What's New Archive
The Future of Geodemographics – New methods of classifying areas and individuals
28 January - In a world where store loyalty cards and mobile phones are continuously capturing customer data and remote sensing technologies are capable of tracking people and objects in real time, where is the future likely to take us? Find out at this one-day conference from the MRS Census and Geodemographics Group, to be held on 6th March 2008 at the Society of Chemical Industry, London.
SARs User Meeting 2007 - 12 November 2007
26 September - This meeting, to be held at the Royal Statistical Society, London, will provide examples of research uses of the 2001 SARs files and give an opportunity to hear from the Census Offices about their plans for microdata. It will also give an opportunity to discuss the needs for microdata files from the 2011 Census. To view the programme and book a place please go to:
www.ccsr.ac.uk/sars/events/2007-11-12/
Treasury invites written evidence for inquiry into Counting the Population
24 September - The House of Commons Treasury Sub-Committee announces a forthcoming inquiry into Counting the Population. The inquiry will examine the collection of statistics by the Office for National Statistics relating to the size, age, sex and distribution of people, the accuracy of such statistics and the role and value of such statistics. The Sub-Committee is asking for written evidence by 28 November to inform it in advance of oral evidence sessions in early 2008.
www.parliament.uk
Information commissioner sparks debate on information sharing
7 August - Richard Thomas, the information commissioner, has warned that while some data-sharing can be useful, Britons have woken up in a “surveillance society” without debating its emergence. And there are concerns that errors weaken trust in data-sharing.
www.ft.com
Surveillance society watchdog warns of increase in data sharing
7 August - The information commission has warned that confidential personal data is now often shared without people’s knowledge. The increasingly complex web of information sharing – involving the public and private sectors, and bodies ranging from hospitals to credit reference agencies – can make it hard for people to assert their legal rights to view information held about them.
www.ft.com
ID cards will give false data - BBC File on 4
1 August - According to BBC File on 4 an academic has claimed the government's ID card system will give thousands of "false matches" when more than six million people are registered on its database.
The following link includes transcripts and an mp3 download of the programme.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/file_on_4/6922882.stm
Nomination for Chair of the new Statistics Board
19 July - The Chancellor of the Exchequer has nominated Sir Michael Scholar, currently President of St John's College, Oxford, as the first Chair of the new independent Statistics Board. The Statistics Board will deliver the Government's goal of greater independence for statistics: reinforcing the quality and integrity of statistics in government, supporting the Government's agenda for better public services, and contributing to long-term stability in the UK economy.
www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/newsroom_and_speeches/press/2007/press_80_07.cfm
Occasional paper on migrating households and groups
13 July - The General Register Office for Scotland has published Occasional Paper No.15 which presents information from the 2001 Census on migrating households and groups. Comparisons are made between wholly moving and partly moving households.
The paper also contains analyses at local authority level and between urban and rural areas.
www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data/occpapers/
Ethnographic Database Project launched
21 June - Researchers at University College London have launched the Ethnographic Database Project (EDP), a web-based tool for the collection of comparative ethnographic data. For more information about the project and to find out how to contribute visit the EDP website:
www.ucl.ac.uk/~ucsalfo/EDP/
Scotland Census Consultation - MRS Response
12 June - The MRS Census and Geodemographics Group has responded to the to the Scotland Census Consultation issued by the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) in preparation for the 2011 Census. You can read the response on the MRS website:
www.mrs.org.uk
Output Area Classification User Group Meeting - 18th September
9 July - This half day meeting will be held on Tuesday 18 September 2007 at the Royal Statistical Society and provide an opportunity to share experiences of using OAC.
www.areaclassification.org.uk/?page_id=26
Latest issue of Population Trends
4 June - As planning for the 2011 Census gathers pace, the latest issue of the National Statistics' Population Trends outlines the proposed strategy for coverage assessment and adjustment for the 2011 Census.
www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_population/PopulationTrends127.pdf
New website for the OAC User Group
31 May -The Output Area Classification (OAC) User Group has launched a new version of its website with added content such as 'getting started with OAC' and news of the Group's next event - an information exchange for OAC users.
www.oaclassification.org.uk
Understanding Population Trends and Processes: Research Findings
22 May -Understanding Population Trends and Processes (UPTAP) is an ESRC funded initiative which is set to run until the end of 2009. There are currently 24 projects involving 36 researchers, and the programme is coordinated by Professor John Stillwell of Leeds University. The first four findings from the research programme are now available on the UPTAP website.
