ONS begins work to help ‘can’t do digital’ group get online for 2021 census
Statistics agency appeals from charity and private sector in promoting digital inclusion
Ahead of the “online-first” 2021 census, the Office for National Statistics has begun work to build a network of people and organisations that can offer support to those who have difficulty using the internet.
For the first time, the research for the next decennial census will be primarily conducted digitally.
“For the majority of people, this won't be a problem,” the ONS said. “It will be just another of many online transactions they do as part of everyday life. Others, though, won't find it so simple. These are the people who, for various reasons, are being left behind by the digital revolution. They're not opposed to being online; they just don't have the skills, confidence, technology, or opportunity to do so.”
The ONS has kicked off an initiative to help as many of these “digitally disconnected” people as possible get online in time for the 2021 census. The statistics body has launched an early-engagement exercise and wants to hear from charities and businesses that might be able to help provide in-person support to the “can’t do digital group”.
Related content
- ONS extends open invite to potential new sources of data
- Phone-tracking data could be used to gather census statistics, ONS says
- ONS kits out researchers with tablets
“Whether you're a company or a charity, a nationwide operation with thousands of branches, or a local specialist with a handful of outlets, we want to meet you,” the ONS said. “Our task is to provide a network of face-to-face online support for the census across England and Wales. We recognise that to do this we may need to consider working with a wide variety of organisations committed to helping those struggling to go digital.”
Potential suppliers are invited to intend an event on 25 April at the St. James’ Court hotel in central London, where the ONS will discuss in more detail its needs. A second event on 16 May will bring together ONS project leaders and representatives of partner “digital-inclusion organisations”, and will offer attendees a much more “interactive” experience.
“[There will be] lots of opportunity for discussion and the potential to develop partnerships, to ensure we can offer online support wherever we need to,” the ONS said.
Share this page
Tags
Categories
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM READERS
Please login to post a comment or register for a free account.
Related Articles
We revisit the big news and major events from the second half of 2018
We take a look back at the major developments that shaped the first half of the year
PublicTechnology editor Sam Trendall picks out the topics and trends that will dominate the year ahead, and revisits the predictions of a year ago to see any of them came to pass
DfT launches consultation on plans to create a seamless pay-as-you-go area encompassing much of south-east England
Related Sponsored Articles
Whether you need mobile devices or fibre optics, cloud services or switchboard systems, with UniCORN you'll have more purchasing power and unlock benefits you wouldn't get alone
BT understand the public sector in the capital. Frameworks offer a single, simplified way to get the ICT products and services you need
Download Gartner's expert analysis to help you plan your SD-WAN implementation
BT always talks about helping its customers be there in the moments that matter. And that’s the idea at the core of their new Customer Experience Centres. Experience BT solutions first-hand and...