Census Quality Survey

The Survey for Census 2021 is now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part.

This survey helps us to understand the quality of Census 2021.

What is the Census Quality Survey?

The Census Quality Survey (CQS) is happening now. It’s an online survey we at the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) carry out after the census.

Why should I take part?

Taking part in the CQS is just as important as completing the census. The information you give will be compared with the information you provided for Census 2021. This helps us to check that people have understood the questions correctly, making the statistics as accurate as possible.

Taking part in the survey

How do I take part in the survey?

If your household has been chosen to take part in the Census Quality Survey (CQS), you will receive a letter from us inviting you to take part online.

How long will it take to complete the survey?

The length of the survey will depend on the number of people living in your household. We would recommend allowing 10-15 minutes.

What questions will I be asked?

The CQS will ask a reduced set of questions from the census about the household and the people who live there.

Who is carrying out the survey?

The CQS is carried out by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). NISRA is the principal source of official statistics and social research on Northern Ireland. These statistics and research inform public policy and associated debate in the wider society. This information also helps to direct resources to where they are needed most. Visit the "About NISRA" page to find out more about the organisation.

Why have I been selected?

We chose your household from those that took part in Census 2021. We need households that have completed the census to take part in the Census Quality Survey (CQS) to make sure the Census 2021 results are as accurate as possible.

Do I have to take part?

The Census Quality Survey (CQS) is very important, and we need your help to make it successful. Unlike the census, no one has to take part if they do not want to. However, to paint an accurate picture of our society, it’s vital that as many of the selected households as possible complete the CQS.

How will the information be used?

NISRA collects the information from your survey under our statutory objective to promote and safeguard the production of official statistics that serve the public good.

We will compare the information from the Census Quality Survey (CQS) with the information from Census 2021. Your answers will help us work out if people have understood the questions on their census form. This then helps us to understand the quality of the statistics that we produce.

Accurate census statistics mean that local authorities, charities and other organisations have better information about the services your community needs. By taking part, you will play an important role in better planning and funding of vital services in your community.

Is the survey confidential?

The personal information you give us is only used to measure the quality of the statistics produced from Census 2021. All information collected by the CQS will be subject to the same strict security and confidentiality controls as data collected in Census 2021.

All our systems, staff and suppliers, and the way we do things must protect your confidentiality by law.

Visit the privacy notice page to find more information on how we process your personal information.

Who can I contact for further information?

If you have any queries about taking part in the survey you can contact us by:

Email: census-cqs@nisra.gov.uk

Phone: 0800 328 2021

The opening times for the phone line are Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.