New site: The Centre for Interaction Data Estimation and Research
23 May -The Centre for Interaction Data Estimation and Research (CIDER) is funded by the ESRC and has an online interface for extracting data on migration and commuting flows from the 1981, 1991 and 2001 Censuses of Population. Registered academic users of census data can extract and download flow data using the query interface known as WICID.
cider.census.ac.uk
Innovative Methodologies for Censuses in the New Millennium
14 June - Running from 31 August - 2 September 2007 at the Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of Southampton, this meeting is intended to cover all the methodological aspects of the census process. The meeting is a satellite meeting of the 56th Session of the ISI, Lisbon. Deadline for discount registration 30th June 2007.
www.s3ri.soton.ac.uk/isi2007
British Household Panel Survey 2007 Conference
22 May -ISER will be hosting the 2007 British Household Panel Survey Research Conference on 5-7 July at the University of Essex. The conference provides an international forum for the exchange of research based on longitudinal data. An important aim of the conference is to bring together people from different disciplines. Papers may be based on any aspect of economics, sociology, politics, social psychology, or research and survey methods.
ISER starts work on the world's largest household panel study
16 May - ISER, in collaboration with the University of Warwick and the Institute of Education, is to start work on a new 40,000 Household Longitudinal Study, funded by the ESRC. The study is multi-topic and designed to meet the research needs of a range of disciplines across the social and bio-medical sciences. The large sample size will enable unprecedented analysis of the diversity of the UK population and how it is changing over time. It will include a sample boost for ethnic minority groups.
An open consultative meeting will be held at the Royal Statistical Society on 19 June to identify and develop the topics for inclusion in the survey.
Census User Consultation on Ethnicity, National Identity, Religion and Language
11 April - The MRS Census and Geodemographics Group has responded to the ONS Census User Consultation on Ethnicity, National Identity, Religion and Language for the 2011 Census in England and Wales.
Preparing for the next Census in Scotland
The Registrar General for Scotland has issued a consultation document about its preparations for the next Census in Scotland. The consultation document is available form the Registrar General's website, the consultation period runs to 7 June.
Radical data for radical research: Tracking and tracing
This seminar, to be held at the Royal Statistical Society, London on 9 May, asks how research is able to use data produced as a by-product of day-to-day transactions, for example from use of mobile phones, CCTV footage or from loyalty cards. It is being organised jointly by the ESRC e-Society Programme, the ESRC Research Methods Programme and Chimera, University of Essex..
Southwark Atlas of Health
This website illustrates the use of geodemographics in health by presenting case studies of real targeting campaigns in Southwark as well the underlying theory. The website is an outreach activity of a Knowledge Partnership between UCL CASA Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis and the NHS. The project is based in Southwark Primary Care Trust.
GeoHive: Global Statistics
GeoHive contains geopolitical data and statistics on the human population including; population statistics of regions, countries, provinces and cities. There are also statistics on economic factors such as wealth, infrastructure, and statistics on natural phenomena.
Small Area Geography - Planning for the Future
The MRS Census and Geodemographics Group (CGG) held a meeting on the Monday 5th February to discuss the ONS proposals, and help shape the response that the CGG has now made. This response, along with presentations from the meeting are now available on the MRS site.
RSS Census Study Group and Statistics User Forum - 3 May 2007
The Royal Statistical Society Census Study Group and Statistics User Forum are organizing a one day seminar to discuss 2011 census geography development and its impact on UK statistics for small areas.
Further information (pdf)
New look Census Website
Pages relating to the 2011 Census have been added to the new look ONS Census site. New information includes a set of definitions to be used in the 2007 Census Test, and a copy of the Welsh language version of the household questionnaire.
