Communities in South Leeds will get extra support as the 2021 Census approaches. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has appointed a census engagement manager to support South Leeds residents and help make Census 2021 a success.
Scott Anthony Martin, the area’s census engagement manager, will help organisations, charities, faith groups and community leaders within the city raise awareness of the census and the value to residents in taking part. Scott is a former teacher and education consultant with a passion for helping people to overcome inequalities.
“I’m excited to be able to work with such vibrant communities, in the city that I’ve spent most of my life in. My job is to help as many people as possible understand what the Census is, what it’s used for, and to answer any questions people might have.
“I’m also keen to make a network of people who might be able to support us and spread the word that the Census is coming by distributing leaflets or posting support online for example. We also have a lot of different temporary jobs coming up: check out www.censusjobs.co.uk if you’re interested!
“We need local people to fill these roles, and the Census is really important to everyone to ensure that our city gets what it needs – from school places to doctors’ surgeries, from public transport to affordable housing.”
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that provides a snapshot of households in England and Wales, helping to plan and fund public services. Everyone across England and Wales will be asked to take part and the information people give will decide how services are planned and funded. Ultimately, it ensures funds are invested in emergency services, health care, school places and other vital services.
Pete Benton, Director of Census and Survey Operations, said:
“The census engagement managers and community advisers we have appointed have a critical role in making sure everyone understands why the census is important and making sure all households across England and Wales know why it is important to take part and how to get the help they need.”
For the first time, the census will be run primarily online, making it easy for most people to complete the questionnaire on any device – whether that be a computer, a mobile phone or a tablet. Local Census support centres will be offering help, while paper questionnaires will be available for those who need them. All census staff will operate in line with the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance. The 2021 Census will include a new question on veterans of the UK Armed Forces, as well as voluntary questions, for those aged 16 and over, on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The census will be held on 21 March 2021. While results will be available the following year, all personal records will be locked away for 100 years and kept safe for future generations.
For more information, visit census.gov.uk
We welcome all offers of help or support. To reach your local census engagement manager, contact: scott.martin64@field.census.gov.uk
