Every ten years the Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries out a census to find out more about the people who live in England and Wales.  Since the last census, people will have come and gone, families will have grown, expectations and lifestyles will have shifted and so the face of local communities will have changed.  The census is vital in measuring these changes and helping decision-makers improve and develop public services to provide for these communities. 

The next census will take place on Sunday 27 March 2011, when ONS will be sending out questionnaires for around 25 million households to complete. 

The census asks about work, health, national identity, citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes, language, religion, martial status and so on.  These statistics are then used to build a picture of today's society. 

Like all local authorities in England and Wales, Richmondshire District Council relies on census population statistics to get the government funding needed for public services.  How much we get is directly related to how many and what kind of people the census says live in the area.  The census needs to include everyone, everywhere - and that's why everyone has to take part. 

What do you need to do?

Just answer a few questions about yourself and the people who share your household with you on census day.  Everything you tell the census is in strictest confidence and will only be used to produce statistics.  ONS will not share your personal information with any other government department or organisation. 

You can do it online.  You can do it by post.  But you must do it.  So get your questionnaire back as soon as possible after census.  The census needs everyone to take part in helping tomorrow take shape - and this is your chance to make a difference.

Further information on the Census can be found on the Census Website (external link)

Jobs available with the 2011 Census

To ensure the smooth running of the Census, the ONS has appointed Capita to fill some 35,000 temporary jobs across England and Wales.  There are a number of different roles available.  

James Roe, Director of Census Recruitment commented: "Census jobs offer people a unique chance to get involved in a national project that has the potential to deliver real benefits to them and their local community.  We are looking to find individuals who can spare some time to help gather the information we need in their area and earn some extra money while helping to change things for the better".

What are the roles?

• Census Coordinators lead and motivate a team of up to 15 field staff
• Special Enumerators Cover communal establishments such as care homes and university halls of residence, collecting questionnaires and offering help and advice on completing them
• Census Collectors contact householders to follow up on the non-return of completed census questionnaires

In addition Census Coverage Survey (CCS) staff will carry out door step interviews with the public.

James added: " Roles will be full or part-time, for a few weeks or several months, and will require a range of skills, so there really is something for everyone."

For more information on the roles, locations, dates of employment and pay rates, please visit www.censusjobs.co.uk where you can also register your interest for jobs.

Make some time.  Make some money. Make a difference.

 

 Print page Last updated: 04 August 2010