Census In Wales
Responsibility for making Census Regulations with respect to the Census in Wales has recently been transferred from the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the National Assembly for Wales, following Parliamentary approval in December 2006.
Ordnance Survey Licensing - an interview with Ed Parsons
Ed Parsons, the former chief technology officer of the Ordnance Survey talks to e-Consultancy about internet mapping and his plans for the future.
Output Area Classification (OAC) seminar, 2 April
The newly formed OAC User Group has arranged a repeat of the popular afternoon seminar first held on 2 November 2006 which explores the use and value of this public domain classification in 'open geodemographics'. The event is at the Royal Statistical Society in London on 2 April. The User Group website, currently being expanded to cover all aspects of OAC, has more information.
Market Research gets a Second Life
New Zealand’s Market Truths and France’s Reperes get to grips with the online virtual world. Both firms have recruited panels of Second Life residents over the past few months to take part in surveys.
MPs debate statistics reform
Opposition MPs have criticised government plans to create an independent statistics board, while the government equates the prospective independence of the ONS in 2007 with the independence of the Bank of England in 1997.
Consultation: National Statistics Small Area Geography Policy
The Office for National Statistics is running a 12 week public consultation that will help it to define a long term geography policy for the next Census and beyond. The consultation paper details its proposals, the background and issues related to them, and contains consultation questions. The ONS has created a dedicated online consultation site, where you can respond to the consultation questions, contribute to a consultation blog and take part in a forum where debate is actively encouraged.
Workshop: Geodemographics and the Social Sciences
The workshop will introduce participants to the technique of geodemographics. Sessions include; Applications and Case Studies, Data profiling and interpretation, Dynamics, lifestyles and future directions. The workshop will be held on the 22 March 2007 at the University of Sheffield.
www.reallifemethods.ac.uk/training/workshops/geodemographics
2011 Census: Updated view on content - Open meetings
The ONS is holding a series of open meetings in March in London, Sheffield and Cardiff to further develop views on the content of the 2011 Census in England and Wales.
Further details and how to register for attendance at a meeting are available on the National Statistics website.
RSS Statistics User Forum – Improving Access to Government Datasets 18 January 2007
This all day event, chaired by Jil Matheson of ONS, will consider: a wide range of different users’ experiences, views from data suppliers, a discussion of the options and priorities for improving access.
ASC International Conference on Survey and Statistical Computing 12/14 September 2007
The Challenges of a Changing World: Developments in the Survey Process. Speakers include Karen Dunnell, the UK National Statistician and Denise Lievesley, Chief Executive of the UK’s Information Centre for Health and Social Care.
Contribute to the debate - call for papers (deadline 12 January 2007)
Hard to Count? A one-day seminar exploring enumeration challenges in the UK censuses
Presentations from the Census study Group meeting held on the 4th December are now available on the RSS site.
2007 Census Test questionnaires published
The 2007 Census Test questionnaires were published on the 1 November. View the questionnaires and read supporting papers summarising the development work, the timetable for finalising questionnaires for the 2011 Census and ONS' view on possible Census content.
Geography and People: How academic theory has evolved into business benefit
This seminar, organised by the MRS Census & Geodemographics Group, took place in November and brought together the academic, research, and commercial communities to build closer understanding in key areas of geodemographics. It raised awareness of many of the latest developments, and gave insights from the different perspectives of the communities.
A report and presentations from the event are now available on the MRS website
National Statistician Welcomes Statistics and Registration Service Bill
This is the press release from Karen Dunnell, the National Statistician, welcoming the Statistics and Registration Service Bill which was announced in the Queens Speech on 15th November 2006.
Census News - latest issue published
The latest issue of Census News includes information on the questionnaires to be used in the 2007 Census Test in England and Wales, which have been published by ONS. In addition, ONS has also recently announced the names of the two companies shortlisted for the final phase of negotiations to find the supplier to help deliver the 2011 Census data capture and associated services.
