The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has signed social charity Good Things Foundation to support the delivery of the ‘digital first’ National Census in England and Wales in 2021.
The charity will provide support for people without digital skills or access in taking part in the census through an online platform.
It said it will work with organisations in the national Online Centres Network to help people in need of support through trained staff in community locations, with the effort targeted on areas of greatest need. People will also be given the option of completing the census by telephone, on paper or at community events run by ONS field staff.
A census rehearsal, led by the ONS, will take place later this year in four areas of England Wales.
Helen Milner, chief executive of Good Things Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that ONS has recognised the importance of supporting those who lack digital skills or access to participate in the ‘digital first’ census in 2021. It’s vital that everyone has a voice and is counted.
“By working with community organisations in the Online Centres Network, we’ll be able to provide support that recognises the other barriers faced by those who are offline, including unemployment, low confidence and disability. We’ll also be able to create the opportunity for people to keep building their digital skills, through other programmes offered by Online Centres.”
Good Things Foundation said that since 2010 it has helped 2.6 million people to use digital technology.
Image from Good Things Foundation
