We have submitted our responses to two ONS consultations – one on future ethnicity standards and one on Census 2031 topics – calling for clearer classifications, better engagement with data users, and modernised approaches that reflect changes in British society.
In our response to the consultation on ethnicity classification, we argue that simply adding new response options is not sufficient. Instead, we call for a fundamental review of ethnicity standards, beginning from first principles and informed by the experiences of ethnic minority groups. Our submission emphasises that harmonisation should not be pursued for its own sake. While comparability across datasets is important, we note that a rigid approach risks producing data which does not meet the needs of users.
If the ONS does not conduct a comprehensive review, we propose that the standards should aggregate to seven ethnic groups, including ‘white other’ and ‘not specified’ categories. This reflects the growth and relevance of the ‘white other’ population and enables us to appropriately count those who do not wish to identify themselves as a particular ethnicity.
In a separate response to the Census 2031 topic consultation, we urge the ONS to modernise census questions to better reflect contemporary life in Britain. Areas highlighted include changing work patterns, complex household structures, mental and physical health, paid and unpaid care, and volunteering. We support the design of a robust mid-scale geography ahead of the local reorganisation, to preserve continuity beneath local authority level, and we emphasise the importance of preserving the coherence and usability of small-area data.
Inclusion and accessibility must remain at the forefront of the ONS’s considerations, with regards to both data users and census participants. We encourage the ONS to take an inclusive approach to engagement, communicating clearly how engagement informs decision-making in order to strengthen understanding and trust.
Overall, our responses underline the importance of an inclusive, transparent and collaborative model of engagement when making changes to the UK’s statistical infrastructure, ensuring that official statistics work to support the public good.
You can read both responses in full on our policy documents pages.