UK Strategy for Geographical Information (GI) - contribute your views
The Geographic Information Panel was established in 2005 in order to provide high-level advice on GI issues. Know Edge Ltd are currently developing a GI Strategy for the UK and members of the GI community are invited to contribute. You can also read online the CGG's submission.
Consultation: improving statistical services in Scotland
You are invited to comment on the Scottish Executive’s proposals to improve statistical services in Scotland.
Hard to Count?: a one-day seminar exploring enumeration challenges in the UK Censuses
Organised by the Census Study Group of the Royal Statistical Society
4 December 2006; RSS, 12 Errol Street, London EC1Y 8LX
The strength of the population census rests in its near-complete coverage, yet experiences in the UK in 2001 and internationally in the 2000 round of censuses suggest that the challenge of achieving high enumeration rates is growing substantially. The difficulties of constructing adequate address lists, obtaining access to properties and gaining responses from residents can seriously challenge census quality and these factors display strong clustering at the neighbourhood scale. This seminar will examine current understandings of the enumeration challenge and explore the potential implications for users in 2011.
www.geog.soton.ac.uk/users/martindj/cenprog/RSS-CSG/htcseminar.htm
Seminar: Geography and People: How academic theory has evolved into business benefit
The detailed programme and speakers have been announced for this seminar, from the MRS Census & Geodemographics Group, which will take place on Monday 27 November at the SCI in London.
Understanding Population Trends and Processes: a secondary data analysis initiative: Call for proposals for UPTAP User Fellowships
This call for proposals is an extension to the ESRC's invitation for applications to an initiative on 'Understanding Population Trends and Processes' (UPTAP) in 2005, whose primary aim is to build capacity in secondary analysis and promote the use of the large-scale social science data sets, both qualitative and quantitative. The call is open to academic and non-academic researchers.
Read more (PDF 44KB)
SUF Annual Conference: New Statistics from Administrative and Customer Files
Thursday 16 November; The Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1
SARs User Meeting
SARs User Meeting Thursday 16 November 2006 at the Royal Statistical Society, Errol Street, London.
This meeting will include presentations on how the various 2001 SARs/CAMs/SAM files are being used. It will also include an opportunity to discuss the needs for microdata files from the 2011 Census and to hear from the Census Offices about their plans for microdata.
GeoLytics
GeoLytics provide demographic data, business information, GIS and mapping company for USA. They produce and sell demographic data and estimates, census data products, business data, GIS data, and create custom data reports and projects. They also provide free census data and thematic maps that can be accessed via the website.
Statoids: administrative divisions of countries
Provides population estimates for primary and often secondary administrative divisions within (very nearly) all countries, sometimes with historical figures.
2001 Census Debriefing Seminar
A report relating to the 2001 Census Debriefing Seminar held at City Hall, London, in April 2006 is available to download.
Internet World Statistics
This site includes Internet usage and population statistics for over 233 countries and regions.
Understanding Population Trends and Processes (UPTAP)
UPTAP is an ESRC-funded initiative designed to: build capacity in secondary data analysis; promote the use of large-scale social science data sets; and improve our understanding of demographic trends and processes which affect society and the population. It funds projects by young or mid-career researchers working in academic and non-academic organisations around the country. A call for proposals will be issued shortly, with an application deadline at the end of October.
ONS Census News
Planning is well advanced for the first major field test for the next Census, to take place in May 2007.
iShareMaps
iShareMaps are mapping products from Astun Technology. UK Geocoding integrated into your website or on the desktop, and location-based web server for local government.
Consultation on Independence of Statistics
HM Treasury has published a consultation document on the Independence of Statistics. The closing date for responses has now passed.
www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/budget/budget_06/other_documents/bud_bud06_odstatistics.cfm
InSite
InSite, from CACI, is a market analysis tool that brings together database, mapping and reporting functionality. It enables users to uncover intelligence in marketing data, from finding trends and opportunities in customer information to understanding locations in terms of people and demographics.
Postcode Anywhere
Postcode Anywhere is a web based address management software which provides access to UK and international addresses, bank data, maps, lifestyle and geographic information.
