Census Completion - Operational Delivery Profession

Department

• Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Leads delivery of the Census in England and Wales.

• National Records of Scotland (NRS) and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA)
Deliver the Census in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

• UK Statistics Authority
Provides oversight and assurance of the independence and quality of Census activities.

Intent

To support households to complete the UK Census as a legal requirement, providing accurate population and household information to inform public services, funding allocation, policy development, and long-term planning across the UK.

Interaction

Every ten years, households are legally required to complete the Census, which helps ensure services are planned effectively. Households can answer the Census primarily online using a unique access code, with paper and alternative formats available. The interaction includes issuing census materials, supporting households to understand who to include and how to answer questions accurately, and receiving and securely processing responses. Field officers may contact households to offer reminders and support with completion. All interactions are carried out with a strong emphasis on confidentiality, data security, and public trust.

Responsibilities

Providing clear guidance on legal requirements and how to complete the census

Supporting online, paper, assisted digital, language, and accessibility needs

Helping households access or replace census access codes and forms

Responding to enquiries, concerns, and complaints with reassurance on privacy and data protection

Conducting field visits to support households

Processing returns securely and accurately

Working with local authorities and community organisations to reach under-represented groups

Collaboration

Organisation / Body	Role or Linked Process
Department for Health & Social Care (DHSC)	Census data complements health datasets to support population statistics and service planning.
Local Authorities – Community Planning and Funding Allocations	Council decisions around schools, social care, housing, libraries, waste services, and transport rely on census data. Local authority ODP teams often collaborate with ONS to promote census completion.
Department for Education (DfE) – School Places and Skills Planning	Population figures and demographic information help determine future demand for schools, early years services, and workforce training programmes.
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)	Supports legal enforcement processes where Census requirements are not met, in line with legislation Census has not been completed following warnings.
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG)	For population, migration, and local authority planning data that are directly informed by census findings.
UK Government	Commissions the Census and sets the legal framework for it by approving legislation.
Policy Profession	Provides consultation on Census topics and leads legislative changes.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – Benefits and Labour Market Analysis	Census data is used to shape employment support programmes, benefits planning and wider labour market analysis.
His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) – Fiscal Planning and Economic Forecasting	For economic and population data that inform national accounts and funding allocations often based on census statistics. Census information feeds into tax modelling, regional economic planning, and long-term revenue forecasts.
UK Statistics Authority	Oversees ONS and provides governance, independence and quality assurance of the Census process.
Home Office & Border Force – Migration and Population Analysis	Census data supports understanding of internal and international migration patterns, helping inform policy and operational decisions.
Transport and Infrastructure Planning Bodies	Census results are used to plan roads, rail, bus routes, and infrastructure investment across the UK.
Emergency Services & Resilience Teams	Police, fire and ambulance services use census data for resource planning, risk assessment and emergency preparedness.