request to reclassify our Census 2021 gender identity estimates to official statistics in development, which better reflects our developing understanding of measuring this complex and important topic. Here, Mary Gregory outlines what we are doing to support use of the existing gender identity data and our plans to review the standards for future data collection.   

Read more on Better understanding the strengths and limitations of gender identity statistics

Our population is changing and so is the way we measure it

Image of people

Not only is the population changing in size and structure, the way we measure it is also changing. Mary Gregory explains what is driving population growth and the progress the Office for National Statistics is making to continually improve our population estimates so they best meet user needs.

Read more on Our population is changing and so is the way we measure it

Understanding our future population: Why projections are not predictions

Image of people

There are many reasons for wanting to know the size of the future population of the UK. How many school places will we need? How many hospitals? How many people will claim a State Pension? But looking into the future is challenging. As James Robards explains, our population projections take into account current and past trends, and as those patterns change, we adjust our projections accordingly.

Read more on Understanding our future population: Why projections are not predictions

PODCAST: Year in Review 2023

It has been a radical and transformative 2023 for the Office for National Statistics, with work underway to future-proof its figures in a number of its outputs. National Statistician, Sir Ian Diamond, joins podcast host Miles Fletcher for the latest episode of Statistically Speaking, to look back over the past 12 months and discuss why change was needed. 

Read more on PODCAST: Year in Review 2023

Putting census data to greater work

Image of a person inputting data

Our drive to make census statistics available in innovative ways has seen a suite of exciting new products released this year. With customisable maps and datasets, we have broken new ground for official statistics. In the latest development, Jen Woolford explains how census data is being put to even greater work by improving statistical insight on the most pressing social challenges of the day.

Read more on Putting census data to greater work