ONS Consultation on 2011 Census - response
In 2005 the ONS conducted a programme of user consultation for the 2011 Census, which focused on identifying topics to be considered for inclusion in the Census. The response to this consultation has been published; it also includes an updated ONS view on the likely content of the 2011 Census.
www.statistics.gov.uk/about/consultations/2011Census_response.asp
Data for Neighbourhood Renewal
The OCSI 'Data Provision for Neighbourhood Renewal' report and website has been launched by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Neighbourhood Renewal Unit as part of its work to support evidence based policy making at local level. The project offers signposts to key sources of data available for targeting, monitoring, priority setting and performance management.
Social grade data and the 2001 Census
The MRS Census & Geodemographics Group developed an algorithm for deriving approximate social grade codes (the 'ABC1' system) from the 2001 Census. In order to help users to use the results across the 16-64 age range MRS commissioned a customised set of Census tables from ONS. A description of these tables, a spreadsheet which provides the table outlines and details of how to obtain these tables free of charge is available on the MRS website.
The Clockworks
The Clockworks is a data marketing consultancy which aims to help clients understand their customers and markets more effectively. At the heart of the business is a series of unique marketing data models including the SONAR geodemographic classification system and SONARMAP, geographic information system software.
Spatial-Literacy.org
Spatial-literacy.org is a gateway to the Spatial Literacy in Teaching (Splint) Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), which is a joint initiative of the University of Leicester, University College London and the University of Nottingham. It provides resources and information on a variety of teaching, research and outreach activities, and acts as a portal to guide best practice across a range of public sector geographic information system (GIS) activities.
The site also includes the Surname Profiler site, which details the distribution of surnames in Great Britain, both current and historic, in order to understand patterns of population movement, social mobility, regional economic development and cultural identity.
United Nations Statistics Division
The Statistics Division compiles statistics from many international sources and produces global updates, including the Statistical Yearbook, World Statistics Pocketbook and yearbooks in specialised fields of statistics.
ONS: Integrated Household Survey
The ONS is proposing to integrate its five major household surveys into one survey, the Integrated Household Survey (formerly the Continuous Population Survey, CPS). The surveys included are the Labour Force Survey, the Annual Population Survey, the General Household Survey, the Expenditure and Food Survey, and the National Statistics Omnibus Survey. CGG, on behalf of MRS, responded to the consultation paper.
www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=936&Pos=&ColRank=1&Rank=208
Classifying and Targeting Businesses
This seminar, organised by the MRS Census & Geodemographics Group, took place in October and examined the world of business classification and targeting used in 'business to business' marketing. The presentations from the event are now available on the MRS website.
The National Classification of Census Output Areas
The National Classification of Census Output Areas is a three tier hierarchy which was created from Census variables, and classifies every output area in the UK based on its value for those variables. This site is designed to give users access to the classification, and information about its creation and additional information to aid use.
Census 2001 - Office for National Statistics
Gateway page to ONS information on 2001.
ONS - Census
2001 Census based classification of Output Areas has been announced - read the latest ONS Census News for more information.
ONS Survey Charter
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published a Survey Charter which sets out their commitments to the people and organisations who take part in their surveys and use their survey statistics. Further information and a copy of the Charter can be found on the ONS website.
Database Marketing Magazine
Database Marketing magazine carries regular updates on the UK geodemographics market and other market analysis topics. The June 2005 issue carries the latest geodemographics market update. You can take out a free 6 month trial subscription to the magazine via the website.
Harmonisation in market research
Harmonisation is concerned with the use of standard definitions, concepts, questions and outputs. The MRS Census & Geodemographics Group has compiled a short guide on harmonisation, which gives information on standards available.
A Guide to the 2001 Census
Essential Information for Gaining Business Advantage
This book, produced by the Market Research Society and the Office for National Statistics, provides a wealth of valuable information for users of the 2001 Census. The editors are Keith Dugmore (Demographic Decisions Ltd) and Corrine Moy (NOP World) and there are contributions from a wide range of industry experts. The book will be essential reading for anyone thinking of applying Census data in the commercial or public sectors.